How Can Wind Damage Your Gutters?

Gutters tend to be overlooked during roof inspections. Yet they need the same amount of attention as the roof, particularly when inspecting the roof for storm damage. In today’s post, local gutter and roofing contractor Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc. discusses how wind can cause damage to gutters.

wind damaged gutters asphalt shingle roof needing roof repair

Metal Fatigue

When high-speed winds strike a barrier such as an exterior wall, it exerts pressure on the building. One of its effects is it forces the wind to move upwards. During a storm, the roof edge is the most vulnerable part of the roof because it’s hit by the wind coming from two directions. The differences in wind pressure can rock the gutters back and forth, which causes metal fatigue on the gutter troughs, hangers, and fasteners, which can result in loose fasteners and cracks in the metal. While many of these components are repairable, they can be prevented by choosing quality fasteners and high-gauge gutters. Seamless gutters are also less vulnerable to metal because of fewer seams.

Airborne Debris

Wind can carry debris into the air during a storm, though it is rare for unusually large pieces of debris to bring gutter sections down. During a storm roofing inspection, your roofer is far more likely to find torn or dented gutters. It’s important not to overlook such seemingly minor damage because it can be compounded by corroded fasteners or a weak fascia. When inspecting your gutters, keep an eye out for signs of rot and corrosion, such as pieces falling off the fascia, peeling or blistering paint and brown streaks coming from fasteners. If you are planning to replace your gutters, make sure your gutter contractor is using stainless steel screws.

Tree Limbs

If you have trees in the yard, make sure they’re regularly trimmed. Tree limbs can scratch the paint and caulking on your gutters, which can expose the bare metal underneath to leaks and corrosion. Large branches can also push the gutter troughs enough to bend them. Maintain a ten-foot clearance between the outermost branches and the roof. An arborist can help you trim the branches if you’re unsure how to do it without harming the tree.

Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc. is your leading provider of gutter installation and roof repair services. Give us a call at (847) 440-1411 or (847) 359-1400. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.

I wanted to let you know about an experience I had with one of your employees. I live at 1200 Knottingham Court in Kingsport Estates and apparently, your company is servicing our condo association. My building has had a leak in the entryway for several months and Eddie was dispatched out to have me show him the source of the leak inside. I met him on Friday, September 21st and just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with his friendliness and professionalism. He immediately found the source of the leak and even went up on the roof to show me. He assured me that someone would take care of it as soon as possible and told me he would give the report priority to avoid any further damage. As someone who used to be in Customer Service, I always value a company that hires people that are not only skilled at their trade, but also skilled at interacting with people. Eddie is a great example of that and I wanted you to know so you could tell him what a great job he does! I am so glad that Alma Management chose Adams Roofing to be our roofing contractor!... [more]

Jeremy Q, CMCA, AMS

Adams Roofing has a great team to work perfectly with condo and townhome Associations. We are currently in the middle of a 6 year, 49 building tear-off project. Adams works hand in hand with the engineers, delivers according to the specifications, and provides great customer service to the homeowners and management team.... [more]

Sue T.

Good Afternoon, I am writing to you on behalf of the Mission Hills M-8 Association. I would like to tell you how happy we are with the work that you completed for our Association. Your supervisor Eddie was great. We liked his professionalism and his work ethic. He kept us informed, and delivered on all his promises. Please make sure that any other jobs you do for us include him. Best regards, Joey Mission Hills Management... [more]

Brett K.

Charlie, Thanks very much for replacing the gutter! No one has been out to do it, at least before I left for work this morning. But I will definitely let you know whether it’s done correctly. I am very satisfied with your roofing job. It looks great, and more importantly, there were no leaks when it rained (even though we haven’t gotten really hard rains yet). So, I have been very pleased with my experience with Adams, especially with the professionalism and responsiveness of you and Dan. Thanks.... [more]

Keith M.

I wanted to take a moment to comment on your technician, Eddie. Eddie was assigned to inspect a roof leak I am having in my home in Cobblestone Circle. He was prompt, professional, courteous and informative; everything a customer could ask for when inviting a contractor into their home. Eddie represents Adams Roofing Well; and clearly he is an asset to your company. Kudos to him! Thank you.... [more]

Rick H.