Guttering maintenance is one of those chores that most property owners put off. And it’s understandable. After all, for most of us, our gutters are far from an easy reach. The problem is, whether you have RoofArt guttering for your home, or fibre cement guttering for your agricultural buildings or warehouses, if your gutters don’t function properly year-round, it can lead to a range of expensive problems. So, what do you need to do to keep your guttering in good condition as we move through the year?
How to Maintain Your Guttering in Each Season
Spring
Spring is one of the UK’s most changeable seasons. It can bring blazing sun, strong winds, heavy rain, and even snow. And it’s the latter two that you really need to focus on when it comes to gutter maintenance. If your gutters can’t cope with the excess water flow, they could easily damage your property. So:
- Clean gutters thoroughly: Over winter, there’s a good chance that leaves, twigs, and other debris may have accumulated in your gutters. Clear this out to enable optimum performance.
- Check for leaks or cracks: Leaking gutters can cause significant damage to your building’s foundation by allowing water to seep into the walls. So, if you see any signs of leaks, cracks, or holes, they should be sealed with waterproof sealant. If the cracks are large, you may need to replace that section of the guttering. This is an easy process with RoofArt’s modular system.
- Inspect downspouts: Downspouts should always direct water at least 3-4 feet away from the foundation. Check that yours haven’t moved or broken. If necessary, extend them with a downspout extension.
- Check guttering is properly attached: Over time, the hangers and brackets attaching gutters to a home can loosen. This will eventually weaken your entire guttering. So, tighten or replace any loose fastenings.
- Check drainage: Run water through your guttering system to ensure proper flow and drainage. Standing water can add damaging strain to a gutter.
Summer
The summer is the period where your gutters will experience the least stress. However, in warm, dry weather, gutters can accumulate dust, leaves, and other debris. Which means that when the rain does come, they can quickly block. So, you should:
- Inspect for blockages: A heavy summer storm or wind can easily fill your gutters. It’s a good idea to check them regularly and clear away any debris to prevent blockages.
- Check downspouts: Over time, downspouts can also become blocked with debris. Summer is a good time to check for obstructions. You can do this with a garden hose or a plumber’s snake.
- Check for rust and corrosion: Depending on the type of guttering you have, it may develop rust over the years. By treating any rust spots and touching up the area with appropriate paint or sealant, you can expand the lifespan of your guttering. This won’t ever be an issue with fibre cement or FlowPlast PVC industrial guttering, and is unlikely to occur in steel guttering if it is fully galvanised, as with RoofArt. Although it also always pays to use galvanised hangers.
- Check gutter guards: Not everyone uses gutter guards. But if you have them in place, you need to make sure that they are secure and functioning fully.
- Check for standing water: If any water becomes trapped in your guttering, it can lead to sagging and damage. So, make sure that your gutters are properly pitched.
Autumn
Autumn is the time when the majority of gutter problems occur due to the falling leaves. So, if you don’t do anything else, make sure you run through these autumn guttering checks. So:
- Clear leaves and debris: Fallen leaves and twigs can quickly clog your guttering system. This can lead to water overflow. And could fill your guttering with standing water—if that then freezes later in the year, the weight could be very damaging. So, check your gutters regularly.
- Inspect gutter seals and joints: With the winter ahead, autumn is a good time to check for any loose seams or cracks in your gutters. Clean and reseal the joints where necessary to prevent leaks.
- Check for sagging: Over time, guttering may sag or pull away from the house. Tighten your fittings and replace hangers as needed.
Winter
In winter, ice and snow can be your biggest guttering problems. With freezing temperatures, ice dams can build up in your guttering. It’s important to stay on top of this to avoid leaks and damage.
- Inspect for ice dams: Where any ice has built up, clear it, ensuring a free flow of water. You may also need to check your drains for ice.
- Clear leaves and debris: Hopefully, you’ll already have done this in autumn. But it’s still a good idea to check for any leaves and debris to prevent blockages.
- Check gutter pitch: Gutters should always have a slight downward slope toward the downspouts to promote efficient drainage during snowmelt. If yours have slipped, adjust your hangers.
Gutters help to keep your home healthy. By staying on top of gutter maintenance, you can ensure they function properly, protect your home, and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Are you looking for new guttering for your home? Visit Southern Sheeting.
