The gutters and downpipes in your home’s roofing system seem to play a simple role in collecting and disbursing the water that lands on your roof. This simple task can be hindered when you forget to keep up with regular preventative maintenance. In this article, Queensland Sheet Metal is giving you helpful tips on how to maintain gutters and downpipes in your home.
Potential Damage from Broken Gutters and Downpipes
It’s important to understand how crucial these fixtures are in your home. Without properly maintained gutters and downpipes, your home could be at risk of:
- Cracked foundations
- Damaged landscaping and gardens
- Settling porches, sidewalks and driveways
- Rot, mould and mildew
- Damaged insulation
- Termite and mosquito infestations
- Vegetative growth in clogged gutters
Solving Clogging Problems with Gutters and Downpipes
The most common issue with roofing systems is clogging. Leaves, seedlings, sticks, debris and nests all contribute to this prevalent issue. As debris builds up over time, the gutters become too full to handle the flow of water. The water will then spill over the edges and eventually cause costly damage to your home’s structures and electrical systems.
Cleaning your gutters is a relatively simple task. All you need to do is safely climb a ladder to access the gutter, scoop out any debris that you can see and dispose of it. Finish the job by flushing the gutters and downpipes with water from your garden hose.
Patching Holes in Your Gutters
If you’ve cleaned your gutters but you’re still noticing water damage, you could have a problem with leaking holes. If water is leaking out through holes in your gutter, you will need to patch them with roofing cement. Clean the interior surface of the gutter with an abrasive brush or pad. Use a putty knife to apply the roofing cement to the affected area, smoothing away any excess cement. Apply as many layers as you need to ensure the hole is appropriately patched.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Gutters and Downpipes?
You should be checking, cleaning and maintaining your roof gutter and metal downpipe at least twice a year. If you’ve experienced heavy rains, always check the gutter immediately afterwards for signs of damage. You may need to upgrade your roof’s drainage system to ensure it is strong enough to withstand Queensland weather conditions.
When gutters and downpipes are faulty, the easiest and most cost-effective solution may be a complete replacement. If your gutters are sagging, installing new gutters made from higher quality materials will prevent these issues from occurring in the future.
To discuss your needs with our expert consultants, get in touch with Queensland Sheet Metal. We can assess the condition of your gutters and make appropriate recommendations to minimise how much maintenance you’ll need to focus on in the future. Call us on 1300 926 074 or request a quote online.