Fall is a true test for your rain gutters and downspouts. If they’re not in good shape, you could have a real mess on your hands once the leaves (and the rain) start falling. Let’s take a look at what can go wrong with gutters, the damage that can result and what you can do to prevent it.
A good gutter and downspout system is necessary to keep your home dry and free of rot, mold and mildew. The gutters are meant to collect the water that flows off your roof, but they often collect more than that.
CHAIN REACTION
Most roofs are covered in asphalt shingles, and the granules that make up the outer coating can slough off and deposit themselves in your gutters. These, along with falling leaves, branches and other debris caught in a stiff fall breeze, can clog your gutters and your downspouts. The immediate result of a clogged gutter is backed-up rainwater that spills over the edges of the gutter, making puddles around your foundation that could cause your basement to begin leaking.
Over time, if the gutters are not cleaned, they can begin to sag and bend and even separate from the house. Your gutters are carefully angled toward your downspouts so water flows easily through the system and is carried away from your home. If they fill up with debris, they become heavy, and most gutters are not strong enough to withstand a load of wet leaves.
GET AN INSPECTION
If you suspect your gutters are clogged, schedule a cleaning ASAP, and have them checked at that time to make sure they are fastened securely to the house and that they are not bent so that water collects in them even when they are clean.
Nonfunctional gutters can leave your roof, soffits and fascia vulnerable to rot, since the water has nowhere to go. A routine maintenance chore can turn into an expensive fix if parts of your roof have to be replaced due to rot, or if any part of your home’s interior becomes contaminated with mold or mildew due to the constant presence of moisture.
QUALITY WORK
You know you should have your gutters cleaned, but did you know the biggest reason for gutter problems is improper installation? It’s critical to have an experienced professional install your gutter system. If you have already had the friend of a friend, your brother-in-law or a fly-by-night company install yours and now you are concerned the job may not have been done right, schedule an inspection.
Renovation by Burbach, the exterior remodeling experts, knows how important gutter systems are to your roof — and your entire home. If your gutters and downspouts need to be replaced and have done damage to your home’s exterior, call Renovation by Burbach today for a free estimate on restoring your home’s beauty and functionality.
