Gutter blew off my house last night...

[purbeast0]

We have had a loose gutter on one side of my house for a while now and I've been lazy about fixing it. When we had our new roof put in a while back they mentioned that it was loose on one end and the wood under it was rotting, and it was slowly pulling away from the house.

Well last night we had a huge wind storm and crazy rain, and it's been windy as hell today, and I got home from work and went to check it out and it completely blew off and is on the ground.

Thankfully on this part of the house, where the roof leads to is a steep hill going downhill away from our house.

I have already contacted 4 companies and waiting to hear back from all of them and want to get it repaired as soon as possible.

I'm hoping to have people come check it out for an estimate tomorrow and pick one and have it done as soon as they can.

However, I am just wondering what kind of issues I can have in the near future until it is fixed. Also does anyone have any idea what something like this could cost? I'm assuming they will have to remove the wood that is rotting and put new wood there, then attach the gutter back. Maybe a new one but maybe not, I'm not sure. When they put my roof on they said my gutters were in good shape in general and didn't need replacing.

 

[sdifox]

Yeah they have to replace the facia. Make sure they use screws to attach the gutter. They probably use a inside (the gutter) bracket now. Screws into facia and the gutter clips onto it.




Not sure if this particular one is screw or nail, but it shows how it works.

 

[purbeast0]

I saw the screws on the gutter on the ground lol, so they just came out. I am assuming that they will know what they are doing if I use a reputable company with good reviews, which I plan to do. I'm just hoping that no damage happens like if it rains or something. It's up high so I can't really get a good look at it.

 

[Greenman]

I saw the screws on the gutter on the ground lol, so they just came out. I am assuming that they will know what they are doing if I use a reputable company with good reviews, which I plan to do. I'm just hoping that no damage happens like if it rains or something. It's up high so I can't really get a good look at it.

Assuming there is a bit of an overhang, not having a gutter won't matter at all.

 

[purbeast0]

Assuming there is a bit of an overhang, not having a gutter won't matter at all.

Yeah there is a bit of an overhang. There was some siding type material that went from behind the gutter to the siding on the house, under the roof, that came down with the gutter. And I can't see if there is exposed space up into the attic since it's just high up.

I am hoping birds don't get in there and get stuck lol. I am assuming that is the only animal that could fit up in there since you basically have to be able to fly to get in there.

 

[pcgeek11]

Yeah there is a bit of an overhang. There was some siding type material that went from behind the gutter to the siding on the house, under the roof, that came down with the gutter. And I can't see if there is exposed space up into the attic since it's just high up.

I am hoping birds don't get in there and get stuck lol. I am assuming that is the only animal that could fit up in there since you basically have to be able to fly to get in there.

Squirrels love attics... Also Raccoons, and Rats... oh and Bats.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Rotten Fascia is not uncommon, but implies there were problems with either the gutter or roof leaking. Wood doesn't generally rot without moisture intrusion or insect damage.

Best option would be to pull all of the gutter and fascia and have it replaced. Seamless gutter will stop a lot of problems with leaks between sections. I've had quotes in the $6/linear foot range, gutter only.

I got a few pieces of composite deck board to use as fascia. Heavy as all get out, hard to handle to position, but it won't ever rot out the way wood does.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I would expect to pay somewhere between $300 to $500 to have that fixed. Could probably find a handyman to do it for $150 plus materials which is probably $50.

Easiest really would be buying a foldable and extendable ladder, the fascia, a saw, hammer, screws, battery powered saw and impact drill, some paint to match, and doing it yourself. That's assuming you have no tools already. The savings on this one job would probably pay for all your new tools and you know it's done right.

 

[sdifox]

I would expect to pay somewhere between $300 to $500 to have that fixed. Could probably find a handyman to do it for $150 plus materials which is probably $50.

Easiest really would be buying a foldable and extendable ladder, the fascia, a saw, hammer, screws, battery powered saw and impact drill, some paint to match, and doing it yourself. That's assuming you have no tools already. The savings on this one job would probably pay for all your new tools and you know it's done right.

Sounds like second story gutter, and not flat ground. That is a big no-no.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Gutter is NOT something one generally does from a ladder that isn't well skilled and familiar with doing that sort of thing. Handling 10' sections and trying to maintain drainage levels is not a simple task.

 

[purbeast0]

I went outside yesterday and took a bunch of pics for one of the gutter companies that was giving me an estimate via satelite imagery. The fascia came off with the gutter. The fascia was rotting away. We did get a new roof like 18 months ago and the guy mentioned it at the time he saw it rotting but I did not realize it was this bad where the gutter would blow off. I should have taken care of it back then but didn't.

I got an estimate yesterday for like $197 if they could reuse the gutter and then right around $300 if they have to replace it. I'm going to have them replace it since the gutter is bent and stuff. It could maybe be banged out or something but I dunno, would rather just pay $100 to have a new one.

I don't think in that estimate though they knew the fascia needed replacement so I sent them those pics. I'm waiting to hear back from them about the new estimate though because I'm pretty sure it doesn't include replacing the fascia. I hope the gutter guys can do that and I don't need to hire an additional roofer.

To be honest these estimates are lower than I expected so I'm fine with the cost of it. I just want it done asap because you can see insulation exposed so I'm guessing my attic is straight up exposed right now and I really don't want any animals up in that bitch.

 

[sdifox]

It's just a roll of flat sheet bent into gutter shape. Not a bad price for that work.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Sounds like second story gutter, and not flat ground. That is a big no-no.

Yeah didn't see that it was not on level ground.
As far as the ladder they have attachments that stabilize them. I doubt they are bringing in a sky lift or scissor jack into that yard. So other than ladder I'm not sure how else they would do it.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I don't think in that estimate though they knew the fascia needed replacement so I sent them those pics. I'm waiting to hear back from them about the new estimate though because I'm pretty sure it doesn't include replacing the fascia. I hope the gutter guys can do that and I don't need to hire an additional roofer.

My guess is the 2x4s at the end where the fascia is nailed to are rotten. That's why the nails pulled straight out. You're going to need good wood to nail that fascia back into. Nailing a new fascia back into that rotten wood is just a temp fix. I'm not sure how a carpenter or roofer would go about it but my guess is you're looking at more than just nailing it back up. Shouldn't be overly expensive. Less than a grand?

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

They may use scaffolding since they'll have to deal with the fascia. If the rafter ends aren't too bad, longer nails or screws may suffice. But that still is based on stopping whatever was leaking to cause it initially. If the roofers didn't correct that issue, future problems may occur.

 

[Steltek]

If it is just the ends that are bad, they'll probably splice it by nailing a section of new patch 2x4 parallel along the side of the existing wood. They'll then nail the fascia to that and call it a day.

Also, If you have gutter up high on the front of the house, if you can afford it you might want to consider getting them to inspect it for similar damage since they are there and will already have equipment to reach it.

Finally, looking at your first picture, if you haven't done so, check your AC unit condenser coil on that side to ensure you don't have a bunch of bent fins that need to be straightened.

 

[Greenman]

I went outside yesterday and took a bunch of pics for one of the gutter companies that was giving me an estimate via satelite imagery. The fascia came off with the gutter. The fascia was rotting away. We did get a new roof like 18 months ago and the guy mentioned it at the time he saw it rotting but I did not realize it was this bad where the gutter would blow off. I should have taken care of it back then but didn't.

I got an estimate yesterday for like $197 if they could reuse the gutter and then right around $300 if they have to replace it. I'm going to have them replace it since the gutter is bent and stuff. It could maybe be banged out or something but I dunno, would rather just pay $100 to have a new one.

I don't think in that estimate though they knew the fascia needed replacement so I sent them those pics. I'm waiting to hear back from them about the new estimate though because I'm pretty sure it doesn't include replacing the fascia. I hope the gutter guys can do that and I don't need to hire an additional roofer.

To be honest these estimates are lower than I expected so I'm fine with the cost of it. I just want it done asap because you can see insulation exposed so I'm guessing my attic is straight up exposed right now and I really don't want any animals up in that bitch.

Looking at the staining, and the way the facia pulled of, I'd say you have much bigger problems than a loose gutter. I'm quite surprised that wasn't addressed when the roof was being replaced.

 

[Micrornd]

Looking at the staining, and the way the facia pulled of, I'd say you have much bigger problems than a loose gutter. I'm quite surprised that wasn't addressed when the roof was being replaced.

Looks like the rafter tails are gone, and someone put up aluminum soffit over a chipboard soffit, when the house was vinyl sided.
Very sloppy roof work to leave something like that without at least notifying the homeowner.
I'm not seeing plywood or a drip edge, even with the photo magnified, do you ?

 

[Greenman]

I can't make out any details, but clearly something went very wrong. Lots of staining, and what appears to be dry rot. I'd certainly have a look at the rest of the house while repairing the side.

I'd also note that the $300 repair quote the OP was given over the phone is worthless. That job is going to require 2 men, ladders, repairs to the rafter tails, new facia, new gutter, new soffit cover and some cleanup when complete. Here in the land of fruits and nuts my price would be on the order of $2500.

 

[Sgt. York]

At this point, if I were the OP, I would hire a legitimate roofer or inspector to come in and inspect the entire roof. Who knows what other deficiencies may be present.

 

[purbeast0]

As mentioned, the guys who did the roof told me about the gutter stuff. To my knowledge they did a great job with the roof and am happy with the results. Again, this was done 18 months ago and they told me that there was an issue going on prior to them doing the roof. Like they told me back then stuff was rotten and I was just lazy about fixing it because I didn't see the gutter really dangling or anything.

So I don't know if anything caused it to "rot more" since then, or if had already started to rot and just continued to do so as oppose to doing it even more/worse. I may contact the roofer though to come and take a look at it and see if any roof work needs to be done.

 

[purbeast0]

Looks like the rafter tails are gone, and someone put up aluminum soffit over a chipboard soffit, when the house was vinyl sided.
Very sloppy roof work to leave something like that without at least notifying the homeowner.
I'm not seeing plywood or a drip edge, even with the photo magnified, do you ?

I specifically remember the roof quote I got when they did it talking about a drip edge that was to be installed because that is part of code now in the county. It wasn't when the prior roof was installed but was now. I don't really know what a drip edge looks like so I don't know what to look for. And are you talking about plywood sheets under the roof not being there?

EDIT:

I just looked at a part of my roof that isn't that high and there is a drip edge installed. It looks similar to the one i this picture, with the edges going into the gutter like that. But it's not just a flat sheet like that. It starts off under the shingles on the roof and bends into the gutter like that, with little cutouts for the bars that hold the screws onto the fascia.

 

[purbeast0]

This was literally the email he sent me and with a pic, back when he did the roof.

Chimney needs work
Fascia wood behind gutter rotting

I'm also assuming my chimney is messed up due to the gutter leaning like that and constantly dripping water down on the chimney. I think this has been a long going problem that I just didn't think was a big deal. And this part of my yard is like the ugly red headed stepchild part of my yard/house. I just never go around that corner so I don't see much over there often. I should probably change that considering this issue.

 

[Greenman]

That shouldn't have been left uncorrected. I'm assuming that after your roofer made you aware of the problem he assumed you would have it addressed.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

^^ I hope that's a 'before' picture.