Straight-line winds and derechos
Severe thunderstorms produce straight-line winds from downbursts that can exceed 60 to 80 mph. A derecho is a long-lived line of such storms. On August 10, 2020, a derecho crossed the Midwest with winds up to about 140 mph at its peak, traveled roughly 770 miles in 14 hours, and became the most costly thunderstorm event in modern U.S. history, according to NOAA figures reported at the time. Central and eastern Iowa were hit hardest. See Des Moines.
Unlike hurricanes, these storms arrive with little warning and affect huge inland areas that are not built to coastal wind standards.
How wind damages gutters
- Uplift at the roof edge: wind flowing over the eave creates suction that lifts shingles, drip edge and the back of the gutter.
- Wind getting behind the gutter: gaps between gutter and fascia let wind push the gutter outward and pry hangers loose.
- Loose hangers: spikes and ferrules that have backed out of the fascia over years let go first.
- Guards lifting: guards that are only slid under shingles act like sails.
- Downspouts swinging: unstrapped downspouts whip back and forth, bend at elbows and tear off.
- Falling limbs: trees are the biggest source of gutter damage in wind storms.
What keeps gutters on the house
Hidden hangers into rafter tails
Screw-in hidden hangers that pass through the fascia into the rafter tails hold far better than spikes. Close spacing, about 2 to 3 feet apart, spreads the load. See gutter hangers explained.
Sound fascia
Hangers are only as strong as the wood they are in. Rotten fascia lets go in the first strong gust. See fascia repair before new gutters.
Tight fit at the roof edge
The back of the gutter should sit tight against the fascia and under the drip edge, leaving no gap for wind to enter. See drip edge and gutter apron.
Downspout straps at every joint
Straps at the top, bottom and every joint keep downspouts from swinging. Use screws into solid backing.
Guards that fasten down
Guards screwed to the front lip of the gutter stay put; guards that only slip under shingles can lift and even take shingles with them.
Heavier gauge
Thicker aluminum resists bending when wind pushes on it and when debris hits it.
Trees: the biggest risk
Most gutter damage in wind storms comes from falling limbs. Have a certified arborist look at large trees near the house, remove dead limbs and trim branches that overhang the roof. That protects gutters, roof and people. See gutter damage and homeowners insurance.
After a wind storm
- Look for gutters pulled away from the fascia, bent sections and hangers sticking out.
- Check downspouts for bends, separated joints and missing straps.
- Look for guards that lifted or disappeared.
- Check the roof edge for lifted shingles or drip edge.
- Photograph damage before cleanup for insurance.
- Be wary of door-to-door storm crews; verify registration or licensing and insurance.
Replacing gutters after a wind storm
When gutters are replaced after wind damage, it is the moment to upgrade attachment rather than recreate the old system. Ask for hidden hangers into rafter tails at close spacing, repair of any fascia damaged when the old gutters tore off, new drip edge where the old one was bent, straps at every downspout joint and guards that screw to the gutter. If the roof was also damaged, coordinate roof and gutter work so the edge is rebuilt in the right order. See new roof, new gutters?
Insurance after wind damage
Wind is a covered peril under most homeowners policies, but gutter-only damage may cost less than the deductible. When the roof, siding and gutters are all damaged in the same storm, a claim is more likely to make sense. Document everything with photos before cleanup. See gutter damage and homeowners insurance.
Preparing for storm season
- Check hangers and tighten or replace loose ones.
- Look for gaps between gutter and fascia.
- Make sure downspouts are strapped at each joint.
- Check that guards are fastened down.
- Trim dead or overhanging limbs.
- Clear gutters so they drain quickly in the downpours that come with severe storms.
Wind and snow country together
In the Upper Midwest and Plains, the same gutters face derechos in summer and snow load in winter. Close hanger spacing, heavier gauge and sound fascia serve both. See snow load and gutters.
Metal roofs and wind
Metal roofs shed wind-driven rain well, but their edges and trim must be fastened to the manufacturer’s wind specifications. Gutters on metal roofs are often attached with brackets or straps that must be matched to the roof profile. After storms, check both the roof trim and the gutter brackets. See gutters for metal roofs.
Coastal wind
Hurricane and nor’easter regions have their own considerations, including corrosion and code requirements in high-velocity hurricane zones. See gutters in hurricane season and gutters near the coast.
Commercial and multi-family buildings
Larger buildings with long eaves, such as apartment buildings, churches and small commercial buildings, catch more wind and have longer runs that can act like levers when a section comes loose. Commercial-grade gutters, heavier brackets and more frequent straps are common there. If you own or manage such a building, ask for wind-rated attachment details.
Gutter guards in windy areas
In open country and on hilltops, even moderate winds blow leaves across guards and can lift poorly attached ones. Choose guards that screw to the gutter front lip and tuck under the drip edge without lifting shingles, and check them after storms. See are gutter guards worth it?
Older homes and wind
Older gutters were often hung with spikes and ferrules driven through the gutter into the fascia. Over decades, heat, cold and ice work those spikes loose, and they are the first to fail in a wind storm. If your gutters still use spikes, upgrading to hidden hangers, even without replacing the gutter, is an inexpensive way to improve wind resistance. Check that the fascia behind is sound before adding hangers.
Regions with frequent wind damage
Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas–Fort Worth, Chicago, Dayton and the Piedmont Triad.