Let’s be real — gutters (or eavestroughs, as we say up here in Canada) aren’t the most glamorous part of your home. But they do a lot of heavy lifting, especially when our crazy weather hits full swing. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, you’ve got sideways rain and leaves flying like it’s October already.
Summer might seem like the season for barbecues and beach days — not home repairs. But if your eavestroughs are showing signs of wear and tear, now’s the time to act. Trust us, you don’t want to be climbing up a ladder in the middle of a cold fall storm trying to stop a waterfall from pouring over your front door.
Why Summer is the Right Time for Eavestrough Repairs
Before we get into the warning signs, let’s answer the big question: Why summer?
- Milder weather makes inspections and repairs safer and easier.
- Longer daylight hours give more time to get the job done.
- Fewer leaves and debris mean your gutters are clearer to assess.
- Proactive work now saves you from emergency repairs later.
Now, onto the signs. If you’re seeing any of the following, it’s time to get to work — or better yet, make a call.
1. Your Eavestroughs Are Sagging or Pulling Away
This is a big one.
If your gutters are drooping or starting to separate from the house, that’s a red flag. It usually means they’re carrying more weight than they should — possibly from trapped debris or water that isn’t draining properly.
What it looks like:
- Visible bending or dipping in the middle
- Gaps between the gutter and fascia
- Screws or brackets popping out
Why it matters:
When gutters sag, water can overflow or pool where it shouldn’t, damaging your siding, foundation and landscaping.
2. You See Water Damage or Stains on the Exterior Walls
Ever notice discoloured streaks on your siding? Or weird damp spots after a storm?
That’s often water that isn’t being channeled properly. Instead of flowing through your gutters and downspouts, it’s spilling over the edge and running down your walls.
Check for:* Dark streaks or mildew on siding
- Peeling paint near rooflines
- Damp patches around the foundation
Solution:
Fixing leaks or repositioning eavestroughs can stop the water from going rogue.
3. Rust, Cracks or Holes Are Showing Up
Canadian weather is no joke — between snow, ice and summer heat, your eavestroughs take a beating. Over time that wear and tear shows up as rust, cracks or even small holes.
Look for:
- Rust coloured streaks or flaking paint
- Tiny cracks along the bottom or joints
- Drips during a rainstorm (even when nothing’s clogged)
Tip:
Don’t wait until those tiny cracks turn into full-on splits. Summer is your window to patch or replace trouble spots.
4. Water is Puddling Where It Shouldn’t
Notice puddles forming near your home after a rainstorm? Or worse — water sneaking into your basement?
Puddling water is a sign of poor drainage. Your gutters and downspouts might not be moving water far enough away from your home.
Watch for:
- Flooded flower beds
- Water stains around basement windows
- Soft, soggy ground along the foundation
Quick Fix:
Check the slope of your eavestroughs and extend your downspouts if needed.
5. You’re Seeing Nests or Pest Activity
Birds, squirrels and even bees love a good gutter hideout — especially if there’s standing water or built-up debris. Not only can this block drainage but it can lead to infestations or further damage.
Look for:
- Bird nests or twigs sticking out
- Insects swarming near rooflines
- Small animals taking up residence
Why this matters:
Animals nesting in your eavestroughs can clog things up fast. And nobody wants wasps setting up shop above the front door.
6. The Gutters Just Aren’t Doing Their Job
At the end of the day gutters have one job: move water away from your house. If you’ve noticed:
- Overflow during light rain
- Drips from the seams
- Water running behind instead of through the gutter…
…your system’s not working like it should.
What If You Wait?Let’s not beat around the bush — ignoring gutter issues can lead to some big problems:
- Foundation damage from poor drainage
- Rotting fascia boards and mold
- Ice dams come winter (and the water damage that follows)
And yes, repairs are more expensive — and riskier — when done in the cold.
Don’t Want to Climb a Ladder? We Don’t Blame You
Let’s be real: most of us don’t love the idea of crawling up on the roof in July (or October, for that matter). Between the heights, the tools and the mess, gutter repair isn’t exactly a fun weekend project.
That’s why, when in doubt, always call in the pros. Professional technicians have the experience, safety gear and know-how to spot small issues before they become big repairs. Plus they’ll get the job done fast and clean.
So, if you see any of these signs — or just want peace of mind before fall — book a trusted local pro. You’ll be glad you did when the rain (and snow) starts falling.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Summer’s the time for gutter repair — don’t wait for fall
- Look for sagging, leaks, rust or puddling water
- Early action = fewer surprises and lower costs
- Not a fan of ladders? Better to call a pro and relax
If your gutters need some TLC, summer’s your window to get it done. Stay dry, stay safe — and leave the ladders to someone else.
