What to do if Your Gutters Are Way Too Loud

In most cases, noisy rain gutters are just annoying, but they could signify bigger hidden problems in some cases. Investigating the cause of the noise and possible solutions as soon as possible is, therefore, the best way forward. The noise is common in gutters with downspouts that have elbows.

Different contractors have different ways of solving the dripping problem, but most of them usually install lead plates and magnetic cushioned plates, which are never enough.

Real Reasons Behind The Loud Gutter

Loose Appendages or Brackets

Well-installed gutters are normally attached to the home tightly, but they can still get loosened by the constant rain, wind, and heavy snow they get exposed to. When the hold becomes loose, temperature fluctuations make it easier for the brackets to come off. The more the temperature changes, the more they expand and contract, thereby loosening faster. Over time, some of the screws will go missing, and the entire section will be detached. It gets worse when it rains, and the momentum continues to jiggle the already loose gutters. The additional movement makes the water splash against the downspout.

Based on this, the first thing to inspect when the gutters are loud is the brackets and appendages. The inspection should extend to the fascia and undercarriage that connects the gutter. If you notice any problem, call professional repair contractors to tighten them. Be ready to replace some sections of the downspout if necessary.

Awkward Angle of Your downspout

The gutter may seem like it is on a straight line at first glance, but that should not be the case. Although it may look like each section is perfectly aligned with the roof edge, good gutters should have an undetectable angle. On average, the slope of a good gutter system is usually 0.25 inches for every 10 feet. The slope must be gradual to enable water to move towards the downspout easily instead of collecting in one place on the gutter.

In addition to the angle, the downspout should have a slight tilt to prevent gutter downspout noise. The elbow should have a curve that ensures water is redirected properly to an ideal location, whether that is a basin, underground drainage, or garden.

It is also important to note that too rigid downspouts will not allow water to slide on the edges. Instead, it will drain freely to the corner of the downspout and produce a loud sound every time it does.

Replacing the bottom part of the downspout is generally enough to adjust the angle to reduce the noise. Other options that could make the fall smooth are vinyl or plastic elbow, downspout chain, or an extender.

Clog

Gutters are only effective when they do not have debris on them. If the water flows freely until it reaches the downspout, there won’t be annoying drips. If leaves and twigs block the water, the water flow will not be as smooth because there will be pools in different sections. Overflowing water could also leak and land loudly on the downspout or foundation. There could also be damage to the eaves, which eventually leads to the destruction of the rest of the house.

It is better to check the gutters before the rainy season or a storm to ensure there are no tree branches or other materials that could block water from reaching the downspouts easily.

5 Solid Solutions to Your Loud Gutter Problem

Adjusting the downspout

In most cases, readjusting the downspout solves the loud noise when it rains. Moving the lower part to a further distance will ensure water does not fall directly underneath with a loud drop. A spacer or a long clip can be used to move the bottom of the elbow effortlessly, which will allow water to land on the side of the downspout and slide to the bottom instead of hitting it directly.

Improving insulation

Vibrations usually amplify sound, which makes insulation one of the best ways to reduce gutter downspout noise. You can use thick foam insulators around the downspout pipes, and it can be spray foam or wrap foam. Either way, you will muffle the dripping sounds and will not have to worry about it for a long time. You can always consult a professional eavestrough repair to help you choose the right insulation material.

Replacing the bottom section of the downspout

If the downspout has a metal elbow, it amplifies the water drop sounds and makes you uncomfortable. Unlike metal, PVC does not have the echo effect when water drops, making it a better option for silently operating rain gutters. Plastic is also a good option for muffled sounds and will be a good alternative to PVC or metal. Whatever you choose will give you a faint murmur instead of the loud clang associated with metal.

Taking measures to absorb the water

Water hitting the bottom of the downspout directly is usually one of the causes of loud rain noise. The solution, therefore, is to put an absorbent material to keep the water from hitting the metal below. A sponge, artificial turf, foam, part of shingles, or any other absorbent material will also absorb trickling water. The material should be placed at the corners, and a more permanent solution should be implemented.

Using downspout chains or rope

This solution for gutter downspout noise is also temporary, and it works by letting the water run down a different object instead of falling directly. The nylon rope is to be tied at the top of the downspout and should run to the bottom. A good alternative to the nylon rope is a downspout chain, which can be used partially or in the whole gutter. The chain should also hang at the top opening and reach the bottom one.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Rain noise in a gutter is easy to fix through regular maintenance. When you have inspections and repairs regularly, you ensure the possible causes of dripping and banging sounds are resolved quickly. Professionals will always keep your rain gutters free of debris, which will prevent many problems on the roof and the rest of the house. Regular maintenance will also ensure pests and rodents do not live on the roof. Cracks do not develop or become larger, mould does not grow, and your home remains protected from external weather elements throughout the year. Call our professionals today to schedule maintenance.

All in all

Rain gutters can only serve their purpose when they are taken care of properly. You do not have to withstand loud rain noise, assuming it is normal. Contact D’Angelo and Sons the moment you notice loud noise near the house or in the gutters. We will clean your gutters, inspect every section, and repair whatever is necessary.