One of the most important components of any home or business property is the gutter system. While most individuals rarely give much thought to their selection, this system serves as a protective barrier between your homes interior and the outside elements that Mother Nature has to offer. Initially, many people obviously think of the gutter being used to help track water away from the home as it runs off the roof, but these units not only serve their purpose during the spring and summer months but are of equal importance during the winter. As the snow piles up on a roof and begins to melt, the same units are required in order to help remove this excess water. In addition, a properly installed system can help to eliminate the potential for ice dam build ups, another area of concern once the temperature begins to drop.
Having a full understanding of how gutters and downspouts work isn’t a necessity, but achieving a general grasp of the concept can help individuals to realize just what an important part these systems play in home protection. Depending on the age of your current property, gutters may be one thing you haven’t even given a second thought to but could be in need of replacement. How do you know if it’s time? Consider each of the following for an individual analysis to derive a general view of the possibility for replacement or perhaps ordering a professional inspection may help. Depending on what deficiencies are noticed, it may be possible to have only a portion of the entire system repaired in lieu of a full replacement.
Visible Deficiencies
In a general overview, one of the most prominent indicators that replacement is warranted includes the observance of cracks or holes. No matter where these occur, the pieces in question need to obviously be replaced. Depending on the severity of the situation, this could warrant a full replacement. Not only will cracks and holes allow for debris to potentially clog the gutter system but they also create areas where the water can escape in close contact with your home as opposed to being moved away from the property.
Clogs are typically only visible from the roof level, but larger obstructions may be seen from the ground. Obviously, safety is the first priority when completing any such inspection but if you do notice something overhanging from the side of the gutter then it needs to be addressed. Keeping the gutters clear and free of debris will aid in ensuring they function properly when needed.
Fastener Issues
Fasteners, also known as clips, are the brackets used to attach each gutter to the home. These are periodically spaced throughout each linear surface at varying increments in order to securely attach the complete system to the property. If you happen to notice screws or nails lying around the yard near the overhangs of your home or visibly witness a loosening or broken bracket then replacement or repair is necessary.
Separation or Sagging
Older systems utilized unmeasured pieces of guttering cut to fit at certain points but overlapping in other areas. These areas become subject to separation as time passes and can create issues, including the need for replacement. Advances in technology have led to seamless gutters which offer distinct advantages over their older counterparts. In the event of bracket issues or obstruction, the gutter system may also begin to sag. If your guttering isn’t lining up with the roofline then further inspection is warranted as this lowering indicates there is an issue with the part.
Unlevel
Keeping the gutter system running on an effective pitch is extremely important in helping to remove water away from the home. If you witness the above mentioned sagging or an entire section which appears to be off kilter, then further inspection is warranted in order to determine the issue at hand. Once derived, a decision can be made on if the section or system should be repaired or replaced.
Downspout Issues
The downspout is a vertical component of the gutter system which carries the water either into a drain or away from the propertys foundation. Working in similar fashion, these particular pieces are enclosed completely making them more difficult for inspection. If a clog or some type of backup occurs, then it largely goes unnoticed until there is another issue. Fortunately, you can inspect these regularly with a water hose by watching to be sure the water flows evenly into the downspout and then wherever the exit is away from the home.
Flooded Basement
Gutters or downspouts not functioning properly are flooded basement common causes. If you are experiencing water in your basement following heavy rains then having a professional inspection of your gutter system completed or installing a new model may eliminate the issue. Ineffectively removing water away from the foundation could cause this water to be leaking through the lower levels of a home and should be remedied immediately before causing too much damage.
Overflow
In the event you are able to complete a quick walk around the building during a rainstorm, or even take a quick look out the windows of your home, and view something akin to a waterfall it signals an issue. Once water backs up in the gutter it will then overflow the side instead of being removed via the downspout. This indicates an issue and should be addressed or inspected once permissible.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we can handle any and all gutter, roofing, or siding needs for your home. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof and gutter installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or now construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your gutters, roof, or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!