When it comes to your home, nothing is more important than the roof. Whether it's corrugated roofing, or simple tiled roofing. And when the drainage is damaged, you need to know how to fix it. If you've ever had any work done on your roof, chances are that there was some water damage caused by an overflowing gutter and the potential for a serious leak even if the gutters were quickly fixed.
In this article, we'll review what causes guttering problems and how one can prevent them.
What is guttering?
You can have plastic or metal guttering. Guttering is a series of tubes that lead water from your roof to the ground, where it can flow away from the home. All roofs leak, whether it's just a few drips here and there or a massive leak that causes rainwater to pool on the ground.
If the water accumulates, it can cause serious damage to your property, including: -Wet basements -Landscaping or driveway damage
-Damage to foundation walls and floors
-Water damage to ceilings, walls and furnishings Guttering can also cause health problems if it’s not fixed quickly.
For example, guttering runoff can contain high levels of bacteria and other contaminants that can cause severe respiratory problems, especially for people who are susceptible to them. Regular gutter cleaning is a good way to reduce the amount of airborne pollutants that you’re breathing in. If you have any guttering problems or suspect that they may have caused damage to your property, don’t hesitate to call our team of experts.
Should I repair damaged gutters
Yes, you should. If the damage is significant enough, it may be necessary to replace the entire gutter system. But in most cases, simple repairs will suffice. Here are some tips for dealing with guttering problems and damages:
- Check for signs of water infiltration: Water can easily get into gutters through small holes and cracks. If water is seeping through the gutters, it's time to take action. Look for signs of roof damage as well - if the roof is leaking, chances are good that water is getting in through the gutters as well.
- Fix or replace any broken or damaged parts: If there are any broken or damaged parts, fix them ASAP. This will prevent water from getting in and causing more damage. Broken gutters can also lead to debris buildup, which can block rainwater from flowing properly and cause further damage.
- Clean the gutters regularly: Gutters are designed to catch rainwater runoff from the roof. But if they're not cleaned regularly, all that water will eventually cause major damage down below - both to your home's exterior (in the form of mould and rust) and to the interior of your home (in the form of mold and mildew).
What causes guttering damage?
There are many potential causes for damage, including heavy rain, hail, high winds, branches and leaves falling from trees, and animals nesting in gutters. In most cases, the culprit is weather-related damage that can lead to leaks and water damage inside your home.
If you suspect damage to your gutter system, it’s important to call a contractor as soon as possible. Guttering repairs can be costly, and a damaged gutter can lead to extensive water damage that may require extensive drywall repair or reconstruction, as well as replacement of roofing materials.
Here are some tips on how to deal with gutter problems and damages:
- Clean gutters regularly. A build-up of debris and mold can cause guttering problems, so it’s important to clean them every few months. Use a hose with a powerful stream to blast away all the debris. Make sure to also clean around the downspouts and any other points of entry into the gutters.
- Check for clogs. If there are obvious clogs in the system, get help from a professional contractor to clear them out. Otherwise, use a plunger or hose to clear out the system.3. Inspect gutters for damage and leaks. If you find any broken or missing pieces from the guttering, get them fixed as soon as possible. And make sure to check all of the faucets and handrails on your home regularly, especially if they have been outside a while.
- Check gutter evaluations before you purchase them. Many models of gutters come with a lifetime warranty, which means that if your roof’s slope changes or its condition deteriorates after purchasing it, you can contact the manufacturer and receive a replacement product at no cost. This is great news when considering home improvements or repairs in general, as many companies provide this warranty in an effort to ensure their products are built sturdy and with quality control, but you may want to know how to look if you are purchasing a gutter based solely on cost. For example, some companies’ warranties will require you to purchase an entire house brand of the product rather than a one-time purchase of the parts. This can be more expensive in the long run, so keep that in mind when making your purchases.
How to prevent gutter damage
If you have gutters and downspouts on your home, it is important to keep them clean and functioning correctly. Gutters can collect leaves, debris, and water from the roof, and this can lead to problems with guttering.
If you notice any damage to your gutters or downspouts, don't wait to take action. Here are some steps you can take to prevent gutter damage and ensure proper function:
- Check for debris in your gutters regularly. Clear away any leaves or other buildup that has gathered in the gutters. This will help prevent blockages and reduce the amount of water that can flow into your downspouts.
- Use a gutter cleaning service regularly. contracting out a professional to clean your gutters every few months will help prevent build-up and debris from accumulating over time. This will also ensure that your gutters are functioning properly and can handle heavy rainfalls without flooding your home.
- Fix any damaged or corroded parts of your gutters as soon as possible. If you notice any signs of damage or leakage, get the repairs done as soon as possible to avoid further problems.
- Do not over-clean your gutters. You should never use harsh chemicals on your gutters. Doing so can damage the plastic or metal of the gutter gutters, and you could lead to costly repairs down the road.
- If you notice water leaking into your house instead of running off, then it's time to call in a professional to repair or replace parts of your gutter system.
Gutter damage causes and solutions
If you have guttering damage or gutters that leak, there are a few things you can do to address the problem.
Here are some tips on how to deal with guttering problems:
- Check for gutter obstruction. If there is debris or other material blocking your gutters, it will need to be cleared before repairs can be made. Use a broom and dustpan to remove any obstructions. Make sure all loose objects and leaves are removed before calling a professional.
- Clean your gutters. Cleaning your gutters will help prevent debris from building up and clogging them in the future. Use a hose to spray down the entire length of the gutters. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner that is safe for metal surfaces. Allow the gutters to dry before using them again.
- Repair damaged gutters. If you have gutters that are damaged, repairs may be necessary in order to prevent further damage and leaks. Gutters can be replaced with new ones if they are completely worn out, or repaired as needed with a good sealant such as silicone or a rubberized tape. Gutters should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
- Clean your gutters with a quality, non-abrasive cleaner. Use a hose to spray down the entire length of the gutter system. Be sure to use a non-abrasive product for metal surfaces or it can damage the surface of the gutter system. Allow all debris and dirt to dry before you use them again.
- Inspect Your Gutters Regularly. If you've had your gutters cleaned in the past, make sure that they are thoroughly inspected at least once per year by a professional, such as a home inspector or certified contractor who is experienced with gutters and has knowledge of proper installation methods. It's important that your gutters be inspected regularly , since they will have to have any necessary repairs done quickly, or else there is a great chance of them failing.