Without proper gutter maintenance, your home’s gutters can become clogged and cause major problems. If the water flow in the gutters is obstructed, dripping can ensue. As time passes, the persistent dripping can prompt cracks to form in the driveway. For this problem to be resolved it requires the driveway and gutters to be fixed. Regularly cleaning the gutters would have kept this from happening, and spared the homeowner from the costly repairs. Water leakage from the gutters can also create structural issues such as splitting the foundation of the home. Production of mold can arise due to the improper displacement of water. Eventually the water can seep into the attic and cause mold growth behind the façade of the home. Clogged gutters have the potential of causing extensive water damage to the inside and outside of your home.
There are also several common issues that can occur when gutter maintenance is overlooked. When leaves accumulate in the gutters, it can lead to the growth of small plants. This will cause further congestion and require more effort for cleaning. Sometimes the attachment covers for the gutters can cave in and will no longer prevent the entry of leaves. The cover can then separate the gutters from the house as well. Another problem is the hood of the gutter can fall, thus allowing leaves back into the trough.
It is important to keep an eye on the condition of the gutters in your home. To avoid destructive clogs, twice a year you simply have to climb up a ladder and discard of any leaves and debris that have amassed. The downspout in particular needs to be kept empty to ensure correct water drainage happens. If there is a clog, then mud and mildew can occur. The weight of the blockage can even make your gutters sag. Make sure all the spikes that are supposed to secure the gutters to the fascia board and into the rafter behind it are still working. After many years, most homes usually have spikes that completely miss the rafters. This is due to the spike wiggling out of the hole. For peace of mind that your gutters are securely fastened, it is a smart idea to invest in new gutter spikes. During a thorough inspection, check to see if the leaks are from fractured caulking in the seams. You can repurpose a chisel to remove the old caulking and once the area is entirely dry, you can then plug it with new bead silicon sealing. This will inhibit water from reaching behind the gutters and decaying the boards.
If you are sick of gutter maintenance, upgrading to a clog-free gutter system will ensure that you no longer need to worry about cleaning your gutters again. At Gilkey Windows & Exterior Solutions, we offer our Exterior Solutions Gutter System which will never experience any blockages and is guaranteed to never disconnect from your home. Clogged downspouts and underground plumbing troubles are also eliminated courtesy of the watertight system used. We are located in Lexington, KY and provide service to the surrounding area. Call us today if you are interested in replacing your gutters.
