Many people overlook that their rain gutters need regular maintenance. As important vehicles that transport water off your roof through downspouts, they serve a critical function to the health of your home. Without maintaining them, the water that the gutters would carry would drain too close to the sides of your home, leading to internal water damage and basement flooding. Here are some signs that will help you realize when you need to perform gutter maintenance:
If your home is made from siding, keep an eye out for any fading in the siding. This is because when there are leaks in your gutters, water can drain down the sides of your home and onto the siding. This will cause the paint to fade and increase the risk of water seeping into your home and damaging the inside of your home.
Overflowing water from your rain gutters can also be determined through soil erosion and plant damage. This is especially dangerous because not only is the water draining too close to the side of your property but it is most likely able to enter into your basement where flooding can occur or worse a crack in the foundation.
Instead of waiting to see damage begin to occur in and around your house, be vigilant and perform visual inspections whenever possible. Take a walk around your home and look for any damaged supports or brackets - these can fall off or slouch away from your home, affecting the way water is drained in your home.
If you feel comfortable and able, get on the roof of your home and inspect your gutters up close. Be sure to rest your ladder on the side of your home and not the gutters themselves. Gutters are made of thin metal and can be easily dented if you place weight on them.
In addition to doing visual inspections and looking out for major issues, the best thing you can do to extend the life of your rain gutters - and save you thousands of dollars in the long run - is to clean them out regularly. This is especially important in the autumn and spring when debris has built up in your gutters. The more debris in your gutters, the easier it is for water to overflow in your gutters, leading to water damage in and around your home.
Moreover, debris-filled gutters can pull the gutters away from the side of your roof. This can cause your gutter to completely fall off the side of your home, causing physical damage to your home as well as water damage.
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