Gutters collect roof water and channel them into downspouts for disposal in appropriate areas. Malfunctioning gutters lose drainage efficiency and spill or direct water into unwanted areas. The improper drainage causes damage. Below are circumstances that indicate a gutter malfunction.

Visible Gutter Damage

Serious gutter damage will likely be visible. For example, you should suspect a gutter malfunction if you see:

• Gutters separated at the seams
• Gutters with holes or cracks
• Gutters pulling away from the fascia
• Extremely corroded gutters

You might spot such damage just by walking around the house.

Visible Shingle Damage

Clogged gutters or gutters with the wrong pitch can cause water to back up onto the roof. For example, water might back up onto the roof if you have trees around the house and they drop foliage in the gutters, causing a blockage. In such a case, the water will accelerate the shingle deterioration, trigger mold and mildew growth, and cause leakage around the lower roof parts.

Visible Siding Damage

Leaking gutters or those with improper pitch might splash water on the siding. The nature and degree of the ensuing siding damage depend on the water volume and exposure duration. However, you should suspect gutter malfunctioning if you see signs of water damage on the siding, such as rot, discoloration, and peeling paint.

Erosion Signs Under the Gutters

Malfunctioning gutters can leak water directly onto the ground near the house's foundation. You should suspect this is the case if you can see erosion signs near the house's foundation under the gutters. You might also see landscaping damage, especially if you have sensitive plants under the gutters.

Nails or Screws on the Ground

Roofing contractors use nails or screws to hold gutters together and ensure the gutters can support the weight of water in them. Thus, gutters with missing nails or screws are weaker than they should be and can easily malfunction. You should suspect that your gutters are in such a state if you see nails or screws on the ground near the gutters, especially after a storm.

Basement Flooding

Lastly, you should suspect gutter malfunction if your basement floods after a storm. Damaged gutters may allow water to drop directly onto the ground instead of channeling it into the gutters. Such water might end up in the basement, especially if the ground doesn't flow away from the house's foundation.

Contact a roofing contractor if you suspect gutter damage and malfunction. The contractor will diagnose the issue and repair or replace the gutters so they can work efficiently again. For more information, contact a roofing contractor near you.