Having gutters on your home is essential for keeping it in good condition. However, if they’re not properly maintained, you can end up with a lot of problems. Here are some of the most common gutter issues and how to fix them.
Improper Pitching
Gutters need to be pitched toward the downspouts for the water to flow properly. You want at least a quarter inch of slope for every 10 feet. Get on a ladder after a rainstorm and look in the gutter; if there’s standing water, it’s not pitched properly.
To correct this yourself, you’ll need to measure from the peak to the downspout. Snap a chalk line between the two and find the spots where the gutter is out of alignment. You might be able to push it up into place by bending the hanger. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to take a section down and rehang it. If you have seamless gutters, call the company that installed them to correct the problem. Source: HouseLogic
Clogging
What you’ll need: Wire brush, gloves, hose
It’s recommended you clean your home’s gutters twice each year—once in the spring and once in the fall. This helps prevent the buildup of leaves, sticks, and other debris. To clean gutters, remove debris from gutters by hand while wearing gloves. Use a wire brush to loosen stubborn accumulations. Rinse gutters with a hose to remove remaining dirt and leaves. Source: BHG
Leaking
When a storm hits, you may look for missing shingles or broken glass, but don’t forget to check your gutters as well. If neglected, leaky gutters can slowly erode the underlying support and foundation. Remember, you should check for damage directly after a storm to make sure the water is draining as it should.
Solutions
Once you’ve noticed a leaky gutter, fixing it would be easy. If the hole is small, you can apply a bit of plastic cement using a putty knife. If the hole is larger, you can cut a strip of flashing to cover the hole and secure it by applying cement to fix the gutter leak. Source: DesignBuzz
Need help in maintaining your home’s gutters? Call us for a free estimate!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
