Designed to push rainwater away from your roof, as well as prevent a multitude of structural issues, your gutters are likely a lot more important than you think. If like many, you can’t remember the last time you had your guttering checked, then it could be incredibly important to get around to doing so.
Even though they are “out of sight, out of mind”, allowing your gutters to become blocked could result in some incredibly serious and expensive problems.
No matter whether your gutters are iron, plastic, or any other material, having them cleaned at least annually will keep them performing properly and lessen the likelihood of any expensive problems in the future.
Read on to find out more about the importance of guttering, the problems that a blocked gutter can cause, and how to avoid it.
What Causes a Gutter to Become Damaged or Blocked?
If you are looking to avoid gutter repairs as much as possible, there is one simple thing to remember. A clean gutter will always be far less likely to get damaged than a blocked one.
In fact, two of the most common gutter problems that homeowners face is in fact caused by a blockage.
These gutter blockages are often caused by various debris such as fallen leaves, moss, and twigs. So, one simple way to tell whether or not you are in need of gutter repairs is to go outside when it’s raining.
Have you noticed water running down the side of your house? Or is the guttering sagging? If so, it is likely that your guttering is damaged/blocked.
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What Gutter Problems are Most Common?
As previously mentioned, having blocked guttering can cause a variety of potentially expensive issues with your property, including;
- Damage to the foundations of your home; A blocked gutter can cause water to run down the walls of your home, instead of being rerouted down the drain, and collect around the foundations.
This water can lead to further issues such as erosion, weakened walls, and cracked foundations.
- Broken gutters; If your gutters are blocked, the water collected in them will cause an incredible weight, potentially leading to your gutters bending to even breaking away from your roof.
- Damage to your walls and ceilings; Having blocked gutters can also cause leaks to appear inside your home.
The collected water inside the gutters will begin to rot away the wooden fascia boards along the edge of your roof and therefore moisture will creep behind into your home.
- Insect Problems; Nobody likes to have mosquitos and other insects flying around their back garden and home, yet did you know that the water sitting in your blocked gutters can create the perfect breeding ground for insects and other pests.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?
It is recommended that you should have your gutters professionally cleaned at least twice a year. However, this will depend on a variety of factors such as where you live, the weather, and the age of your home.
If your house has a lot of trees that overhang it, then you should aim to have your gutters checked over for blockages commonly, especially if you have had particularly bad weather recently that could have blown a lot of debris into your gutter.
We understand that the last thing you want to spend your weekend doing is clearing your gutters, but unfortunately, it has to be done.
Though, not clearing your gutters will only lead to costly problems. Though due to the nature of the job, it’s a good idea to call on the help of a professional.
Not only is it a frustrating job, but it’s also a risky and time-consuming one. Having a ladder at roof height could end up causing a serious injury.
Signs that Your Gutters Need Emptying
Some of the most obvious, telltale signs that your gutters need emptying include;
Plant Growth
Take a look at your gutters and look out for any visible plants sticking out of the top of the guttering. The most common plant to grow out of your guttering will be weeds and grass.
Due to the amount of sun and water these plants will receive and all the silt that collects in your gutters, the plants will have an ideal space to grow. They’ll be able to root and before you know it, you’ll have tall chunks of grass to deal with.
Leaking Gutters
If you have noticed water starting to leak over the top of your guttering then this is a definite sign that your gutters need emptying. The water will be overflowing as it can’t flow down the drain.
This overflowing water will then flow down the side of your property, which is the last thing you want to happen as a homeowner.
Sagging Gutters
If you have noticed that your gutters have started sagging, then this can be another sign that you need to empty your gutters and potentially even repair them.
Gutters will sag due to the weight of muck, leaves, moss, and silt mixed with large amounts of water which gets increasingly heavy.
Stains and Damp Patches
If you have noticed any signs of either stains or damp patches then this could be caused by standing water. Standing water could lead to costly repairs due to rotting fascia boards and internal and external damp issues.
Having Your Guttering Repaired
By highlighting the multitude of issues that can be caused by a blocked and broken gutter, we hope that we’ve made it clear that investing in gutter repairs is important and can potentially help you to save a lot of money.
If you are looking to have your gutter repaired, then it is vital that you choose a reputable company that you can trust, such as The Roofing Company Bristol Ltd, who provide gutter repairs Bristol. They will be able to give you all the expert advice you need and answer any questions you may have.
