Maintaining your gutter system is the most important thing you can do to prevent water damage to your home.
As a homeowner who values their home, there is one thing that can easily be overlooked, but can drastically affect the value of your property -- and that is having a properly functioning gutter system.
In this post, we'll cover some of the common gutter problems that we see with our clients and how to fix them.
Don't overlook the importance of having a quality functioning gutter system.
Mishaps in your gutter system can cost you thousands of dollars in damage to the foundation of your home.
A good functioning gutter system can protect your property, and save you money and stress from having foundational water damage done to your property.
Common gutter problems we see include:
Clogged Gutters - Your gutter system should be cleaned at least once a year, or twice a year if you live near a lot of trees that can clog the drainage system with leaves and debris. Some property managers have their gutters cleaned four times a year! Keep an eye out on your drainage system and decide how often a cleaning should be done for your property. If you don't mind the mess, you can scrape the gunk out yourself or hire a cleaning serves to maintain your property for you.
Sagging Gutters and Gutters Pulling Away From The House - Gutters are not meant to last forever. The hot and cold weather alone can warp the metal. Gutters made from vinyl, aluminum, and steel tend to expand during the hot weather season and contract when the weather is cold. To reduce warping, some manufacturers galvanize steel gutters or line aluminum gutters with a non-corrosive coating. While this helps to some extent, other factors can still affect the stability of the gutters and cause sagging. Installing gutters properly and keeping them free of debris will help prevent gutters from sagging and pulling away.
Rust, Leaks, and Holes - The National Association of Home Builders states that aluminum and steel rain gutters have a lifetime of up to 20 years. Considering, this is if you put forth the effort of regularly maintaining clean gutters as they brave the natural elements through the decades. Leaky gutters are virtually useless. Though you can temporarily patch the holes, this is only a short-term fix. When you notice leaks, it is time to replace the system.
Improperly Pitched Gutters - A gutter system without a slope will result in days and days of water sitting stagnant, making your system useless and damages the integrity of the metal causing rust, leaks, and holes. Have an experienced professional install your gutter system to ensure proper water runoff.
Downspouts Draining Too Close to The Foundation - The point of your gutter system is to direct storm water away from the foundation of your home. If the downspout drains too closely to the building, this can cause rapid damage to the building. With professional gutter installation, the water should be directed away from the building.
Having No Gutters At All - If your house is missing gutters, consider investing in them. The cost depends on the material. Most residential gutters are aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. A gutter system will help protect your property and preserve your neighborhood; allowing your assets to gain value in time, and not lose value through foundational property damage.
If you're in Oklahoma and needing gutter installation or repair, book a call with us for an ESTIMATE and allow our experts to take care of your home.
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