Before & After: Resolving Gutter Issues in North Wilmington
Monkey Ball Madness
Introduction:
What happens when you invest in a brand-new roof — and the contractor tells you your gutters are “still good”?
A lot more than you'd expect… and not in a good way.
We were recently called by a homeowner who wanted their gutters cleaned and possibly upgraded with new leaf guards. Their roof had been replaced, and the roofing crew had removed and reinstalled the existing gutters and leaf protection.
Unfortunately, what we found is something we see all too often: shortcuts that create long-term problems.
The Problem:
The roofer had reinstalled the leaf guards without first cleaning the gutters. That’s a major red flag. Roofing projects generate a massive amount of debris — shingle grit, nails, packaging, and sealant scrap. If the gutters are left in place during a re-roof, they’ll almost certainly collect this debris.
In this case, the guards were reinstalled over clogged gutters, essentially sealing in the mess. Worse, they were installed backwards and screwed in through the rubber gasket — compromising both function and water flow.
These kinds of mistakes are easy to miss from the ground. But over time, they can cause overflow, rot, foundation damage, and pest problems. Unfortunately, many contractors assume homeowners won’t check — or won’t know the difference.
Before Photos:
Clogged gutters sealed under reinstalled leaf guards.
Improperly installed leaf guard, compromising water flow. The plastic trim goes against the house.
Poor gutter design, trapping the monkey balls.
The Grogan’s Gutters Difference:
Here’s how we addressed the problem — and how we do every full-service gutter job:
Removed existing leaf guard and cleaned all sections of clogged gutter
Installed new leaf guard the correct way, ensuring proper fit and drainage
Added brackets where needed to reinforce sagging areas
Checked and reset pitch/grade to ensure correct water flow
Recaulked corners to prevent future leaks
Removed and reattached downspouts for thorough cleaning and flow testing
Provided photos, notes, and recommendations so the homeowner could see the condition of their system firsthand
Cleaned gutters with professionally installed leaf guards.
Optimized gutter design to allow better opportunity for debris to clear the roof.
Hand crafted installation of HydroFlo gutter guard.
Conclusion:
Not all gutter work is the same — and not all contractors treat your home like it’s their own.
We believe in getting the details right, even the ones no one else sees. Whether you’ve just had a new roof installed or aren’t sure when your gutters were last inspected, it pays to have a second set of eyes.
If your home needs a checkup, we're here to help — honestly, thoroughly, and with a standard you can trust.
