The guttering around a property serves an important function. As a homeowner, maintaining the guttering so that it works efficiently is one of your many responsibilities. As the guttering is exposed permanently to outside weather conditions, this can have a detrimental effect on the guttering and prevent it from effectively doing its job. There are some common faults that develop with outside guttering; let's take a look at them and how to fix the problem.

Damage After A Storm

Inclement weather can cause objects to collide with the guttering. Falling trees or branches can sometimes shatter sections of the guttering, or heavy snow storms can weigh down some parts of the guttering and cause them to snap. It is important to check for any damage to your guttering after a storm. In most cases, only a section of the guttering will need replaced. Once you have a replacement section of gutter and a secure ladder, remove the brackets (or screws, depending on what type of guttering you have) holding the damaged section in place. Fit the new section into place, and use the fittings that came with the new section to secure it.

Standing Water

Another common problem that can develop is the build up of water on a section of the gutter. The most likely reason for this is that the nails used to secure the guttering to the fascia have slowly been working their way loose over a period of time. The nails, which are affected by the heat and cold, continuously expand and retract. This weakens them, and can affect the pitch of the guttering. To fix this, you should remove the affected section of guttering, and expose the supporting nails (known as gutter spikes). Remove these, and replace with gutter screws; a screw will not work its way free like a nail will. Reposition the gutter so it has the correct pitch to allow water to flow over it, and secure back into place.

Faulty Downspouts

It is important to ensure that the downspout is fit for purpose. As it carries away the accumulated water from the roof, it needs to be in good order to be able to do its job. If you have a dent or crack, replacing the section is easy. Once you have the replacement piece, unscrew the brackets holding the damaged section in place. Next, position the new section in place, ensuring that it is flush and will allow water to freely pass. Once you have secured the brackets back into place, the repair is done.

Ignoring damage to the guttering of your property could end up costing you a small fortune to repair the consequences; it is always better to fix issues as soon as you notice them. For more information, contact a company like O'Boyles Roof Plumbing.

Share