Fix Gutter Slopes and other Gutter Problems

Do you want to protect your home from water damage? Then make sure to pay proper heed to the gutter. The gutter is your first line of defense. Even the smallest problem in your gutter can create havoc in your house. So always make sure to clean it and to also have regular check-ups. This will keep your gutter healthy. Often times, when you forget to get it repaired or hold timely inspection, the gutter can cause various problems which can further lead you through a frustrating road. However, being proactive could solve many of these problems. The most common problems that can be found when you deal with the gutter are as follows:

LEAKS

This can take place anytime, and anywhere. The leaks can be treated easily if identified in time. But why do leaks happen in the first place? There are various reasons behind it. Such as loose fasteners are one of the causes when they fastened to a roof with hangers and screws, they can pop out anytime. Cracks and holes are another reason for such leaks. Mostly, such situations are found in a metal gutter.

GUTTER JOINT SEPARATION

Caulk and glue are not very strong adhesives to join two gutters together. You will need to use rivets for separated gutter sections. However, the most common cause for such separation is due to clogs and debris that gets accumulated in the joints. The joints are vulnerable to the weight of water and clogs in the system.

IMPROPER SLOPE

House owners hardly pay attention to the sloping of a gutter. If one hires a professional they will always tell you the importance of an angled slope. A slope is the most important part of the gutter, if not angled properly it can cause myriad of problems like it will pool in the system and water will spill over the sides. You can always try to fix the problem yourself, but it will be better if you consult a professional for the same.

BAD DOWNSPOUT DRAINING

Sloping is important but the location of downspouts are equally important. If they are too close to home, it can result in pooling around the house. Make sure to always direct them away from the house. Closeness will only lead to the creation of puddles.

NATURAL ELEMENTS GROWING IN YOUR GUTTER

If your gutter gets enough sunlight along with rain, be sure to find a garden growing in your gutter. You will find wild plants, seeds, birds dropping and debris that will lead to clogging your gutter. It can also create extra pressure which will weigh down your gutter and cause joints to separate. It is therefore essential to have a routine inspection of your gutter.

ICE DAMS

Those homeowners who live in cold climate areas are to face the problem of ice. When water melts and reaches the gutter and then freezes, it creates an Ice dam. It again weighs down the gutter and pulls it away from the house. The hardware of your gutter begins to wear down which could destroy the attic sometimes, so make sure to insulate the attic too if a similar situation arises.

CLOGGED GUTTER

Apart from leaks, Clogging is another problem that can be found in the gutter. Due to wind and rain, often the gutter gets clogged by debris, insects, leaves, pine needles, and other plant life. When water gets clogged, the gutter has to bear additional weight which may result in cracks, separation of joints, gardens growing in the gutter, and a number of other problems.

Always try to keep your home protected with the help of a properly designed and well-built gutter system. Also by being more proactive and by conducting an inspection regularly, you can save your house from being flooded. If you do not have the time to do it yourself please feel free to call gutter protection companies that will help clean and protect your gutter.