Pay Attention to Your Gutters

Paying attention to your gutters is one of the home owner’s most important tasks. It is definitely not a glamorous chore but it is essential to your home’s drainage. Gutters do more harm than good if they are debris filled or damaged. The roof drainage system of a home is composed of
  • Gutters which attach horizontally to the roof, they collect the roof water and direct it to the downspouts.
  • Downspouts are the vertical section of piping that takes the water from the gutters and leads it down to ground level.
  • The downspouts carry the water to Underground drainage or Extension/Splashblocks that carry the water away from the perimeter of the home.
  • All of the components of the home’s Roof Drainage must be intact and free of debris to work correctly. A block in any of the components can cause water to back up under the roof and enter the home. Severe damage can result from this condition.
  • Gutter System Inspection and Maintenance
  • The home’s gutter system should be checked at least twice a year. The gutter, downspout and extension sections must be attached to one another and clear of debris. Extreme care and safety must be followed when using a ladder to access the gutters. The gutters should not be cleaned from the roof top, it is unsafe to reach down and a fall could occur. Water can be sent down the gutters and downspouts using a garden hose to clear small blockages. Larger blocks probably will require sections of the downspouts to be dismantled and cleaned. Regular maintenance will help keep the drainage system clean.
  • Gutter Guards/Protection covers can be installed for a small price to help prevent leaves and debris from getting into the gutter system. The covers are available at most local hardware stores.
  • If you find yourself skipping or postponing gutter maintenance, hire someone to do it. The relatively small cost associated with maintenance can save a lot of aggravation and cost later.