Although your home’s exterior was built to withstand the elements, it’s not invincible. With the proper velocity, strong winds can affect your gutter system, roof, and even your exterior siding. Whether it’s from the sheer force of the wind itself or debris that impacts your home, damage can incur. To help you navigate heavy storms, here we’ll go over how strong winds can affect your gutter system and how to protect your home from damage.
Gutter Damage Caused by Strong Winds
Gutter systems don’t require much maintenance but can still be damaged. Although minor repairs should be addressed as soon as possible, strong winds can also threaten your gutters. Depending on the angle of the wind, a strong gust could come in and catch your gutter, thus ripping it from the side of your home. While proper maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of this occurring, severe weather can be unpredictable and cause serious damage to even a new gutter system. If the gutter isn’t ripped from the house, it may still loosen or have parts torn off. Although you’ll want to wait until the storm has passed, inspecting your gutters after high winds is the best way to catch any signs of damage before it worsens.
Another issue is with weakened components of the gutter system. While this usually occurs naturally over time, strong winds can prematurely cause your gutter system to age and deteriorate. Screws or fasteners may come out, pieces of metal could be torn off, or the entire system could just be excessively strained. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about this except to inspect your gutter system after a storm and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Strong winds can also inadvertently damage gutters by causing clogs or damage from debris. Winds will blow debris into the gutter and downspout, which may lead to a complete or partial clog. If this isn’t addressed, water can build up and weigh down the gutters. This excessive strain can lead to both gutter and roofing damage. You can avoid clogs by installing grates or other preventative devices on your gutters and by regularly cleaning them throughout the year and after any particularly heavy storms.
The Importance of Fixing Damaged Gutters
Gutters play a vital role in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation, which helps prevent the risk of water damage and other structural issues. When gutters are damaged and have cracks, holes, or loose sections, they fail to effectively channel water away, leading to a range of problems. Water may overflow from the damaged areas, causing erosion around the foundation, which can weaken the structure and lead to costly repairs. Additionally, water pooling near the foundation can seep into the basement or crawl space, causing dampness, mold growth, and potential damage to stored items. By promptly addressing damaged gutters, you can protect your property from water-related issues and preserve its value.
Moreover, fixing damaged gutters is essential for preventing landscaping damage and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of a property. When gutters are clogged or broken, rainwater may pour over the sides, creating excessive water runoff. This runoff can erode the soil, wash away plants, and cause damage to flower beds, shrubs, and even trees. The constant exposure to excess moisture can also result in soil erosion and degradation, making it challenging for new vegetation to thrive. By ensuring that gutters are in proper working condition, you’ll control the flow of water, preserve the landscaping, and enhance the curb appeal of your property. Regular maintenance and timely repairs of gutters demonstrate a commitment to the home’s overall well-being and visual appeal, contributing to its longevity and value.
How to Protect Your Gutters from Strong Wind
Repairing your gutters as soon as possible is important, but you can also take a proactive approach. As a homeowner, living in an area that’s subject to severe weather can be stressful, but there are things you can do to protect your gutters from strong winds. In addition to timely repairs, consider taking a proactive approach using the following tips.
Utilize Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to protect your gutters from strong wind is through regular maintenance and care. Regularly inspect your gutters with a simple visual check. Look for any signs of cracks, clogs, or areas that seem to be disconnecting from the roof. Gutters should always maintain a tight seal so they don’t leak and are less likely to blow off during high winds. If you notice any issues, schedule repairs as soon as possible, as the longer they go unaddressed, the worse the damage can get. If your gutters are clogged, clean them out and ensure that water moves freely from your roof, through your downspout, and out and away from your home’s foundation. Ideally, you should clean your gutters at least twice per year, more if you live in an area with lots of trees or debris.
Consider Installing Gutter Shields
Another option to help protect your gutters from strong winds is to install gutter shields. These will keep any debris from accumulating within the system, thus reducing the weight and stress that gutters are under. Gutter shields should be professionally installed and regularly maintained to ensure that they continue functioning at their best.
Keep Plants Trimmed
Landscaping and trees around your house are great ways to create a peaceful ambiance, but they can damage your home’s roof during storms or strong winds. Instead of foregoing them altogether, just make sure that your plants and trees are trimmed so that there’s nothing overhanging your roof. Regular pruning can also keep plants healthy, making them less likely to break off during storms.
Avoid Planting Trees Too Close to Your Home
Any new trees or shrubbery you plan to add to your property should be planted far away from your home so that they won’t damage your gutter or roofing system during storms. This means giving them plenty of room to grow over the years. Ideally, this means planting them at least 15 feet from your home’s foundation. However, this will depend on the species, as some larger trees may need more room, and smaller trees can be closer.
Every home’s gutter system is different, and your roofing material can also play a role in its longevity. However, if you suspect that strong winds have damaged your gutters, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at First Star Exteriors. Our team specializes in roofing, siding, and gutter installations, maintenance, and repair for residential and commercial properties. Our top-quality solutions are flexible, affordable, and tailored to your needs and backed by a team of skilled professionals committed to your complete satisfaction. Regardless of what you need, our team can provide fast and efficient services at competitive rates. At First Star Exteriors, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality work with 100% transparency.
If you’re looking for an expert gutter specialist you can trust, look no further than First Star Exteriors. With our extensive experience, we aim to help you with all your home exterior needs. We offer fast turnarounds for quotes and services to make sure your needs are addressed in a timely manner. Contact us today and receive a free quote within 48 hours!
