🍁 5 Signs Your Gutters Need Attention Before Winter

Your gutters work hard all year — quietly directing rainwater and melting snow away from your roof and foundation. But as fall turns to winter in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, your gutter system faces its toughest test.

Neglecting a small issue now can lead to ice dams, roof leaks, and costly repairs later. Here are five clear warning signs your gutters need maintenance or repair before the freezing temperatures hit.

Clogged gutters like this can trap water, overflow, and cause serious roof or foundation damage if left uncleaned.

1️⃣ Sagging or Pulling Away from the House

If your gutters are sagging, drooping, or pulling away from the fascia, that’s a red flag. This often means they’re holding too much weight — usually from trapped debris, standing water, or loose fasteners. In winter, that weight doubles when water freezes, which can tear gutters away from your home and damage the fascia board. Refastening and reinforcing now can prevent far bigger repairs later.

2️⃣ Overflowing Water or Water Stains

During rain, water should flow smoothly from the roof through your downspouts. If you see water spilling over the sides — or notice dark streaks on the siding or foundation — it means your gutters are clogged or improperly pitched. Ignoring this can lead to siding damage, wood rot, and even basement seepage.

For full repair or replacement options, visit our gutter services page:👉 https://www.restorewithcornerstone.com/gutters-and-downspouts

3️⃣ Peeling Paint or Rust Spots

Peeling paint along the fascia or rust streaks on metal gutters are signs of standing water or leaks at the seams. Over time, trapped moisture weakens both the gutter and the edge of your roof system. If you catch this early, simple patching or sealing may do the trick — but widespread rust or bubbling paint may mean it’s time to replace older sections.

4️⃣ Pooling Water Around Your Foundation

After a storm, walk around your home and check the ground near your downspouts. If you see puddles forming close to the foundation, your gutters or downspouts aren’t directing water far enough away. This can lead to foundation cracking, basement leaks, or soil erosion. Adding downspout extensions or regrading the area can make a big difference in protecting your home’s structure.

5️⃣ Ice Dams or Icicles Forming at the Roof Edge

If you’ve noticed ice dams or large icicles in past winters, your gutters may be clogged or poorly insulated at the roofline. Ice dams trap melting snow, forcing water back under shingles and into your attic or walls. Clearing gutters and ensuring proper attic ventilation before winter can stop the cycle and prevent costly interior water damage.

🧰 How Cornerstone Restoration Can Help

Our team provides professional gutter inspections, seamless gutter replacement, downspout services, Omni system conversions, and premium gutter guard installation. We’ll identify problem areas, clear blockages, and make sure your drainage system is prepared for heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles — protecting your roof, siding, and foundation.

Explore all gutter and downspout services here:👉 https://www.restorewithcornerstone.com/gutters-and-downspouts

📞 Call Cornerstone Restoration at (847) 885-0097 or request your Free Fall Gutter Inspection today before temperatures drop.