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.
