With all of the heavy rainfall over Sydney recently it would find many people with their minds in the gutter. Most people don’t even think about their gutters until there is a problem, which can be extremely frustrating and downright expensive. The good news is that you can keep most gutter problems contained by staying proactive. Here are the most common problems that gutters can cause and how you can avoid them:
Clogged
One of the most common issues with gutters is clogging. Gutters can easily clog up with anything that either falls or is blown into them. Common debris found in gutters consist of leaves, insects, seeds, bird droppings, little sticks and other plant matter. When the debris build up and water cannot flow through the gutters properly it can cause excessive weight to the system, in turn, wreaking havoc on gutters and roofs. This can result in overflow, cracks, separation of joints and a number of other problems. The solution is easy: Regular checks and maintenance (please see further down how for instructions on how to check and maintain your gutters).
Leaks
Gutter systems sustain a lot of wear and tear over the years so it is inevitable that leaks and holes will develop. Loose fasteners are also one of the common causes of leaking gutters. Gutter damage such as holes and cracks can also happen in other ways including weather (storms or high winds). Fixing these leaks are usually straight forward, but there are times that more complex repairs will be needed and hiring a professional is necessary.
Firstly, to avoid wear and tear leaks it is recommended to regularly checking and cleaning out your gutters. If you are handy, a leaky gutter joint can easily be sealed up with some caulk and small holes may only need some gutter sealant. For larger holes though you will need a gutter patching kit, which can be found at your local hardware store.
Poorly Installed Gutter Systems
If gutter systems are not built properly there will be problems right from the start. This may happen if you attempt to install the gutters yourself or hire a company that use unskilled workers, leading to a risk of poor craftsmanship.
If your gutters are not pitched or angled correctly they won’t drain effectively and ultimately water will collect, leading to issues. The gutter pitch/angle is the amount the gutters slant downward to direct the path of waterflow, The angle of the gutter should sit at least a quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter. It is easy to check to see if your gutter is pitched correctly. All you will need to do is get up on a ladder after some rain; if you see still water, you’ll likely need to adjust the pitch. Sometimes this can be achieved by just bending the gutter into place, otherwise you may need to reinstall the hangers, which is a much bigger job.
Not only do your gutters need to be pitched at a precise angle, but the downpipes need specific direction also. If your downpipes are too close to the home, this can result in pooling water around the home. To avoid this it is best to install your downpipes so that they extend several feet from your home.
If you feel like your gutters aren’t working like they should or you have noticed a leak contact Nathan from Proline Roofing on 0491 626 595 for a free quote today.