The proper functioning of the guttering of a home or property is a given, isn’t it?
Whilst guttering may be the last thing on your mind, do not underestimate its importance. The proper maintenance of guttering and waterpipes not only will save your clients time and money in replacing the system in the future, but the well-being of their entire home. It’s maintenance should not be taken lightly.
Prevention is better than cure, which is especially the case with guttering. Regular gutter cleaning and inspection will prevent many of the more serious problems getting worse overtime, but nonetheless there will be a time when your guttering needs replacing. When signs are there for replacement, you don’t want to wait.
However, although aluminium guttering has a lifespan of approximately 20 years, if properly maintained this can span to as much as 40 years, a worthwhile investment to double the longevity of a guttering system.
So, what should you and your clients keep an eye out for?
Cracks or Fractures
Over time even the smallest cracks can turn into larger fractures that will create problems for the entire drainage system of your client’s building.
Large breaks should be dealt with immediately, but even small cracks shouldn’t be ignored. In winter and colder weather especially, this can be hugely problematic, with water turning to ice inside the fractures, causing them to expand and grow.
It is super important to keep an eye out for any leaks or obvious cracks, as it is much easier to replace a single section than the entire system.
Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters usually indicates that the brackets have come loose. Often this can be due to debris such as leaves that haven’t been cleared for some time, so during the winter months especially, check your guttering to ensure it is clear from blockages.
Sagging gutters can also be a result of incorrect gutter sizing or not enough support from the gutter hangers. Having fixings that are spaced too far apart can lead to sagging and increased weight on specific pressure points that can cause fractures and cracks.
If you do spot some sagging of your guttering, be sure to get it checked and rectified sooner rather than later to save you time and money later on.
Standing Water or Water Damage Marks
The main job of gutters is to channel water away from a building. Therefore, any standing water is not normal and should be rectified as soon as possible. Standing water could be a consequence of several reasons including blocked drains or improper fixings. Regardless, it is best to keep an eye on it and identify the problem as soon as you can.
Water damage marks include new mould or rust. Mould thrives in areas that are damp or poorly ventilated and will continue to reproduce by making spores that can lead to asthma and other airway symptoms. If you do spot mould in your loft or on your ceiling, this can likely be a result of faulty guttering and can cause serious damage if left unchecked.
Excessive rainfall can also cause rust which will eventually cause the metal to shatter and break, leading to expensive repairs down the line. If you can see visible rust on your guttering, seek to replace the faulty section to prevent further fractures and shattering.
Overflowing Water
Every time it rains is water coming out?
This is a sign that your gutters are overflowing. Perhaps they have been poorly installed, are not sloped correctly or are far too narrow for the style of your home. Regardless, guttering is intended to take water away from a building, not just collect and deposit it.
Soil Erosion
If the soil in the surrounding land has become less dense, it may be a sign it is getting too much water. Broken gutters will cause water to leak into garden areas, ruining the luscious green of a lawn, and leading to even more concerning problems for your actual property, as I continue to explain.
Problems With Your Foundation
If there is excessive moisture seeping into the soil underneath your home, the foundations will start to shift or crack. When a foundation of a property is compromised, huge problems can occur that will take a great deal of time and money to put right. Don’t leave it too late, if you start to notice problems, contact an expert immediately.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing problems with your guttering or require a replacement system, why not take a look at our range of products that could be the perfect fit for your project.
For any of your guttering needs, we can provide trusted help and advice along the way – especially with design and material choices. The key benefit to using HJA for your roofing and guttering needs is that we can provide a complete system from bespoke fabrications to soffits and louvres.
We would be happy to help you achieve a fully matching and integrated coping and guttering package for your next roofing project.
