The average water damage claim is $10,000. This could be from burst pipes, but it could also be from water damage to your roof. One of the most common ways your roof suffers water damage is from gutters that aren’t working properly.
You can easily prevent water damage to your home by maintaining your home’s gutters. You just need to know what to look for and how to address your gutter’s issues.
Look out for these s5 Common Gutter Problems and Their Easy Fixesigns of gutter problems in your home.
1. Clogging
The whole purpose of having gutters on your roof is to direct water away from your home. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, they cannot do this. If your gutters are overflowing, then it’s likely that they are clogged.
This is the most common issue homeowners face. Thankfully, it’s one you can fix yourself. Climb a ladder and pull whatever is blocking them out.
2. Leaking
Gutters eventually develop cracks and holes with age. An obvious sign that your gutters are leaking is if you see water coming out of the gutters anywhere along the line. You may also begin to see water damage on the roof or side of your home if it’s a long-term leak.
You can fix your leaky gutters by caulking the small holes. For larger holes, you’ll want to use a patch. You can buy caulk and patching kits at your local hardware store.
3. Damage
If you experience severe weather, then you should check your gutters for physical damage. High winds and tree branches can damage your gutters. Inspect your gutters after a storm and look for signs of damage.
Minor damage is easy to repair and can be done on your own. Extensive damage requires the help of a professional. They will come and re-hang the gutters in their correct spot.
4. Wrong Pitch
The pitch is the slope of the gutters and is essential for directing the water away from your home. If the pitch is wrong, water can pool instead of draining. Gutter drainage problems are obvious if you see standing water on your roof or in the gutter.
If your gutters have this issue, then it’s best to contact a professional. They will adjust your gutters to the correct pitch. This may require one piece to get fixed, or it could require the entire gutter system to get rehung.
5. Hanger Issues
The hangers are the brackets that hold your gutters to the house. These metal straps can become loose, damaged, or corroded. You know you have hanger issues if your gutters are sagging, change pitch, or stop draining water properly.
If your hangers are just loose, then you can retighten the hardware yourself. However, if you have more extensive hanger problems, then it’s best to hire a Diligent Exterior Remodeling service. They will come in and replace your hangers and get your gutters back in draining shape.
Fix Common Gutter Problems
By keeping an eye out for these common gutter problems, you can address any issues right away. This will prevent your home from suffering from even greater moisture damage. Periodically check your gutters by walking around your home and looking at them.
Check out our other home and roof articles for more helpful advice on maintaining and improving your home.
