Although you
may not realise it, something as minor as a clogged gutter can have a
significant impact on your home. It's understandable that many of us probably
give very little thought to our gutters, assuming they are in good working
order, even when the rain sets in. Nevertheless, they are an integral part of
the home and do require some level of monitoring to ensure they are functioning
correctly.
Even
something that seems as relatively minor as a damaged guttering can wreak havoc
on your home, leading to a number of different problems such as foundation
damage, mould and mildew, and basement floods.These issues can be costly,
sometimes mounting up to thousands of pounds. The best deterrent against this
is to closely inspect your gutters on a regular basis. If you are uncertain
about the condition of your gutters, keep your eyes peeled for some of the
signs listed here - as you may require a specialist.
Sagging
in appearance
This can be
a huge indicator that your gutters are clogged up. The heaviness of the debris
can cause the guttering to bend in the middle and dip, creating a sagging
appearance. This usually means leaves, grit, and other general detritus have
gotten in there. This is very easily done but unfortunately means the guttering
will be ineffective at carrying water away from your home. The sagging
appearance is also an indication that the gutter brackets are becoming loose.
If you can’t actually recall the last time you checked on your gutters or
cleaned them yourself, chances are they’ll probably need tending to.
Leaks
Over time,
guttering can develop holes from sharp twigs or branches or even just general
wear-and-tear, thus can in turn cause leaking. If you notice water coming from
the gutter seams or end caps, you will require rain gutter repair. In some
cases leaking gutters can also cause window and door frames to rot, as well as
basement flooding - this can happen when the ground around your house becomes
oversaturated. A specialist will use a sealing agent to block up the holes or
damaged areas.
Peeling paint or rusting metal
If you’ve
noticed peeling paint or rusting metal down the side of your home, this is
another big indicator that you are experiencing leaking. When house paint
starts coming away, despite the fact that most paints are able to withstand
water damage, it's often because its been exposed to constant moisture. In a
similar sense, gutters can be vulnerable to rusting due to excessive rainfall;
while they may continue to work for a period of time, it is preferable to
install new sections before the metal can potentially break-down and shatter.
Internal mould/mildew or staining
In your
attic, if you have started to notice mould growth or water stains, this could
be an indication that the water isn’t draining correctly from the guttering.
Attic mould left unchecked can lead to structural deterioration and long term
damage to the roofs structural elements. The underlying issue is that mould
requires moisture to spread and if you have leaking guttering - this can be the
cause.
Unwanted pests
Common pests
such as squirrels, frogs and mice are often attracted to guttering systems that
are clogged. In turn, you may notice a lot more cats hanging around your
property - attracted to the pests or rodents. The moment you start visibly
noticing pests hanging around, this is a warning sign you may need gutter
repair.
At WR Leivers, we understand the importance of a
functioning guttering and know how problematic it can be when things go wrong.
That's why we have a team of expert craftsmen on hand to help you decide the
right course of action for you to take. If you want to find out more about
replacing your old guttering,
get
in touch.
