The Importance of looking after the Guttering

If you did a survey of homeowners and asked them how many checked their guttering on a regular basis the answer would not be that many yet it is a vitally important job to do.   Rain gutters are there to protect your home from damage by water.  They are a very necessary part of your home and need to be kept free of debris to allow the rain water to run and flow freely the whole time.

During autumn and winter it is a good idea to check the gutters on a monthly basis.  Look for any items like acorns, leaves and even small branches or twigs that might inhibit the flow of the water.  This is extra important if you have foliage or trees growing nearby.  The maintenance of your gutters is important all the year round but more especially during these two seasons. 

So what is all the fuss about?  Well, the gutters are there to do a job and must be allowed to do it properly.  If they become clogged up there are several ways they can cause havoc to your property.

To begin with debris can stop the water draining away from the façade and foundations of the house.  Any water that gets backed-up can enter the infrastructure of the property with the result that if it is not dealt with can corrode the walls, foundations and any basement that is present.   Structural repairs that will follow will cost substantial sums of money.

Also, the debris if left to build up can cause a sludge-like slimy material to form which can in time weaken the gutter and cause damage that way. Consequently the water will not drain as it should.  If the dirty water spills over the side of the gutter it will take the sludge with it and the property will be subjected to large dirty stains.

Another problem can come to the fore in icy and snowy weather.  In the UK we may not suffer as much as in say, America, but if the roof is covered by a lot of snow and it starts to melt quickly from the heat from the home then any water rushing into already debris filled gutters can easily re-freeze, creating more damage from overflows of ice.  Icicles are formed and although very pretty on postcards are not good for the home.  The weight of many icicles can put pressure on the gutters.  You do not need to be a brain surgeon to work out the next move for the gutters – downwards. 

One of the main items necessary to help you clean the gutters is a step ladder or an extending ladder if your roof is high.  If you are not keen on doing this job yourself then look up in yellow pages for a reputable company or individual to do the job for you.  Even if it costs a few pounds this is an essential job that should not be left or forgotten.

Rob Stone writes articles on Home Improvement which covers many areas including DIY Conservatories as well as a range of Lean To Conservatories and their prices available online.