An operational gutter system is an important part of every homeowner’s arsenal. When gutters function correctly, they help prevent costly problems that are caused by rainwater. Some of the issues are damage to the siding and foundation of a home, and mould and mildew growth caused by damp. Gutters can also protect your garden from erosion.
Therefore, gutters should be maintained regularly to ensure your home stays in great shape. If you neglect your gutters, it can be a costly mistake, but luckily when it comes to gutter repairs Melbourne has excellent gutter professionals who are just a phone call away.
Let’s dive into a few reasons why gutters leak and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Gutters Leak
An obvious reason for leaks is holes. Sometimes the screws that are used to secure the gutter to their mounting can get loose, causing water to leak around them and out their holes. Another cause of holes is rust in the case of older gutters made from corrosive metals.
Leaky joints and end caps are two more reasons that gutters leak. This can be caused by sloppy installation or using an inferior product, long-term neglect, exposure to the elements or simply age. Once gutters get older, leaky joints become a regular problem.
Another reason gutters can start leaking is when water can’t flow and it ends up pooling. This can happen when there are blockages or if the gutters aren’t sloped properly, leading to overflowing or damaged gutters.
Before You Get Started
Before starting this cleaning endeavour, make sure you have the necessary equipment and safety gear. The most important are a pair of heavy work gloves and safety goggles. You will also need a way to reach the gutters, so get a sturdy ladder or scaffolding. Having another person that can hold the ladder in place is a good idea.
Most importantly, use common sense while doing this maintenance. If your gutters are more than a story high, you are afraid of heights, or it’s raining and slippery, don’t do it. Rather call a gutter professional to do this task — after all, your safety is more important than the gutters.
How to Maintain Your Gutters
Step 1: Clean Out Any Debris
When plant material starts to build up in gutters, it traps water and creates an attractive habitat for bugs and rodents, plus the rotting debris can damage the gutter. Once gutters are clogged up, water can’t flow the way it should, and they stop working.
It’s important to make sure you clean out your gutters at least every six months, and if you have a tree that sheds a lot or you live in a high rainfall area, cleaning should happen more frequently.
Start by scooping out debris with gloved hands into a container. Be extra careful of nesting rodents and birds when cleaning out years of debris. Sometimes a tool like a plastic shovel is handy to dislodge stubborn dirt or chase wildlife away. Do this until most of the gutter is cleared out. Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to clean out any remaining dirt and leaves.
Make sure that the downspouts are flowing freely. A spray with the hose should dislodge most blockages, otherwise you might need a tool like a plumber’s snake to break it down.
Step 2: Inspect for Damage and Leaks
Once you have cleaned out the gutters, inspect them for leaks and damage. Walk around the house and check for signs of holes, rust, or leaks. Use the hose to fill the gutters with water and check where there is water dripping out.
Once you start seeing rust, it is a sign your gutters have reached the end of their lifespan and should be replaced.
Step 3: Secure the Gutters
After you’ve cleaned the gutters and are satisfied that they are in working order, make sure they are secure. Fastenings tend to loosen over time and a loose gutter poses a serious safety risk, especially when it gets weighed down with rain.
Securing them will also prevent the gutters from sagging which will cause water to stand and eventually clog up.
Step 4: Replace Your Gutters
Even with the best upkeep, gutters have to endure the worst of the elements, wear and tear, and blockages, and this inevitably leads to disrepair.
If you have done all that you can to maintain and fix it, perhaps the time has come to replace them.
Consider installing aluminium or vinyl gutters. They won’t rust, can be painted, and will give you many years of good service. They also tend to be budget-friendly, and as a bonus, new gutters will improve your home’s curb appeal.
In Conclusion
Gutter maintenance is one of those home maintenance projects that is easy to overlook. However, without the proper care, it can cause a lot of avoidable problems that can be quite costly to fix. As the age-old truism goes, prevention is better than cure, and that is definitely true for gutters.