Your gutters are overflowing in heavy rain because the water has nowhere to go. In most cases, leaves and debris block the gutter or the downspout. So the water rises, hits the top, and pours over the edge.
At Top Down Exterior Cleaning, we have cleaned gutters around Lakeland since 2010. As a result, we know where to look first. Below, we cover the causes, how to tell which one you have, and what fixes it.
What Makes Gutters Overflow in Heavy Rain?
Five things make gutters overflow in heavy rain. The first two cause most of the trouble, and a cleaning solves both.
- A clogged gutter. Leaves, pine needles, oak tassels, and roof grit pile up and block the flow.
- A clogged downspout. Debris packs into the pipe. Then water backs up like a plugged sink.
- Matted gutter guards. Fine debris sits on top of the guard, so rain sheets right over it.
- A sagging or flat gutter. Water pools in the low spot and spills there.
- Too little gutter for the roof. Small gutters or too few downspouts can’t keep up with a Florida downpour.
Also, Florida storms make every one of these worse. A summer storm can drop a lot of rain in a few minutes. Therefore, a gutter that works fine in a light shower can fail in a real downpour.
How Can You Tell Why Your Gutters Are Overflowing?
You can tell by where the water spills. So watch from the ground during the next hard rain. Then match what you see to this list:
- Water pours over the whole front edge. The gutter is likely full of debris.
- Water spills near a downspout. The downspout is likely clogged. Little or no water comes out the bottom.
- Water spills in one spot in the middle. The gutter likely sags there.
- Water shoots over at an inside corner. A roof valley sends too much water to that corner.
- Water runs behind the gutter. The gutter may have pulled away from the house.
You can also spot a clog on a dry day. For example, look for plants growing in the gutter, a sagging section, or water pooling near your foundation.
Will a Cleaning Fix Gutters That Overflow in Heavy Rain?
Yes, a cleaning fixes overflowing gutters when a clog is the cause, and a clog is the most common cause. Once the gutter and the downspout run clear, the water flows again.
Our gutter cleaning in Lakeland, FL clears out the leaves, pine needles, and debris. We scoop out the inside of the gutter so nothing stays behind to start the next clog.
However, a cleaning can’t fix everything. A gutter that sags, sits flat, or is too small needs a gutter installer. So if we see one of those problems while we work, we tell you.
Can Clean Gutters Still Overflow in Heavy Rain?
Yes, clean gutters can still overflow when the storm sends more water than they can carry. This points to the gutter and not to debris. For example, the gutter may be too small, sit too flat, or have too few downspouts.
So use this simple rule. If the spill only happens in the very worst storms, keep an eye on it. However, if clean gutters overflow in every hard rain, call a gutter installer to check the size and the slope.
What About the Dark Stripes That Overflowing Gutters Leave Behind?
Those dark stripes on the face of your gutters are a mix of dirt, mildew, and residue from the roof. Overflow makes them worse. The right soft wash solution can clean them. We often handle that as part of our house washing.
Do Gutter Guards Stop Gutters From Overflowing?
No, gutter guards do not stop every overflow. Guards block the larger leaves. However, pine needles, oak tassels, seed pods, and fine roof grit still work their way in. Some of it also piles up on top of the guard.
As a result, a home with guards can still overflow in a hard rain. So check your guards a few times a year. If you see a mat of debris on top, they need a cleaning too.
What Happens If You Ignore Overflowing Gutters?
Overflowing gutters send water to the places gutters should protect. Over time, that leads to real damage:
- Rotted fascia. The board behind the gutter stays wet.
- Stained siding. Dirty water runs down the wall.
- Washed-out landscaping. The water digs a trench in your beds.
- Foundation trouble. Water soaks the soil next to the house.
- Mosquitoes. Standing water and wet leaves give them a place to breed.
That last one matters in Florida. In fact, the Florida Department of Health tells homeowners to drain water from house gutters to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
How Often Should You Clean Gutters So They Don’t Overflow?
Most Lakeland homes need a gutter cleaning at least twice a year. Spring and fall work best. Spring gets you ready for the summer storms, and fall clears what the trees drop.
However, some homes need more. For example, plan on extra cleanings if any of these fit your home:
- Oak or pine trees hang over the roof
- Your gutters overflowed in the last storm
- You have gutter guards that collect debris on top
- You see plants or sagging sections from the ground
Ready to Stop Your Gutters From Overflowing?
You don’t have to wait for the next storm to find out. Top Down is family owned and insured, and we have served Lakeland since 2010. We have also earned the Angie’s List Super Service Award five times.
Contact Top Down Exterior Cleaning today for a free estimate. You can also call us at (863) 904-8956. We will come out, look at your gutters, and tell you what they need.
