Rain gutters and downspouts are a critical component in helping
to maintain a home and landscaping. The primary job of a gutter system
is to collect and carry away rainwater. Without a good water management
system in place, water can splash onto the siding causing staining,
paint chipping, or a potential for leaks into a crawl space or basement
area. Water can also cause soil erosion around the foundation.
Gutters
are often installed by gutter professionals, but can also be easily installed
by the do-it-yourselfer. Anyone can purchase gutter components at a
local home center or lumberyard fairly inexpensively. Ensuring that your
home's gutters are in proper working order is the first line of defense
for protecting your home against water hazards.
Here are the Top 7 Gutter Issue (In no particular order):
Issue #1:
A gutter has pulled away from the house or is sagging. Ferrules are
commonly used on most gutters to hold them in place. These can separate
from the siding over time and may need to be replaced. Additionally,
some installers may space the gutter mounting or hanging systems too far
apart which can cause the gutter to sag or pull away from the house.
Issue #2:
A leaky joint. Gutters can fail when joints between the lengths begin
to leak. Note that seamless gutters can also have leaks as well. Fixing a
leaky joint can be done simply by replacing with a new joint.
Issue #3:
Patching a hole. Gutters can develop holes through a number of
different ways. Branches and other debris are primarily responsible for
creating holes. Additionally, rust can eat through some types of gutters
and create holes. Holes can grow larger quickly so as soon as a hole is
detected, it should be patched. If the gutter is metal, then a metal
repair patch kit can be used on the damaged area. A tube of roofing
cement is an easy fix that can also be used for patching a hole.
Issue #4:
A gutter is not draining properly. The gutter could be sagging or it's
not sloping properly toward the downspout. Put a level on the gutter to
see if it is exactly level. Despite gutters looking even they actually
should be installed with a slight pitch to ensure that the water will
drain towards the downspouts.
Issue #5: Selecting
the wrong type of gutter. Choosing the right type of gutter can be
extremely confusing as the decisions include selecting the right size,
style, material and gauges. There are a wide range of options
available. Note that the normal house gutter is between 5 to 6 inches
from side to side. The gauge of the gutter is also important especially
in locations where weather can be harsh.
Issue #6:
Improper placement of the downspouts. This can cause gutters to do more
work and need repair faster. The proper placement of downspouts is
critical in having a good functioning rain gutter system.
Issue #7:
Dirty or plugged gutters. Each year your home's rain gutter system
should be inspected for leaks and debris. Cleaning the gutters out can
be done with a plastic gutter scoop that can be purchased inexpensively
at a home improvement store or cleared out with water from a hose.
When
properly installed, gutters can be a great line of defense against
water for any home. If not installed correctly, then gutters can damage a
house. There is a wide variety of gutter types ranging from copper,
aluminum, steel and plastic. You can also choose between seam or
seamless gutters. Hiring a professional is a good way to go to ensure
that you are providing the best line of defense of water protection for
your home.
