How to Inspect Your Gutters for Damage After a Storm
Storms in North Texas often arrive with little warning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and hail that can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. Your gutter system is one of the most important defenses against water damage, but it is also one of the areas most vulnerable to storm-related issues. Knowing how to properly inspect your gutters after a storm can save you from costly repairs and protect your foundation, roofline, and landscaping.
Start with a Safe Ground-Level Inspection
After a storm, begin by walking around the perimeter of your home. Look for any gutters that appear uneven, sagging, or pulling away from the roofline. Notice any signs of water overflow, such as streaks along the siding or dirt washed onto patios and walkways. These are indicators that your gutters may not have handled the stormwater correctly.
Check for Visible Damage to the Gutters
Storms with hail or flying debris can dent or bend aluminum gutters. Large dents can cause blockages or change the angle of the system, preventing proper water flow. Seamless gutter installation is designed to reduce leaks, but even these systems can suffer damage if the force of the storm was strong enough. Pay special attention to corners and joints, as these are the most vulnerable spots.
Inspect the Downspouts Thoroughly
Downspouts are just as important as the gutters themselves, since they move water away from your foundation. After a storm, check that downspouts are still securely attached and pointing away from the home. Look for signs of clogging, such as water pooling near the foundation or splash marks on walls. Debris like sticks and roof granules can easily lodge inside, creating blockages that lead to water backing up into the gutters.
Look for Loose Fasteners and Hardware
High winds can loosen the screws and hangers that secure gutters to the fascia board. If left unaddressed, this can cause the gutter system to separate from the house, which can quickly worsen with the next heavy rainfall. A few loose fasteners may seem minor, but they can create gaps where water escapes and damages siding or wood trim.
Examine for Leaks and Cracks
One of the most common storm-related issues is the development of leaks. Even small cracks in the gutter can lead to water dripping in the wrong areas, which over time causes mold, staining, and soil erosion. During your inspection, carefully look at seams and corners where leaks often form. If you see rust spots, peeling paint, or water dripping where it shouldn’t, it’s time to call in gutter repair experts to reseal or replace damaged sections.
Check Inside the Gutters for Debris
Heavy storms often carry leaves, branches, and even roofing materials into gutters. If debris is left inside, it creates blockages that prevent water from draining and increase the weight of the system. This extra weight can cause sagging and eventually lead to sections pulling away. Regular inspections paired with professional gutter cleaning are essential to keep your system clear and functional.
Pay Attention to the Roofline and Surrounding Areas
Sometimes the damage isn’t in the gutter itself but in the areas it connects to. Look for shingles that may have been knocked loose, fascia boards showing signs of rot, or water stains near the roofline. All of these issues affect how well your gutters perform and may require additional maintenance solutions to keep your home protected.
When to Call in the Professionals
While homeowners can do a lot from the ground or with a ladder, some problems are hard to detect without professional tools and training. A small leak today can become a major water intrusion issue tomorrow. Companies like North Texas Gutters provide gutter maintenance solutions, inspections, and repairs tailored to storm damage in the Denton and DFW area. Their team understands how quickly North Texas weather can turn and offers reliable services that ensure your home stays protected.
Create a Post-Storm Checklist for Future Use
To make inspections easier, consider creating a checklist you can follow after each storm:
Walk around the home and visually inspect the gutter system.
Look for sagging, dents, or bent sections.
Check for pooling water near the foundation.
Inspect downspouts for clogs and secure connections.
Look for loose screws, hangers, or brackets.
Examine seams and joints for cracks or leaks.
Remove visible debris like sticks and leaves.
Note any rust, paint peeling, or fascia board damage.
Schedule professional cleaning or repair if needed.
Having a routine like this in place ensures that damage is caught early before it turns into a major problem.
