When you have old gutters installed, you don’t like it when its the rainy season of the year. It’s hard because you feel uncertain if your old gutters can carry the weight of the rain water pouring from your roof. Each gallon of rain water weighs 8 pounds, and your gutter, when full, will be carrying the weight of many gallons so if you are not taking good care of your gutters then we have a problem. Remember, it is not the age of the gutter you should be concerned or even obsess about, it is how you were able to care for it counts in the heavy rain season.
When your gutters are poorly maintained, you will definitely experience water seeping into your walls which will then result to a catastrophic flooding and a major home damage. This damage will definitely affect your floorings, your appliances, your electrical wirings, and others.
So, how do you prepare for the rainy season? Here are some tips to prepare your gutters:
1. Make it a habit to inspect your gutters regularly.
The schedule usually depends on the weather and the presence of trees in your area. For harsh weather conditions, you can do it once a week to once a month. If the weather in your area is just fine, then you can opt to do it every quarter or every year. Make sure you are flexible with your schedule, since we know that weather changes every season. When you do your inspection, focus on the downspouts, the gutter slope, and the installation. And, if you see standing water, you have a problem.
2. Clean your gutters.
Gutters can get clogged which will bring the rain water to pour over the edges and down along side of your foundation and if the installation is poor, it can get inside your ceiling then your walls. There are many things that can clog gutters and downspouts, common examples are leaves, roof debris, small branches, and toys. Clean your gutters regularly from anything that can cause clogging. If you feel your gutters need cleaning every day due to various conditions, you might want to consider installing gutter leaf-guards to ensure your gutters stay clean.
3. If you see problems, have an expert make the final diagnosis.
The gutter expert should confirm issues you’ve observed or encountered during your inspection. They know better. Remember seeking professional guidance is always the best, since experts are very knowledgeable and can provide the best solutions to address your gutter concerns.
4. If your gutters need repair or an overhaul, choose only a trusted guttering company and the best guttering material.
Hire only those companies with license and work permit because: (a) they always comply with state housing authority’s standards and restrictions; (2) these companies also have accident insurance coverage to protect their workers and protect their customers; (3) they train their men for work; (4) they use standard gutter materials also accepted by the state housing authority; and (5) their project bid is reasonable as it follows the state regulations. Currently, the most recommended material for gutters is the PVC (a strong plastic).
If you follow these simple tips and if you start caring for your gutters now, you’ll know the next time it rains, each drop will bring a smile on your face.
