5 Signs that Your Gutters May Need Some Attention
Are you one of those homeowners who gets stressed every time there are a bunch of clouds in the sky? Is this because you know your gutters are going to make a huge mess and you’re going to have pools of water everywhere for days?
If this is the case, the good news is that the blocked drain plumber Canberra locals trust can also assess, repair, rehang, or replace your old and worn gutters and downpipes. How do you know when it’s time to call a roofing plumber for your gutter problem? We explore the signs to look for.Â
Understanding Why Your Gutters Should Be Working Optimally
You may think that it doesn’t make much difference if your gutters and downpipes are working or not. Afterall, the rainwater will eventually make it down to the ground, and the pooled water will eventually dry up. Right? Well, sort of.
Gutters and downpipes have a single purpose, and that is to guide rainwater away from the roof and down to the garden or storm drain. When your gutters are working optimally, they keep water away from the building’s foundation to prevent structural damage. This also prevents issues such as soil erosion, basement flooding, damage to roof components, and prevents water from seeping into your home via the roof cavity.
Watch Out for the Signs
Properly installed and well-maintained guttering systems can easily last for a maximum of 20 years. However, other factors, such as the type of material and level of rainfall in your area, can affect the condition of your gutters.
It’s also important to note that gutters don’t become damaged from one day to the next. With this in mind, our team of roof plumbers has compiled a list of the tell-tale signs that your guttering system may need repairs or even a total replacement.
- Gutters and Downpipes are Sagging
The most common sign that your guttering system needs attention is sagging gutters or downpipes that seem to be pulling loose from the walls. This is usually such an obvious sign that you will usually be able to see it from the ground without having to get up onto the roof.
Sagging gutters are caused by a build-up of organic materials such as leaves, twigs, and sand. Wind blows these items onto the roof and into the gutter, where they get stuck and create blockages.
Rainwater then falls into the gutter and cannot flow down the blocked downpipes. The weight of the water and organic debris causes older gutters to start sagging. Your first course of action can be to clean the gutters and downpipes with a hose or pressure washer. Alternatively, call your roofing plumber to assess the extent of the damage.
- Signs of Water Damage Around the House
Full or overflowing gutters will cause water to pool in some places. You’ll usually see this underneath the downpipes where the water isn’t draining away. A few other signs that could indicate water damage from gutters include the following:
- Paint has started peeling on the exterior walls and gutters
- Water stains on the walls and around the gutter area
- Mould forming on the interior and exterior walls, gutters, and on the ground in front of the gutterÂ
- The area around the downpipes remains wet, long after the rain has ended
- Gutters and Downpipes are Cracking
Another obvious sign that you should be able to see from the ground when you’re looking up at the gutters is signs of splits and cracks all along the gutters and downpipes. These splits and cracks may seem harmless if the gutters are still secured to the walls and roof. However, remember that water will leak through these holes and pool at the bottom.
- Signs of Rust and Corrosion
Gutters that have excessive water pooling inside them will eventually start rusting and corroding. Signs of this will be obvious all along the length of the gutter. This issue should be addressed, even if the gutters aren’t leaking, because rust will eventually weaken the gutter material, making it easier to break further. Smaller signs of rust can be treated, so be sure to refer the issue to your roofing plumber as soon as possible.
- Water Overflowing
Perfectly functioning gutters usually don’t overflow because the water flows freely to where it’s supposed to go. When gutters are full, they overflow and water spills into the roof space. This can cause water damage in the roof, which, if not treated, can flow down the interior walls. Cleaning the gutters is a good place to start to rectify this issue.Â
Final Thoughts
Gutters and downpipes are key components of your home’s drainage system, making them crucial to keep water from pooling against the foundation or from seeping into your home.
However, gutters are only helpful if they’re working properly. Be sure to keep an eye out for the telltale signs that your old, worn gutters may need to be replaced or repaired. Give your local roofing plumber a call to give your drainage system the assessment and care it needs!
