Why are my gutters overflowing?

Most overflowing gutters are clogged, usually with leaves, seeds, or roof grit packed into the downspout opening. The other common causes are a gutter that has lost its slope, a downspout that is too small for the roof above it, or heavy rain shooting off a steep roof past the gutter.

If you want me to take a look, text a picture to 443-900-4815 or call the same number. I'm James. I've worked on roofs and gutters around Baltimore City and Baltimore County for 24+ years, and I'm licensed and insured, MHIC #154344.

What usually makes a gutter overflow?

• A clog in the gutter or at the downspout. This is the one we see most. Leaves and maple seeds pile up at the outlet, and the water has nowhere to go but over the front.
• A clogged downspout. The gutter can be clean and still overflow if the downspout below it is packed. If water spills out right at the corner where the downspout is, start there.
• Lost slope. Gutters need a slight pitch toward the downspout. When hangers loosen or the wood behind them rots, a section sags and holds water in the middle. If a gutter is sagging or coming loose, here's why gutters pull away from the house.
• Too much roof for one downspout. A big roof, or a valley that dumps water into one spot, can send more water than one downspout can carry in a hard rain.
• Water shooting past the gutter. On steep roofs, fast water can jump the front edge in a downpour, even when the gutter is clean.

Is it a clog or something else?

Watch it the next time it rains, from the ground:

• Overflows in light rain: almost always a clog.
• Overflows only in heavy rain: more likely a small or overloaded downspout, a valley dumping water in one spot, or water jumping the gutter.
• Spills in the middle of a run: a sag or a low spot.
• Water drips behind the gutter, between the gutter and the house: that's a different problem, usually at the roof edge, and it can rot the wood. See why water drips behind gutters and soffit and fascia repair.

Take a short video if you can. It tells me more than a description does.

Why it matters

Water that comes over the gutter lands right next to the house. Over time it can soak the ground by the foundation, fill window wells, wet the basement, and rot the fascia board the gutter hangs on. On older Baltimore homes with brick steps and walks, it also washes out the ground under them. See gutter and window well maintenance.

What can I check myself?

From the ground, you can look for plants growing out of the gutter, a run that visibly sags, and a downspout that stays dry while the gutter overflows. Please don't climb a ladder in the rain or on soft ground. Gutter work from a ladder is one of the easier ways to get hurt at home.

What we do

1. Clean the gutters and make sure water runs to the downspout.
2. Check the slope and re-hang any section that sags.
3. Look at the downspouts. If one is clogged or can't keep up with the roof above it, I'll tell you what it needs.
4. Seal leaking seams and corners and look at the roof edge behind the gutter.
5. Send you pictures of what we found, with a price before any repair work starts.

See gutter cleaning and repair for more on how we handle gutters.

You can text me at 443-900-4815 with a picture of the overflow, or call the same number.

Gutter overflow questions

Why do my gutters overflow when they're clean?

Usually the downspout is clogged, the gutter has lost its slope, or there's more roof draining to that downspout than it can carry in a hard rain. A steep roof can also send water past the front edge.

Why do my gutters overflow at the corners?

Corners collect leaves, and on many houses a roof valley dumps a lot of water right at the corner. If it's also the downspout corner, check for a clog at the outlet first.

How often should gutters be cleaned in Baltimore?

At least once a year, after the leaves come down in the fall. Homes under big trees often need it twice a year, once in late spring and once in late fall.

Will gutter guards stop gutters from overflowing?

Guards can cut down on leaves, but they still collect debris and need cleaning, and some can make overflow worse in a heavy rain. Most homes don't need them. We can put them in if you want them or your house is a special case, and we can clean or remove guards you already have.

Can overflowing gutters cause a basement leak?

Yes. Water that comes over the gutter lands next to the foundation. Over time it can soak the ground there and find its way into the basement or a window well.