Your gutters play an important role when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. They are used to channel water away from your foundation and home to avoid moisture problems. Your gutters need to be in top condition in order for them to perform their job properly. If you notice issues with your gutters, you will need to get them repaired immediately.
Common Gutter Problems
Below are the most common gutter problems homeowners experience.
Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters are a common problem. If you leave them untended, both downspouts and gutters will get clogged with debris and will end up being useless. The extra weight of twigs, leaves and standing water will make them pull away from the surface. It’s important to have them cleaned once annually and if you have a lot of surrounding trees, twice a year.
Leaks and Holes
Gutter joints that leak can be caulked and sealed with gutter sealant from the inside. This will usually cost you around $5. You can use the gutter sealant to fill in small holes, but the larger holes will need to be patched. Typically, you will find a gutter patching kit at your local hardware store.
Incorrect Gutter Pitch
You have to ensure your gutters are accurately pitched towards the downspout for them to flow water properly away from the foundation. It is recommended that you have a pitch grade of a minimum of 1/4 inch for each 10 feet. You can look for standing water following a rainstorm to measure the gutters’ pitch. If you notice that you still have standing water even if your gutters are clear of debris, this indicates an incorrect pitch.
Gutters Pull Away from your Home
If you notice your gutters sagging or pulling away from your house, they need to be replaced or could use new hangers. This is normally a simple repair; however, it’s better to call in an expert to do the repair. In some cases, the gutters’ weight might be too much for hangers. This weight will increase as your gutters become filled with standing water and debris and will cause them to pull away and sag.
It can be dangerous cleaning gutters by yourself. Having to get on the roof or climb a ladder is dangerous. In fact, in the United States, over 130,000 people each year receive treatment for ladder-related injuries. To reduce your time spent on ladders and lower your risk of injury, keep your gutters maintained and cleaned. It is also important that you have homeowner insurance to cover the costs of any damage.
