Your Gutters Are Boring. Until They Destroy Your Foundation.
In Peoria, we tend to ignore our gutters until we see a waterfall pouring over the front door during a thunderstorm. But by the time you see the overflow, the damage is already done. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), water damage is a leading cause of structural failure in residential homes. When gutters clog, water doesn’t just “spill over”—it pools around your foundation, cracking the concrete and flooding your basement.
Here are the 3 expert ways to prevent gutter problems in 2026 (beyond just “cleaning them”)
1. Upgrade to Seamless (The “Leaky Joint” Fix)
If your home was built before 2010, you likely have “sectional” gutters. These come in 10-foot pieces that are seamed together.
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The Problem: Every seam is a weak point. Over time, the sealant fails, and water drips right through the gap. Worse, debris catches on the internal ridges of the seams, causing clogs.
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The 2026 Solution: Seamless Gutters. We bring a machine to your driveway and custom-extrude the aluminum to the exact length of your roof.
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The Benefit: No seams = No leaks. It’s that simple.
2. Install “Micro-Mesh” Guards (Not the Cheap Ones)
Not all gutter guards are created equal.
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The Failure: Cheap plastic screens from the hardware store have large holes. In Central Illinois, our Maple trees drop “helicopters” (seeds) that stick right into those holes, creating a permanent clog that is impossible to clean.
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The Solution: We install Micro-Mesh Guards. These stainless steel screens have holes so small that only water can get through. Leaves, pine needles, and even roof grit slide right off.
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The ROI: You never have to climb a ladder to clean your gutters again.
3. The “Ice Dam” Defense (Heat Cables)
In January, gutters often freeze solid. This forms an “Ice Dam,” a ridge of ice that prevents melting snow from draining. The water backs up under your shingles and leaks into your living room.
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The Fix: If you have a north-facing roof that is prone to freezing, we recommend installing Self-Regulating Heat Cables in the gutters and downspouts.
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How it works: These cables sense the temperature and automatically turn on to melt a channel for the water to flow, preventing the dam from forming.
Bonus: Check Your Downspout Extensions
Even clean gutters can fail if the water has nowhere to go.
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The Rule: Your downspouts should extend at least 4 to 6 feet away from your foundation.
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The Check: Next time it rains, go outside. Is the water pooling right next to your basement wall? If so, you need extensions or buried drain tiles immediately.
Stop the Water Before It Stops You
Gutter maintenance is dangerous work. Ladder falls are a top cause of ER visits. Don’t risk your neck for a handful of wet leaves.
At SNS Roofing, we offer comprehensive gutter services, from seamless installation to guard protection.
Keep your basement dry. Contact SNS Roofing today for a free gutter inspection.
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