0800 484 353
Get A Quote
Menu

spouting

5 Most Common Gutter Issues

5 Most Common Gutter Issues

, , , ,

Gutters are usually ‘out of sight, of mind’, until there is a problem. Proper maintenance helps you protect your home and its value. Gutters are responsible for collecting rainwater and directing it away from the house. When they get clogged with leaves and debris they can’t do their job.

5 most common gutter issues that arise from ill-maintained gutters:

• Rot & Mould

In Wellington’s wet climate, mould is a common challenge we face. It can cause various health problems if it gets inside your house.

When water is not able to flow freely through your gutters and be drawn away from the house, the overflowing water drips down the side of the house. This can cause rot and leads to unsightly stains.

Often the cause for overflowing gutters is that they are clogged. When the leaves and debris cannot be flushed away, they begin to decompose. This creates an ideal breeding ground for mould. Keeping your home dry from both the inside and outside is the best ways to keep it healthy.

• Foundation Issues

As the gutters direct water away from the home and its foundation, they should send it to an area around your house that can absorb it or drain it. However, when the gutters are broken or overflowing and not draining efficiently, the water can start to pool. It may erode the ground surrounding your house’s foundation. A cracked foundation is a major headache for any homeowner. Repairs can be very costly.

One of the most common areas we see the direct effect of insufficient drainage is in the basement. Often they present with a lot of dampness. The biggest concern is that it takes a long time for the water to show an issue inside by which time the damage may already do done. Call us to inspect your downpipes and drainage. We can install additional sumps to help with drainage.

• Pests

Gutters are a magnet for insects, birds, mice, and other animals. Mosquitoes and other pests love nothing more than standing water. Debris-filled gutters can hold enough water to attract flies and mosquitoes. Warm and moist decomposing leaves are a rich source of food for many pests. Flies and mosquitoes make spending time outside unpleasant.

• Leaking Roofs

If you put off cleaning your gutters, your roof can and will leak. Water that doesn’t drain to the ground can accumulate on the roof, soaking through and causing significant damage. Getting the gutters professionally cleaned will ensure water is always directed away from the property. We can also let you know if we think you need a roof inspection or some maintenance work done.

• Driveway & Yard Damage

When it comes to your lawn and plants, too much water is just as bad as not enough. If your gutters are not draining properly, water can pool up killing delicate plants. Too much water which isn’t draining properly can cause slick mould to grow on your driveway and make it slippery and dangerous.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist

, , , , ,

The best way to prevent damage from clogged gutters is to stop it before it starts. Checking your gutters during autumn and spring is a great time to start. If you are not sure what to look for, we have compiled a healthy gutter cleaning and maintenance checklist. If you are not comfortable using a ladder or cannot access your spouting, then we recommend a professional gutter inspection. Call us to organise a gutter inspection and cleaning.

Here are a few warning signs your gutters need cleaning:

• Look for water pooling or boggy areas

Pools of water on your lawn or near a discharge point of a downpipe are signs that water is not draining properly. It might mean you need to look at the drainage, it may also mean your downpipes aren’t connected properly. Dampness under your house is another warning sign.

• Identify any dripping or overflowing spouting

Broken spouting can start dripping. Check for water marks around the spouting. Moss likes to grow down these drips so they should be fairly easy to spot. If there is any moss or mould on the bottom of the spouting that can also indicate an issue. Dripping spouting can indicate it is not correctly fastened or there is a break in the spouting. We can replace small sections and re-fasten it for you.

• Check your spouting and downpipes are draining

If water is not draining correctly, it means you have a clog or a leak somewhere in the gutters. Shortly after rain has stopped check to see of there is any water flowing out of your downpipes.

• Check joins for moss and mould

Whilst checking your runs of spouting for drips try and inspect the joins as well. Moss and mould growing around the join can indicate there is a leak. We can re-seal joins and replace them if need be.

• Check if the spouting is secure

Is it properly secured? Does all your spouting look like it is attached to the house? Does it need new brackets? It should not be loose. Wellington is a windy city and a big gust of wind may rip it off. We can install new brackets and re-secure existing spouting. Look for barge boards. As these disintegrate the compromise the brackets holding the spouting up.

• Signs of Animal Life

Are you seeing more bugs in your house? Hearing mice? These critters could be nesting in clogged gutters. Are you seeing birds bathing in the spouting? This could indicate there is not enough fall on the spouting.

When was the last time you cleaned your gutters?

Twice a year is recommended – once in the spring and once in autumn. But there are a few factors that might make you reconsider. If you have trees growing near your house, consider inspecting your gutters every 3 months.

Check our post for 5 most common gutter issues.