October 1, 2014

Home Inspection and Maintenance Tips: Gutters

When doing regular home maintenance, don’t forget to check up on your gutters. Even if you’ve invested in reliable gutter protection systems, it’s still prudent to check your gutter surface and downspouts for clogs, leaks, cracks, or other damage. Here are some tips you can follow when running through your gutter maintenance routine:


Look for Leaks
Inspect the area between the gutter and the fascia (the long, straight board that runs along the edge of your roof) and look for any tiny spaces that could cause rainwater to seep into the interior of your roofing system. Check the spikes and hangers for signs of wear that suggest they might be in need of repairs or replacement.
Pooling Water
Pools of water permeating anywhere within the gutter surface could indicate inefficient draining. Look for bent or missing gutter hangers or clips and have them replaced as soon as possible, because it could be that the gutter is sagging due to the lack of support from the missing hangers. Replace damaged or missing hangers before the next heavy rain is expected to arrive.
Check Drainage
Confirm that the gutters drain well. Check to make sure that the elbow joints where the downspout ends aren’t loose or detached, so that rainwater will be efficiently facilitated away from your home’s foundation.

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