The gutters on your home do more than keep water from dripping on you when you stand under the eaves of your roof' they also are a vital component of your roof, siding, and foundation system. Gutters help route water away from the eaves of the roof so moisture doesn't work beneath shingles. They also prevent water from getting behind your siding or from collecting against the foundation. Another gutter benefit is that they protect border gardens and landscape from being damaged from the constant drip off the roof line. For all of these reasons, it's important to avoid the following gutter mistakes.
#1: Never cleaning them out
Gutters can collect all sorts of debris, from fallen leaves and twigs to bits of gravel from your shingles. Even covered gutter systems can get some debris inside the gutters over time, plus leaves can get on top of the covers and block water flow. Clean out the gutters at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Scoop any debris out of the gutters and then rinse them out with a water hose. Check the down spouts as well to make sure there is no debris in them that could also block water flow.
#2: Ignoring minor damage
Wind, rain, and other types of normal wear and tear can affect your gutters. Most common is a missing bracket or a bracket that is knocked out of alignment. If your gutters sag, check the brackets and replace or adjust as necessary. Also, when cleaning the gutters, make sure they are aligned properly beneath the eaves so water doesn't run behind or in front of them. Finally, pour water down the gutters and check for leaks. Even seamless gutters can develop a leak. If you find a leak, use a silicone caulk to seal it.
#3: Not inspecting the drain sites
Your gutter system may be primarily placed up above along your eaves, but it also stretches to below via the downspouts. Make sure downspouts are routing the water far enough away from your foundation so water isn't pooling near the house. You can simply use a downspout extender, including those that swing out of the way for mowing, to resolve any issues. Another option is to have a buried spout installed, which will dump the water straight into the nearest sewer or rain water drain.
For more help with gutter systems, contact a gutter contractor in your area.
Share15 June 2017
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