Gutters are important for protecting your home and roof from water damage. They also serve as the main drain of your property, moving rainwater away from your house to the downspout and into the ground. But over time, gutters can become damaged and need repair. This can cause costly problems for your home and may require a lot of work from professional gutter repair contractors.
The most common rain gutter problem is leaky gutters. They can be caused by a number of things including gutters that are loose or broken, rusted gutter fasteners, or damaged gutter joints. These can lead to a constant stream of rainwater leaking into your yard or foundation and could eventually damage the siding and windows of your home.
Leaks can be hard to spot, but it is important to find them and fix them before they cause extensive damage or expensive repairs. The best way to spot leaky gutters is to get a ladder and look up to the top of your home. If you can see a steady stream of water or a puddle of standing water on your roof, then you have a leaking gutter.
Another common issue with leaking gutters is the presence of small holes or cracks in the gutter. This is often due to rust and wear, but you can easily repair it with a waterproof gutter caulk or sealant.
Alternatively, you can replace your gutters altogether and get seamless gutters, which are custom-fit to your house.
The Proper Pitch
Your gutters need to be sloped so that the rainwater is directed smoothly away from your house. The correct pitch is a little over a quarter-inch per foot of runoff, but it depends on the size and shape of your roof. If your gutters are not sloped correctly, they can create a dam and prevent rainwater from flowing to the downspout.
It’s also a good idea to check your gutters regularly, at least twice a year. This will keep them free of debris that can block the flow of rainwater and cause clogs. It also removes soil, twigs, and other things that can play host to seeds and insects that can cause mold and mildew in your gutters.
Debris in the gutter can also attract pests like rats and mice that can spread diseases, such as West Nile Virus. It can also contribute to fungi growth that can make your gutters less efficient at their job of moving rainwater away from your house and foundation.
Warped or Sagging Gutters
Depending on the materials used to build your gutters, they can warp and sag over time from exposure to the elements, such as weather and temperature changes. It’s a good idea to have your gutters professionally cleaned and inspected at least twice a year by a professional local gutter company like Gutter Cleaning Wichita KS.
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