Gutters may be the unsung heroes of a property; most home owners barely give them a thought but in fact they could help prevent potentially costly damage to your home.
Guttering systems are designed to direct water from your roof and protect your windows, doors, exterior walls and even the foundations of your building from damage caused by water. It is estimated that one inch of rain will result in 500 gallons of water running off your roof; if your gutters are clogged, leaking or broken, this water can stream down the exterior of your house and pool on the ground at the building’s foundation.
Broken or damaged guttering can lead to a range of issues, such as flooding, foundation damage, mold, topsoil erosion, staining of a building’s exterior, and paint damage. Protecting your home and preventing expensive repair bills is surprisingly easy.
Taking care of your guttering
Ideally, you should have your guttering checked and cleared twice a year: in Spring and Autumn. If you have experienced particularly strong winds in recent weeks, it may be worth casting your eye over your guttering, regardless of the time of year; addressing minor issues such as a damaged bracket could prevent major issues in the future.
A good guttering specialist is relatively low cost and they will clear your gutters while checking that they are in good condition, and not pulling away from the house. If you are clearing your gutters yourself, make sure the downspouts and drain are also clear and intact. If you have iron guttering, look for any rusted spots; with plastic or iron guttering, be vigilant for rusted screws, cracks and disconnected joints.
If you do notice damaged or loose guttering, contact a guttering professional to address any concerns before they become more serious. When you are replacing damaged guttering, it is worth checking your fascia boards too; they may need to be replaced before you install new guttering. If you are in doubt about the best materials and course of action, consult a reliable trader. Contacting a guttering specialist may seem like an unnecessary cost, but when it comes to protecting your home, it could be a worthy investment.
If you are looking for a local trader to clear your gutters, or repair your guttering and fascias this Autumn, consult our directory of vetted, rated guttering specialists near you.
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