Why Are My Downspouts Full of Sand or Granules?

A lot of homeowners in Sarasota run into this and assume something major is wrong. Usually, it’s not. Sarasota’s mix of salty breeze, loose yard sand, and aging shingles creates a perfect little recipe for grit collecting in the gutters. You may not notice it happening until one day the water starts draining slowly or you hear that weird “rumbling” in the downspout.

Most of the time, it’s just windblown sand settling on the roof. Then when it rains, even lightly, it slides straight into the gutters. Shingles also shed tiny granules as they age, and Sarasota heat can speed that up. That stuff doesn’t disappear. It sits. It piles. It clogs. And before you know it, your downspouts feel like they’re filled with beach sand you never asked for.

Homeowners around the city call CR Gutters, Inc.™ all the time asking why things suddenly backed up, especially after a windy week. It’s normal here. Annoying, but normal.

What You Can Do Right Now

Fixing it isn’t complicated. You don’t need to tear anything out or replace the whole system. Sarasota homes just need a little more attention because the grit builds up faster than people expect.

Flush and Screen (Easy Stuff)

Think simple. Run a strong hose through the downspout every few months. Doesn’t need to be perfect. Just enough pressure to knock out whatever’s sitting in there. Most folks in Sarasota pick a few times a year- before summer storms, after one of those windy beach weekends, and then again when the rainy season ends.

Screens at the gutter inlets help a ton. They stop most of the sand and granules before they drop into the vertical line. It’s basically a little filter that saves you from bigger headaches later.

When It’s a Real Problem

If elbows or bottom outlets keep clogging, or if water starts pouring over the edge instead of going down, that’s your sign. Sarasota humidity makes debris stick together, so once it clumps, it’s not moving without some help. And if you’re flushing the lines and that gritty mess keeps coming back fast, something deeper might be going on with your roof or alignment.

Typical Costs in Sarasota

You don’t need a huge budget for this stuff. A professional cleaning usually runs $150–$300 around Sarasota. Adding screens is normally another $100–$200. Pretty simple, straightforward work. Nothing dramatic. CR Gutters, Inc.™ keeps it clear so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

When It’s Time to Call in Help

Sometimes the buildup is stubborn. Sometimes there’s more sand than there should be. Sometimes the granules are a sign the shingles are wearing out faster in the Sarasota heat. If you’ve tried flushing things out and the water still feels slow or gritty, that’s when calling a pro makes sense.

One quick visit can save you from long-term damage, especially with Sarasota storms dropping heavy rain when you least expect it.

Call CR Gutters, Inc.™ If You’re Over the Sand

If your downspouts feel like they’re turning into mini sand traps, CR Gutters, Inc.™ can take the problem off your hands fast. We help homeowners all over Sarasota clear lines, add screens, and figure out what’s really going on. Call (941) 367-2727 and we’ll come take a look. No pressure. No complicated talk. Just a simple fix so your gutters can breathe again.