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.

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.