Rain gutter clogging due to dirt, dead leaves, and other debris can impede water flow, causing major damage and other problems.  Water can run over the sides of the gutter, causing damage to the foundation and other parts of the building. And standing water attracts insects such as mosquitos, since it is ideal for breeding. In colder climates, collected water can freeze, damaging the roof or the gutter itself.

Researchers at the University of Wuppertal have developed an innovative approach to solving this problem: equipping rain gutters with a sensor that regularly measures the water level. If the level remains unusually high for a long time, there may be clogging.

The invention consists of a water level sensor in a riser pipe for measuring the current water level in the gutter. A microcontroller sends the resulting data wirelessly to a platform that evaluates it with an analysis module and notifies relevant individuals through a communication medium. Functional impairments such as clogging can thus be detected early and corrected before expensive maintenance and repair work becomes necessary. 

Roofing companies can use this information to integrate cleaning into their work schedule before there is major damage or other inconvenience. This increases efficiency, avoids major repair costs, and extends the rain gutter’s service life.