5 Signs Your Gutters Can’t Handle Summer Storms

5 Signs Your Gutters Can’t Handle Summer Storms

Colorado’s summer storms can be intense—quick bursts of heavy rain, wind, and even hail. If your gutters aren’t ready, they can quickly become a source of trouble rather than protection. Faulty gutters can’t effectively direct water away from your roof and foundation, leading to water damage, erosion, and even structural issues. In this article, we’ll cover five warning signs your gutters can’t handle the summer downpours—and what you can do to fix them before they cause bigger problems.

1. Clogged Gutters

When leaves, dirt, and debris accumulate in your gutters, water can't flow freely. During a heavy summer rain, clogged gutters overflow, spilling water down your siding or pooling around your foundation. This can lead to wood rot, mold, and basement leaks.

What to look for:

• Water spilling over the sides during rain

• Plant growth in the gutter

• Birds or pests nesting inside

How to fix it: Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year—more often if you live near trees. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future buildup and keep water flowing freely.

2. Sagging or Detached Gutters

Gutters are designed to sit flush along your roofline and slope slightly to guide water to the downspouts. If they’re sagging, pulling away, or hanging awkwardly, they won’t function properly—and may even collapse under the weight of water or debris during a storm.

What to look for:

• Sections of gutter drooping

• Visible gaps between the gutter and the roof

• Rusted or missing fasteners

How to fix it: Re-secure gutters with appropriate hardware or have a professional inspect the structure. If they’ve been bent or damaged by past storms, it might be time to replace them with a more durable option like seamless aluminum.

3. Leaks and Holes

Even a small crack in your gutters can cause major problems. Leaking water can run behind your siding, damage fascia boards, or create puddles that erode your landscaping. Left unchecked, leaks grow worse and cost more to repair.

What to look for:

• Drips or wet streaks underneath the gutters during dry weather

• Stains on siding or soffits

• Rust spots or corrosion

How to fix it: Seal small leaks with gutter sealant, but if there are multiple leaks or rust has spread, consider replacing that section entirely. Seamless gutters reduce the risk of future leaks.

4. Overflowing Gutters

Overflow can happen even if your gutters aren’t clogged—especially if they’re too small or poorly pitched. During summer storms, the volume of water can overwhelm undersized or improperly installed systems, leading to runoff that damages your siding, windows, and foundation.

What to look for:

• Water flowing over the edges even when gutters appear clean

• Splash marks or trenches along the foundation

• Erosion in flower beds or mulch washouts

How to fix it: Have your gutter system assessed for proper sizing and pitch. You may need larger gutters or additional downspouts to handle Colorado’s summer rainfall. A professional can also check for pitch issues and recommend realignment if needed.

5. Water Pooling Near the Foundation

One of the most dangerous results of failing gutters is water pooling near your home’s foundation. If downspouts don’t direct water far enough away, or if gutters overflow frequently, you risk foundation cracks, basement leaks, and mold.

What to look for:

• Standing water after rain

• Cracks in the foundation or wet basement walls

• Settling or shifting near your home’s base

How to fix it: Make sure downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from your home. You can add splash blocks or extensions to redirect water safely. In some cases, underground drainage systems may be the best long-term solution.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home Before the Storm Hits

Summer storms don’t wait for your gutters to be ready. Spotting these warning signs early gives you the chance to make affordable fixes now—and avoid expensive water damage later. At All In One Contractors, we offer professional gutter inspections, seamless gutter installations, and repairs designed for Colorado weather. Whether your gutters are leaking, sagging, or overflowing, we’ve got the experience to protect your home from the top down.

Call 303-663-5615 today to schedule a free gutter inspection and make sure your home is storm-ready this summer.