If your gutters aren’t functioning properly, water can pool in the eaves and drip down along the sides of the house, potentially damaging the wood, shingles and foundation over time. That’s why it is important to inspect your gutter system regularly, especially after a storm. If you can catch a problem before it worsens, your home will be safer and the repair costs less expensive. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to prevent a wide range of gutter problems.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters prevent rainwater from flowing as it should, which is a big deal. When water can’t flow freely through the gutter, it will fall directly against your roof, causing cracks to form over time. This can lead to more serious damage like rot, mildew and mold growth. Additionally, the water may seep into the walls and foundation, which can cause further damage.
Over the years, the weight of clogged gutters can also cause them to loosen or even pull away from the fascia and roof edge. This puts additional stress on the hardware and can result in a more serious problem such as complete failure of the gutter section.
The first sign of a sagging gutter section is the appearance of a visible gap or drop in the gutter line. This is a common indication of loose or missing fasteners or of the gutter becoming too heavy for its supports. It’s also a sign that it’s time to contact the gutter experts for a repair or replacement.
Another common gutter problem is downspout dislodging and directing water away from the house instead of over the roof, foundation or landscape. This can be caused by trees and branches falling into the gutter or by downspouts that become dislodged or disconnected from the gutter system. It’s important to keep trees trimmed and away from gutters to avoid this issue.
Gutter Leaks
A gutter leak is a very serious and costly problem. It can damage your gutters, corrode the metal and erode the support and foundation under them. Leaks can also cause ceiling damage and encourage the growth of mold, which is hazardous to your health.
Unlike other types of home repairs, it’s much easier and less expensive to prevent gutter issues than it is to fix them once they occur. If you know what to look for its easier to spot gutter issues and correct them before they become more serious. To learn more about preventing gutter damage, contact a reputable gutter expert like Woolley Gutter Experts.