When was the last time you had your guttering checked? If you can’t remember, then now might be time to get around to it.
Even though they’re ‘out of sight, out of mind’ most of the time, your gutters play a huge role in the sturdiness of your house. If your gutters are broken, the results can be serious. You could end up with structural damage, and the resulting damp can cause health issues for you and your family. Keeping them in good shape is a great way to avoid needing to repair your gutters.
At AXA, we want to make it simple for you to keep your home in shape. Read on to find out more about keeping your gutters well-maintained.
- What causes damaged gutters?
- How to fix damaged gutters
- Is there a long-term solution to gutter maintenance?
What causes damaged gutters?
When thinking about how to avoid gutter repairs, it's important to remember that clean gutters aren’t as easy to damage as blocked gutters. The two most common gutter related issues facing homeowners are blockages in the gutter itself, and blockages in the downpipes.
These blockages can be caused by debris like fallen leaves, moss and dead animals. One way to tell if you're in need of gutter repairs is to take a step outside while it's raining. If water is running down the side of your house, it's likely that your gutters are blocked.
Leaking gutter joints are another common problem. Leaks can occur when debris get caught in the joints, or simply from general wear and tear. If you’re experiencing damp in your home, it’s a good idea to check your gutters before you do anything else to see if that’s what’s causing the problem.
Another sign of damage to look out for is sagging gutters. This can happen when the gutter becomes weighed down by debris and standing water, or when there are rusty screws and faulty brackets. You can check them regularly when you clean your gutters. Check how sturdy the downpipe on the ground is. If anything feels loose, you should get this seen by a professional as soon as possible.
How to fix damaged gutters
If you have damaged guttering, the safest and easiest way to fix it correctly is to call in the professionals. They can advise on everything from clearing debris to repairing plastic gutter seams. If your gutters are made from a synthetic material such as PVC, make sure they don't use a metal scraping tool. This can cause further damage and lead to more costly gutter repairs in the future.
If they find a blockage, they will clear it before starting any repair work. Once they have cleared the gutter, they may aim a hose onto your roof to make sure the water's running freely. This will help you to identify any split or broken gutter seams. If they spot a problem, you may need to book some more extensive gutter repairs.
If you have leaking gutter joints, it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible. Sometimes, removing the section of guttering and cleaning between the joint can fix the issue, as dirt can force your gutters apart. If there are cracks, they need to be filled in with sealant. This works for both PVC and metal guttering. Begin by having the area that needs to be repaired cleaned, washing away any grime. Apply the sealant along the crack, ensuring that no gaps are left uncovered.
Is there a long-term solution to gutter maintenance?
It's recommended that you get your gutters cleaned at least once a year. The best time to do this is at the beginning of winter, after the autumn leaves have fallen and before the bad weather kicks in. This will reduce your chances of experiencing blocked guttering later on in the year. This also gives you plenty of time to book in those vital gutter repairs before it gets too wet and windy.
It’s also a good idea to do a quick check of your gutters in spring. Make sure that any large pieces of debris that have blown in over winter are removed. Check that all the screws are tight and that no brackets are loose. Gutters can be damaged by heavy snowfall and high winds, so it’s also wise to ensure everything’s in order after a spell of bad weather.
For added protection, you can install a gutter guard. These function as a filter, stopping leaves from entering your gutters and downpipes while still catching the water. Although the guards won’t stop all debris from entering your gutters they will keep the larger, more dangerous pieces from causing blockages, flooding, leakages and sagging. You should still have your gutters checked once a year, even with a gutter guard.
