If you’re a homeowner in Broussard, LA, or the surrounding areas, your gutters play a critical role in protecting your home. They guide rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation, preventing everything from basement leaks to soil erosion. But over time, even a good gutter system can break down. From routine wear and tear to poor installation, many homeowners eventually run into issues that, if left unchecked, can lead to expensive repairs.
The good news? Most gutter problems are easy to spot—and often even easier to fix when caught early. Whether you’re dealing with constant overflow or loose downspouts, here are the 10 most common gutter problems and what you can do about them. We’ll also cover when a quick DIY fix won’t cut it and it’s time to bring in a local pro.
1. Clogged Gutters
The Problem: Leaves, pine needles, shingle grit, and other debris build up in your gutters, blocking water flow. Eventually, gutters overflow, water spills over the side, and that excess moisture can damage your siding, fascia, or foundation.
The Fix: Clean your gutters at least twice a year—typically in the spring and fall. Homes surrounded by trees may need more frequent maintenance. Consider installing gutter guards to keep debris out while allowing water to flow freely. These mesh or cover systems are great for reducing cleaning frequency and maintaining peak gutter performance.
2. Sagging Gutters
The Problem: When debris and standing water accumulate, it can weigh gutters down and cause them to sag or pull away from the fascia board. This compromises water flow and can damage the exterior of your home.
The Fix: Inspect the fasteners and replace any loose or worn-out hangers. Ensure your gutters are properly sloped toward the downspouts for efficient drainage. If sagging is widespread or your gutters are warped, it may be time to replace them.
3. Leaky Seams or Joints
The Problem: Seams where gutter sections connect can become weak over time. Water leaks at these joints can cause stains, rot, or mildew on exterior walls and trim.
The Fix: Use waterproof gutter sealant to patch small leaks, especially during dry weather. For a longer-term fix, upgrade to seamless gutters to eliminate leaks caused by joints entirely. Seamless systems also improve the overall appearance of your home.
4. Improper Gutter Slope
The Problem: Gutters that aren’t sloped correctly will allow water to pool instead of flow. Standing water adds unnecessary weight and can lead to sagging, overflow, and mosquito breeding.
The Fix: Gutters should be sloped approximately 1/4 inch for every 10 feet toward the nearest downspout. Adjust the hangers to achieve the proper angle. If you’re unsure, a professional gutter inspection can determine whether slope correction is needed.
5. Overflowing Gutters
The Problem: During storms, water pours over the sides of your gutters, soaking your home’s exterior and landscaping. Overflow can lead to soil erosion, basement leaks, and structural foundation damage.
The Fix: First, clean out debris and check for proper slope. If overflow persists, your gutter system might not be large enough to handle the volume of rainwater your roof sheds. Upgrading to wider gutters or adding extra downspouts may solve the problem.
6. Detached Downspouts
The Problem: Downspouts can come loose or detach entirely from the gutter system, sending water straight down near your foundation instead of safely away.
The Fix: Secure downspouts using brackets and fasteners. Make sure the base of the downspout is extended far enough to direct water away from your home—ideally at least 3 to 4 feet.
7. Cracks and Holes
The Problem: Small cracks or holes in your gutters may start as minor leaks but can worsen over time, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. These leaks allow water to drip onto your siding or pool near the foundation.
The Fix: For small holes, apply a gutter patch kit or waterproof sealant. If cracks are large or numerous, replacement sections may be necessary. Left untreated, even minor leaks can lead to costly home repairs.
8. Ice Dams and Frozen Gutters
The Problem: In winter, ice can form in your gutters, blocking water flow and adding weight that can pull gutters away from your home. Melting snow may back up under shingles and lead to roof leaks.
The Fix: Boost attic insulation and ventilation to prevent heat from escaping and melting snow unevenly. In colder climates or higher elevations around Louisiana, heat cables or covered gutter systems can help prevent ice buildup.
9. Rust and Corrosion
The Problem: Steel gutters, especially older ones, are prone to rust. Once rust sets in, it weakens the gutter’s structure and leads to leaks.
The Fix: Light surface rust can be sanded and treated with rust-resistant paint. For widespread corrosion, replace the gutters with rust-proof options like aluminum or vinyl seamless gutters.
10. Gutters Pulling Away from the House
The Problem: Loose gutters that hang or detach from your roofline can cause water to miss the gutter completely, leading to damage below. This also poses a safety risk if sections fall.
The Fix: Reinforce gutter fasteners and replace any compromised brackets. Inspect the fascia board—if it’s rotted, you’ll need to replace that before rehanging the gutters securely.
Bonus Problem: Poor Gutter Placement
The Problem: If gutters were installed too high, too low, or at the wrong angle, they won’t catch water properly, leaving parts of your roofline exposed.
The Fix: Have a professional assess the placement. Correct installation is key to effective water control and property protection.
When to Call the Pros
While some gutter repairs are doable for handy homeowners, others require professional tools and expertise. If you notice repeated problems, structural damage, or signs of water entering your home, it’s best to get help.
Gutt-R-Done offers expert gutter repair, cleaning, and seamless gutter installation in Broussard, LA and nearby communities. Our team knows how to spot problems early and recommend solutions that make sense for your home.
Trust Gutt-R-Done for Gutter Repairs and Replacement in Broussard, LA
Your home deserves the best protection, and it starts with well-maintained gutters. At Gutt-R-Done, we specialize in helping homeowners throughout Broussard and surrounding areas solve their gutter problems before they turn into major damage. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a full replacement, our team is here with honest advice and reliable service.
Think your gutters need help? Let our team take a look. No pressure—just honest answers, dependable solutions, and peace of mind. Contact Gutt-R-Done today for a free inspection and custom quote.