Repairing gutters is an expensive task, but not repairing them is not an option. Gutters perform a vital task for your home. They keep water away from your home’s foundation which prevents water damage inside as well as your landscape. It’s important to prevent damage to your gutters to make sure they’re in tip top shape. Gutter Cleaning in West Kelowna or gutter cleaning in Lake County isn’t a fun task. But wherever you are, it’s important to your home’s well-being. To see how your own gutters are doing, here are some signs your gutters are not performing up to standards:
Water Leaks – The next time it rains, take a walk around your home and check to make sure water isn’t leaking from your gutters. Or if you don’t want to be outside in the rain, take some water on a sunny dry day and pour water into your gutters to see if they leak.
Cracked Gutters – Take a close look at your gutters for cracks or holes where water can escape. Inspect the joints and the structures that attach the gutters to your home. If your gutters are sagging or falling off your roof completely, then it’s definitely time for repairs. Make sure you take a close look at special areas where you have electrical wires or cables. You want to make sure there are no leaks or cracks in these specific spots in your home.
Moisture, Mold or Mildew – Extra moisture in your home creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. The presence of mold and mildew makes your home unsafe for you and your family. The root of the problem could be leaky gutters.
Moss – It’s great if you can catch it before it gets out of hand. Green dots and discolouration are early signs of moss growth. Moss creates extra weight and clogs gutters. Like any other material, it can cause water to overflow or leak from your gutters.
Rotting Roof or Peeling Paint – These signify that water is going places where it shouldn’t be. Which means your gutters aren’t doing their job properly. A rotting roof or paint peeling from your home are signs of water damage.
Performing an inspection yourself is a great first step. Remember to be safe when you’re on a ladder. If you do notice some of these signs, hopefully it’s not too bad. Perhaps your gutters just need a good cleaning instead of a full repair. If you need gutter cleaning in Kelowna or in the surrounding areas, contact ArmourGrade for a free quote.
There are ways to prevent damage and one of them is to clean your gutters regularly. Hiring professionals to clean your gutters in Kelowna is the hassle-free and easy route. But if you’re the do-it-yourself kind of person, here are some tips on what to do if you notice any of the common problems we mentioned above:
Be Safe – We mention it a lot in this blog, but we can’t stress it enough. Wear good shoes, use a sturdy ladder, and always err on the side of caution if you decide to clean your windows or your gutters.
Preventing Moss – Before moss spreads to your gutters, use some elbow grease and scrub them off your roof with a soft-bristled brush. You can prevent the growth of moss by trimming branches near your gutters. Moss thrives on shade so the more sun they get the better (for you).
Handle your Gutters with Care – Use tools and materials that do not damage your gutters. Poor handling or using the wrong tools can add to your repairs and lead to a big headache.
Use the Proper Sealant – Don’t cut corners when sealing those pesky leaks on your gutters. The tube of caulking that you have on hand may be useful around your house, but it won’t work on your gutters. Get to the hardware store and buy a sealant made for your aluminum, zinc, copper or vinyl gutters.
