3 Common Gutter Issues and How to Deal with Them
We all know how busy life can get, and with that happening, sometimes the status of your gutters can go unnoticed until it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. In fact, most of us don’t commonly think about our gutters at all. So, why are they so important?
Let’s discuss.
The sole purpose of your gutters is to help control the water coming down from your roof and away from the foundation of your home. You want to keep this in good shape because the foundation is the structure that keeps your home together. In order for that to stay in good shape, you need to maintain your gutters and clean them out on a regular basis. While gutters may not seem to be at the top of your priority list, perhaps you should put them up there, because choosing to ignore or neglect them can cause you a lot of stress down the road. When it comes to your gutters, there are three common issues that you should be looking for.
Leaks/ Holes
The most common issue that we see in this area would be leaky gutters. It can happen to any home, even the new ones. This issue can happen very easily, but it is also a simple fix. You can use gutter sealant to caulk the seams and repair any leaks or holes that may appear. Although, if the hole is larger in size, then you’ll want to patch it. All of these materials can be found at your local hardware store.
Pulling Away
There are a few reasons as to why this happens; a commonly known issue would be loose fasteners. When a gutter is attached to the roof with materials such as nails or screws, they tend to pop out over time due to conditions of the outside. If you notice any missing screws, it can be a cheap replacement and simple to do.
Downspouts Pointing the Wrong Way
The downspout of your gutters should always be extending several feet away from your home. If it’s not, it’s ultimately pointless for the gutters to be there because they aren’t doing their job correctly. Ever see someone dealing with a flooded basement? Their issues may have begun with gutter not doing the job it’s supposed to. For extra reassurance, you can purchase a gutter extension, which runs about four or five feet, and keeps all of the water away from the foundation of your home.
Does your home not have gutters or you see multiple pieces missing? You may want to consider investing in a new system. The cost can vary depending on what type of material you choose to use, but the overall cost that you’ll be saving from protecting your assets will pay for itself over time. As always, we’re here if you have questions. Our website is also available to you here. We hope that you’re having an excellent start to the new year!
Thanks,
-New Look Roof Team
For any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at jwest@newlookroofs.com, we hope you have a great day and thanks for reading!
- Julian