Rain gutters represent an important piece of your home’s defense against the elements. During a rainstorm, your home’s gutters handle the runoff from the entire roofing surface and drain it away from the home – a significant job indeed.
Gutter maintenance is critical to the longevity of the roof. The gutter system, in coordination with your roofing, protects your home’s siding, windows, doors, and foundation from water damage, and helps keep your basement from flooding.
Rain Gutters: 5 Fall Maintenance & Repair Tips
Like any of your home’s many systems, rain gutters require maintenance and occasional repair. And, with fall on the way, now is a great time to make sure your gutters are properly functioning. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Clear leaves & debris. Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Clogged, dammed drain outlets lead to overflowing gutters, and may even pull the gutters loose. Avoid clogged gutters from forming in the first place by installing a gutter guard protection system, or grab a ladder and clear your regular gutters from all the accumulated debris, before fall rains start.
- Evaluate the gutter angle, making sloping adjustments as necessary. Properly installed rain gutters are slightly sloped toward the downspout, allowing water to drain efficiently. Improperly sloped gutters will result in pooling, which over time will rot or corrode your gutters. An easy way to test the slope is by spraying water into the rain gutters with a hose (do this only after cleaning your gutters to avoid potentially clogging it and making things worse). The water should flow smoothly toward the downspout – if it doesn’t, you may need to fasten a diverter that will better control the flow. Additionally, improper location of downspouts, or not having enough of them, can lead to standing water and overflows during heavy rains.
- Inspect loose gutters or gutters pulled away from the structure. If water pools in your gutters for any reason, the weight of the water may, over time, loosen the fasteners and allow the gutter to pull away from your structure. Loose gutters can be fixed by installing fascia hanger brackets. To check the integrity of your gutter system, an annual inspection is recommended.
- Check for leaks and holes. Using a garden hose, spray water on your roof to see if your gutters are leaking. If you don’t have seamless gutters, your system may begin to leak at aging seams. Leaks started at those rusty spots may be repaired with silicone sealant. Be sure to seal both the inside and outside of the gutter. Small holes can be easily repaired with roofing cement, applied with a putty knife. Larger issues may require more serious repairs such as replacing the leaky section altogether.
- Inspect downspouts. Inspect your downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear. If your downspouts are joined to fascia boards, ensure that they are firmly attached.
Call Professionals For Help!
For expert advice and an inspection of your home’s gutter system, contact the professionals at All Roofing Solutions. Family owned and operated Delaware and Pennsylvania roofing contractor with 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, we have the experience and expertise to handle your gutter replacement & repair needs. After examining your gutters, we will offer you maintenance tips, quote required repairs or discuss your other needs!
Protect your home by scheduling a roofing & gutters inspection/maintenance today – call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania or request a Free Quote online!