It’s one of a homes most neglected, yet essential items-gutters and downspouts. If your home doesn’t have them, you run the risk of eroding foundations, flooding basements or causing exterior wall damages. But if you have gutters and you let them fall into disrepair or they are improperly installed, roof leaks can easily happen, causing serious repair problems that can end up costing you a fortune. Prevent minor gutter and downspout problems now and you’ll prevent major repair problems in the future.
I often see the damaging effects of improperly installed or poorly maintained gutters and downspouts. From the complete erosion of monolithic slabs footings to a total disintegration of soffit and fascia boards, these easy to prevent “home destroyers” often happen simply because of neglect. That’s why I put together this list of problems to avoid when installing and maintaining your gutters and downspouts, so homeowners can stop the damaging effects of gutter neglect themselves, long before they have a chance to start.
1. Get Several Estimates- If you’re not going to install the gutters yourself, be sure that you get several estimates so you can get the best deal on your gutter installation. Also, always check licensing, insurance and three past references to ensure you get the best gutter company for the job.
2. Seamless or Not? – Seamless gutters are pressed from one solid sheet while a non-seamless gutter is put together in 10-12′ sections. The difference is one is less likely to leak, but if damages occur to a seamless gutter, the repair costs can be staggering.
3. Checking for Slope- Your gutters should never be level. They need to slope towards each downspout. Be sure all gutters slope towards the downspout and make adjusts as necessary to ensure proper water flow is achieved.
4. Sealing Seams- Even seamless gutters have seams where the downspouts connect to the gutter. Seal all seams regularly with outdoor silicone or butyl caulk to prevent leaks.
5. Invest in a Screen- Leaves and other tree debris is a constant menace to a gutter system. Prevent major clogs by investing in an aluminum or vinyl gutter screen so debris washes off the roof and not into your gutters.
6. Mold can Mean Leak Troubles- When maintaining your gutter system, check seams and screws for signs of mold, mildew or rust as these can all be signs of leaks and must be sealed to prevent more serious damages.
7. French Drains- If your soil doesn’t percolate water very well and it seeps into foundation and basement walls, you may have more serious troubles at hand. Prevent water runoff from being a concern around the perimeter of your home by attaching your downspouts to a French drain system.
8. Go Green with Rain Barrels- Save money and the planet by using rain barrels for your gardening, car washing and lawn.
9. Annual Maintenance- Be sure that at least once a year (preferably in fall or spring) you inspect your gutters and downspouts for any loose pieces, stains, leaks or sagging gutters and make repairs as soon as possible to prevent further damages and repair costs.
10. Check for Loose Granules- It’s a sure signal that your shingle roof is past its prime-loose shingle granules clogging your gutters or downspouts. Call a roofing contractor right away and you can bet that you’ll need new shingles soon.
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