Late-Summer Gutter Repair

August storms in West Michigan can dump inches of rain in a matter of hours. If your gutters aren’t up to the task, water will find its way into the wrong places—behind fascia boards, pooling around foundations, or even seeping into basements. Late summer is the best time to tackle gutter repair and replacement before fall leaves hit and before early September storms test your system.

Signs Your Gutters Need Attention

Look out for the following issues as you inspect your system this month:

• • Sagging runs: Gutters that pull away from fascia no longer carry water effectively. Hidden hangers can help restore strength.
• • Peeling paint or wood rot: Overflowing gutters often leave stains or rot marks on fascia and siding.
• • Pooling at downspouts: If water doesn’t carry at least 6 feet from your foundation, you’re inviting basement leaks.
• • Cracked seams or pinholes: Rust and wear in older metal gutters lead to drips you may not notice until heavy rain.

Common Fixes We Make in August

Horizon Roofing’s gutter team sees the same problems every August—and we know how to solve them quickly:

• • Reslope & reseal: Correcting pitch ensures water flows to downspouts rather than sitting in the trough.
• • Downspout upgrades: Moving from a 2×3 to a 3×4 downspout nearly doubles capacity, essential for steep-pitched roofs.
• • Additional drops: Long eaves often need two downspouts; adding one prevents water from bottlenecking.
• • Gutter guards: For maple “helicopters” and oak leaves, a well-chosen guard keeps clogs away without trapping water.
• • 6″ conversions: Some homes with steep valleys simply need a wider gutter profile to handle Michigan’s cloudbursts.

Pair Gutter Work with Roof & Fascia Checks

Late summer is the ideal moment to schedule a roof check while your gutters are being serviced. Our crews inspect drip edges, flashing, and the first course of shingles—areas that often show wear when gutters fail. By catching early damage, you can avoid more expensive repairs later.

Storm Prep Tip

Before September rains arrive, run a hose through each downspout. If water doesn’t exit cleanly or backs up at elbows, you’ve got a clog. For buried drains, snake or hydro-flush services may be necessary.

Need help before the next downpour? Learn more about gutter repair or schedule a free estimate today.

Ready.gov: Prepare for Severe Weather