Gutters and roof maintenance and repair can keep the dwelling beneath it dry and secure. Here are some things to think about.
Gutter and roof repair chores can be curtailed substantially if homeowners do a bit of preventative maintenance. Remember the saying: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This saying is true in almost every situation and household maintenance is no different. The roof of a home is a crucial component of the structure. In fact,
many individuals don’t even look up at it or notice it until something goes wrong. Gutters fade into the scenery even more than roofs because they are designed to blend in and be unobtrusive. But each of these structural parts plays a key part in keeping the house beneath it in shipshape. Leaks can lead to damage of property and the building itself. Pooling water can also lead to mildew and mold which in turn can lead to diseases in the inhabitants.
Gutters may be made from metal or plastic. They are designed to catch the flow of rain or melting snow from the roof and force it to flow away from the structure. Some are set up to deliver the water into receptacles for use in watering the gardens. Some also have covers that keep the products clean and free of debris such as falling leaves, branches and dirt. Clogs inhibit the flow and can lead to leaky structures.
Materials that roofs are constructed from include asphalt shingles, metals such as aluminum or steel, slate, timber shakes, and durable clay tile. Shingles come in various grades and a rainbow of colors -- the higher the grade, the longer the products’ longevity. Examples are 20, 25 and 30 year life spans.
In order to keep roofs and gutters well maintained, here are some steps that should be taken.
- Regular inspections: Performing regular inspections is important. Hauling out the ladder and climbing up there will be necessary. Homeowners should look for gutters that are rusted or separated; shingles or tiles that are loose, missing or in disrepair. Any issues that are found must be repaired right away.
- Sweep roof: Always bring a broom up top and sweep any leaves, branches and dirt that have accumulated.
- Clean out any debris: Use that broom to sweep around the gutters, too. Running a hose down the gutter to wash away clogs will be a wise move. These pipes must have clear pathways in order to allow for proper drainage during and after a storm.
- Check metal flashings: Flashings are designed as an extra layer of protection from leaks. If any of these metal devices have become loose or blown away, they must be replaced or reattached right away.
- Look for problematic shingles or tiles as well as loose parts: Those that appear dried out, cracked or have become loose are signs of trouble waiting to happen. Cracking and dryness is a telltale sign that the products are nearly worn out.
- 6 months to a year: At a minimum, visual inspections should be performed every 6 months to one year. More frequent inspections will be necessary if there’s been wind, storms or other severe weather patterns.
- Look inside, too: Check the inside of your home for signs of leakages. Are there any damp, bulging or discolored areas on the drywall walls or ceiling? Dark spots point to trouble on the roof or within the guttering systems.
Gutter and roof repair can be prevented with regular inspections and maintenance. These systems are designed to protect the entire dwelling beneath them if the homeowners just stay on top of their chores.
