Winter not only brings about cold but also heavy rain, ice, and snow. All these factors are the essence of rain gutters installation. The rainwater, melted ice, and snow have to flow from the roof to the gutters. The gutters then direct the water away from the building. Failing gutters result in water damage not only on the roof but your entire home as well. So, as you enjoy the warm summer, it is a good idea to prepare your gutters for the coming wet seasons of fall and winter.
Follow the following 5 steps, and your gutters will be winter-ready.
Check the rain gutters for debris
Leaves and dirt collect in the gutter. Accumulation of debris causes clogging in the gutter, causing uneven flow of water towards the downspout. Also, the accumulation of these debris damages the gutters. Remember, during the fall and winter there will be excess rain, ice, and snow. As a result, there will be a problem when this water flows down the roof and into clogged gutters. So, hire a professional gutter cleaning service before the winter comes in.
Also consider installing leaf guards, which, as the name suggests, prevent accumulation of leaves in the gutters. These can also trap snow and sleet during winter, thereby preventing gutter clogging.
Check the gutters for leaks
A gutter is definitely not serving its purpose if it is leaking. The most obvious signs of leaking gutters are stained facias. Some of the causes of leaks are corrosion of gutters, damaged joints, cracks, missing gaskets, and sagged gutters. Please note that there should be no space between the fascia and the gutter.
Checking for leaks is pretty simple. Pour water on your gutter and watch. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about leaks but call a professional to repair the gutters. If you ignore the leaks they will only get worse resulting in high costs of repair and even new rain gutters installation.
Clear the downspout
The downspouts collect the water from the gutters and direct it away from the building to a drain or water collection tank. Like gutters, downspouts also collect debris. Accumulation of such debris clogs the downspout. To check for clogging, force some water down the downspout. If the water does not flow down properly, the downspout needs cleaning.
Inspect the downspouts for leaks and other damage
Leaking downspouts cause water collection near the building, which might lead to damage to the building’s foundation. Remember, the water from the roof should land at least eight feet away from the building. Leaks are commonly caused by cracks and failing joints and they are best handled by the professionals.
Consult a professional roof inspector about your rain gutters installation
After performing all the checks, consult the services of certified roof inspectors. The fact that you noticed some issues in the gutter system is a sign that the problem could be far much worse. The inspectors will not only check the gutters but also the roof itself. Consider scheduling an annual roof inspection just before the onset of winter, preferably during the summer months.
Consult rain gutters installation experts!
Are your gutters prepared for the winter? The best way to know for sure is to get up there and take a look. If you are not the DIY type, professional rain gutters installation companies, such as The Rain Gutters Los Angeles, offer free roof inspections and gutter repairs at affordable rates.
