Gutters Ripped Off in a Storm? Here's What We Recommend

It happens fast. One strong Ohio thunderstorm and your gutters are hanging loose—or worse, scattered in the yard. We’ve seen it plenty here in Grove City and nearby areas like Hilliard, Dublin, and Westerville. High winds can tear gutters right off the fascia, leaving your home exposed.

If your gutters got ripped off in a storm, here’s what we at Total Home Water Restoration recommend.

1. Don’t Ignore It — Exposed Fascia Boards Can Lead to Rot and Leaks

Once gutters are gone, rainwater will run straight down your siding or pool near your foundation. That leads to:

• Wood rot along roof edges

• Soaked basement walls

• Erosion around the foundation

• Flooding inside basements or crawl spaces

We’ve had clients in Reynoldsburg and Upper Arlington who ignored missing gutters for just a few weeks and ended up needing mold remediation inside their walls. Not worth the risk.

2. Take Photos Right Away

Before cleaning up anything, take clear photos of:

• Where the gutters detached

• Any damage to fascia, soffits, or siding

• The loose or broken gutters on the ground

This documentation will help with insurance claims or FEMA disaster assistance if it qualifies. Some homeowners we’ve worked with in Pickerington were reimbursed faster just because they had solid “after storm” pictures.

3. Check for Signs of Water Intrusion

Look inside your attic and along ceilings near exterior walls. Check for:

• Water stains

• Dripping or bubbling drywall

• Soft or musty-smelling ceiling tiles

If you spot any of these, call us. We follow IICRC S500 standards for water damage inspection and structural drying.

4. Secure Any Loose Pieces

If there’s hanging metal, get it down safely to prevent injury or additional damage. Don’t try to reattach anything yourself—especially from a ladder. Call in help. We’ve had cases in Worthington where makeshift gutter patches caused water to back up under shingles and rot out the roof deck.

5. Bring in a Licensed Contractor for an Inspection

We always recommend a licensed contractor (yes, we’re one) because there could be unseen damage under the roof edge. We check for:

• Fascia board integrity

• Soffit venting issues

• Roof edge underlayment damage

• Siding or trim water intrusion

It’s not just about reinstalling gutters—it’s about protecting the whole structure from water intrusion.

6. Upgrade to Storm-Resistant Gutter Systems

If your gutters failed in a storm once, chances are they’ll fail again unless you upgrade. We often recommend:

• Hidden hanger systems for stronger attachment

• Oversized 6" gutters to handle heavy downpours

• Gutter guards to prevent clogs and overflow

• Kick-out flashings to redirect water away from siding

We’ve installed these for families in New Albany and Dublin who now sleep better when the storms roll in.

Need Help Now?

Call Tyler Zimmerman and the crew at Total Home Water Restoration. We’ll assess the damage, walk you through your insurance options, and get your home back in shape—like it’s our own.

📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837

From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.