Storms can wreak absolute havoc on your home’s guttering system, yet most homeowners overlook this crucial component once the skies clear. Too often, people focus on the obvious damage — missing roof tiles, broken windows — while their gutters silently develop issues that could cost thousands later. That’s why a thorough Post-Storm Gutter Inspection is essential. I learned this the hard way after Hurricane Doris back in 2017. From the ground, my gutters seemed fine, but water had already started seeping behind the fascia boards, setting me up for costly repairs I could’ve easily avoided.
Your gutters work harder than you think. During a typical storm, they channel hundreds of litres of water away from your property’s foundation, walls & roof structure. When they fail? Well, that’s when the real problems begin.
The Hidden Damage Storms Leave Behind
Most storm damage to guttering isn’t immediately obvious. Sure, you might spot a section hanging at an odd angle or notice a downpipe that’s completely detached. But the sneaky stuff — the damage that’ll bite you later — often goes unnoticed for months.
Wind doesn’t just push gutters around; it twists them, creating micro-fractures in joints & seals. I remember inspecting my neighbour’s gutters after a particularly nasty storm last autumn. Everything looked solid from below, but when we got the ladder out, we found hairline cracks running along three separate joint connections. These tiny gaps were already allowing water to drip onto the brickwork.
Debris accumulation is another massive issue. Storms don’t just fill your gutters with leaves — they pack in branches, roof granules, dirt, and sometimes even bits of other people’s property that the wind has picked up. This creates blockages that force water to find alternative routes, usually straight down your exterior walls.
The weight factor is often overlooked as well. Gutters filled with storm debris can become incredibly heavy, causing brackets to loosen or sections to sag. Once the proper gradient is lost, water starts pooling instead of flowing toward the downpipes.
Safety First — Know Your Limits
Look, I’m all for DIY enthusiasm, but a Post-Storm Gutter Inspection demands serious safety consideration. Wet conditions make everything more dangerous, and ladders become especially risky when you’re dealing with potentially damaged guttering.
Always start with a ground-level inspection. Walk around your property and check for obvious signs like hanging sections, visible damage to downpipes, water stains on exterior walls, or standing water where it shouldn’t be. If you have binoculars, use them — they’re perfect for spotting issues during your Post-Storm Gutter Inspection without risking a dangerous fall.
If you must use a ladder, make sure it’s properly secured & never attempt inspection during windy conditions. Wet gutters can be slippery, & storm damage might mean sections aren’t as secure as they appear. Having someone spot you isn’t just good practice; it’s essential.
When in doubt, call professionals. I used Gutter Guys after that 2017 storm I mentioned earlier, & they spotted several issues I’d completely missed during my own inspection. Sometimes, the peace of mind is worth every penny.
What to Look For During Your Inspection
Start with the obvious stuff: cracks, holes, or sections that have pulled away from the roofline. But don’t stop there. Storm damage often manifests in subtle ways that require a more detailed examination.
Check bracket integrity carefully. Storms can loosen fixings without causing visible damage, & wobbly brackets will eventually fail completely. Gently test each bracket — they should feel solid with no movement when pressure is applied.
Joint connections deserve special attention. These are prime failure points during storms, & even minor separation can lead to significant water leakage. Look for gaps, misalignment, or signs that sections have shifted relative to each other.
The gradient is crucial but tricky to assess visually. Pour a small amount of water into different sections & watch how it flows. Water should move steadily toward downpipes without pooling. Any standing water indicates either blockage or incorrect fall.
Don’t forget about downpipes & their connections to the guttering system. Storms can push debris into these vertical sections, creating blockages that aren’t immediately apparent. Also, check where downpipes connect to underground drainage — damage here can cause serious foundation problems.
Documenting Storm Damage Properly
Insurance claims for storm damage can be surprisingly complex, & proper documentation makes all the difference. I learned this the hard way when my initial claim was rejected because I couldn’t prove the damage was storm-related rather than general wear & tear.
Photograph everything, including any minor damage. Take wide shots that show the overall condition, then use close-ups to highlight specific problems. Include reference points, such as doors or windows, to show scale, and make sure timestamps are enabled on your camera.
Keep records of the storm itself — date, wind speeds if available, & any local weather warnings that were issued. Many insurance companies will cross-reference your claim against meteorological data, so this information can be vital.
Get multiple quotes for repairs quickly. Insurance companies often want to see that you’ve acted promptly to prevent further damage, & having professional assessments from different contractors strengthens your position considerably.
Temporary Repairs & Emergency Measures
Sometimes you’ll discover damage that needs immediate attention to prevent further problems. Temporary repairs aren’t permanent solutions, but they can buy you time to arrange proper professional work.
Gutter sealant can address small cracks or minor joint separation, but only as a stopgap measure. Clean the affected area thoroughly before applying any sealant — it won’t adhere properly to dirty or wet surfaces. Don’t rely on temporary sealing for major damage; it won’t hold up in the long term.
Clearing blockages is often urgent, particularly if water is overflowing onto walls or foundations. However, be extremely careful about debris removal — storm-damaged gutters might not support normal working loads. Work systematically & never lean your full weight on potentially compromised sections.
Securing loose sections might require additional brackets or supports. This is definitely a job where temporary fixes can prevent much more expensive damage. A hanging gutter section will eventually pull away completely, often taking additional sections with it.
Professional Assessment — When to Call the Experts
Certain types of storm damage require professional evaluation, no matter how confident you feel about DIY repairs. Structural damage to fascia boards or roof edges affects your guttering system but needs specialist attention to resolve correctly.
Complex insurance claims benefit enormously from professional documentation. Contractors experienced in storm damage can identify problems you might miss & provide detailed reports that insurance companies take seriously. They also understand the language & terminology that adjusters expect to see.
Multi-level properties or complex rooflines present safety challenges that most homeowners shouldn’t tackle alone. The risk simply isn’t worth it, particularly when storm damage might have compromised structural integrity in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
If you’re discovering multiple problems or extensive damage, professional assessment becomes essential. Piecemeal repairs might seem cost-effective initially, but they often end up more expensive than comprehensive professional work done properly the first time.
Prevention & Long-term Maintenance
Regular maintenance significantly reduces the vulnerability to storm damage. Gutters in good condition cope much better with severe weather than neglected systems that are already compromised.
Seasonal cleaning removes debris that storms can compact into solid blockages. I now clear my gutters twice yearly — once in late autumn after leaf fall, & again in spring after winter storms. It’s tedious work, but it’s prevented several potential disasters.
Bracket inspection should be part of routine maintenance rather than something you only do after storms. Loose fixings that might survive normal weather will almost certainly fail during severe conditions.
Consider upgrading to more robust guttering if your area experiences frequent storms. Modern systems with improved bracket designs & better joint technology cope much better with extreme weather. The initial investment pays dividends in reduced maintenance & storm resilience.
The Bottom Line
Post-storm gutter inspection isn’t glamorous work, but it’s absolutely essential for protecting your property investment. The damage that storms cause to guttering systems can have consequences far beyond the gutters themselves — water penetration, foundation problems & structural damage all stem from failing gutters.
Don’t assume that gutters are fine just because they look OK from ground level. Some of the most expensive problems I’ve encountered started with minor storm damage that went unnoticed for months. A thorough inspection after every significant storm can save you thousands in repair costs down the line.
Remember, there’s no shame in calling professionals when you’re out of your depth. Your safety is worth more than the cost of a professional inspection, & experienced contractors will spot problems that could easily be missed by even the most diligent homeowner.
