Keep Your Gutters in Working Condition This Winter
A gutter is a shallow trough that is fixed under the edge of a roof and is used for carrying off rainwater. The gutters and downspouts help in diverting the water away from a house and protect the foundation of the property from the impact of pouring water.
The winter season comes with a lot of excess debris and weather conditions that are hazardous. During the winter season, gutter cleaning is very important. For gutters to perform properly, they should be clear of any debris or leaves etc. The following are some of the ways which you can take care of your gutters during the winter;
Clear Debris from the Gutters
Gutter maintenance is the most important task during the colder winter months. To ensure that your gutters are debris free, you may wish to employ some professionals. Here at Gutter Maintenance, we provide a five-star service when it comes to keeping your gutters clear.
Installing Gutter Covers
Gutter covers help cut down the need for removing debris from gutters. Despite this, you should still perform regular inspections on the gutters. To do this, you can use a ladder, gloves, and a gutter scoop. Also, be sure to pay close attention to the corners of a gutter as well as the junctions where it is more likely for leaves to gather.
Downspouts and Diverters Should be Checked
The water from the gutters should be redirected to a place approximately ten feet away from the foundation of a house, and on a slope. Once done, check that the water flow doesn’t form a pool and flow away from the house. Another thing to keep in mind is, if the water coming from the gutter is diverted into a rain barrel, then the downspout should be detached.
Inspect for any Structural Damage
When inspecting, you should check if the fascia, foundation, and siding have any signs of staining or other damages that are water-related, such as rotting. If there are any signs of damage, check to determine the main source of the flowing water and perform the necessary repairs that may be mandatory in domestic guttering maintenance.
Check the Seams and Anchors
Another issue you should check for are leaks. Make sure that the gutters have been attached firmly to the house by the gutter spikes. There should be no gaps that are visible in the space between the fascia and the gutter.
Rake up all leaves
Having layers of leaves on the ground surface of a home tends to form an unpleasant sight and can be very damaging to the gutters. When these leaves are decomposed, they tend to hoard pests and diseases on them. These decomposed layers of leaves can then be blown away by the wind and get lodged in the gutters. This can then lead to blockages, and if they are not checked and cleared they can cause the structure of the home to rot. It also makes gutter maintenance more stressful and relatively expensive in the future.
The domestic maintenance of gutters can be a stressful task even during the summer periods. However regular inspection and maintenance of the gutters can help relieve this stress. So, if you have any questions or wish to contact us, visit our contact page or call us on 01869 277 100.