Your gutters work hard to channel water away from your home. Well-maintained gutters keep moisture from pooling around or entering your house, causing water-related damage. And while they’re designed to last a long time, they can and do develop problems, including standing water.
Mooney & Moses is the Cincinnati area’s most trusted company for gutter installation and replacement. We know that because every home is different, every gutter installation is, too. For over 65 years, our gutter specialists have ensured our customers receive the best gutter installations available.
Common Causes of Standing Water in Gutters
Cincinnati is no stranger to rain showers and snowstorms. A strong gutter system protects your home’s foundation, prevents erosion and basement flooding, stops mold and mildew growth and mitigates exterior staining.
If you notice frequent standing water in your gutters, it could be due to one or more of these common problems.
Clogged Downspouts
Debris like leaves, dirt and critter nests can block the flow of water in your gutter system. Solutions include:
- Routine gutter cleaning, which prevents water damage and ice dams, preserves roof health and extends your gutter system’s life span.
- Installing gutter guards, which prevents debris buildup and reduces the amount of maintenance you need to do.
- Trimming back trees, which minimizes falling leaves.
Sagging Gutters
Improperly installed or older gutters can begin to sag, creating low points where water accumulates. Debris, snow and ice can also weigh the gutters down with the same result.
Replacing sagging gutters with properly pitched ones can resolve the problem, as can making sure they’re securely fastened to the fascia board. If the sagging is due to damaged fascia, it should be repaired before installing the new gutters.
Seam Leaks
Over time, the seams in sectional gutters can degrade or become damaged, resulting in water damage. Since gutters are typically most vulnerable at the seams where leaks and separations occur, it’s essential to regularly inspect them for leaks. It’s also possible to apply a waterproof sealant to minor leaks.
For extensive gutter damage, consider replacing your existing system with seamless gutters. Mooney & Moses installs top-quality seamless gutters from Cincinatti’s own Mollett Seamless Gutter Company. Mollett seamless gutters give your home a stylish aesthetic and, best of all, are leak-free.
Improper Gutter Pitch
A gutter’s pitch determines how effectively rainwater heads to the downspouts and away from the house. When your gutter system’s angle or slope isn’t set correctly, water flow and drainage are impeded.
A gutter’s ideal pitch is a slight downward slope that ensures a smooth water flow. If the pitch is off, several problems can arise, including pooling or standing water in certain sections of the gutter system.
Repairs for improper gutter pitch include:
- Adjusting the gutter hangers
- Resloping the gutters
- Adding pitch adaptors
- Repositioning the downspouts
Once repaired, routine maintenance, including cleaning and inspection, will prevent future issues.
Additional Gutter Upkeep Tips
Whether you’re replacing an existing gutter system or installing a new one, you can help your new gutter system perform its best by:
- Ensuring downspouts are correctly positioned at all times to effectively drain water away from your home’s foundation. If necessary, install extensions to direct water further out.
- Regularly inspecting the gutters for signs of leaks, clogs or other damage.
- Cleaning the gutters at least twice a year, and more often if your home is surrounded by trees.
Other steps to consider include regrading your home’s landscape away from the foundation to prevent pooling and investing in rainwater harvesting to divert excess water away from gutters during heavy rainfall.
Choose Mooney & Moses for Expert Gutter Repair in Cincinnati
For over six decades, Mooney & Moses has provided the highest quality gutter products and installations to homeowners and businesses throughout the Cincinnati metro area.
A leader in the industry, we also offer residential and commercial insulation, door services and bathroom and closet services that customers rave about.
Contact us online or call (513) 341-8918 to learn more about all our products and services.
