Pay Attention to Your Gutters

Paying attention to your gutters is one of the home owner's most important tasks. It is definitely not a glamorous chore but it is essential to your home's drainage. Gutters do more harm than good if they are debris filled or damaged. The roof drainage system of a home is composed of 

1) Gutters which attach horizontally to the roof, they collect the roof water and direct it to the downspouts. 
2) Downspouts are the vertical section of piping that takes the water from the gutters and leads it down to ground level. 
3) The downspouts carry the water to Underground drainage or Extension/Splashblocks that carry the water away from the perimeter of the home. 

All of the components of the home's Roof Drainage must be intact and free of debris to work correctly. A block in any of the components can cause water to back up under the roof  and enter the home. Severe damage can result from this condition. 

Gutter System Inspection and Maintenance 

The home's gutter system should be checked at least twice a year. The gutter, downspout and extension sections must be attached to one another and clear of debris. Extreme care and safety must be followed when using a ladder to access the gutters. The gutters should not be cleaned from the roof top, it is unsafe to reach down and a fall could occur. Water can be sent down the gutters and downspouts using a garden hose to clear small blockages. Larger blocks probably will require sections of the downspouts to be dismantled and cleaned. Regular maintenance will help keep the drainage system clean. 

Gutter Guards/Protection covers can be installed for a small price to help prevent leaves and debris from getting into the gutter system. The covers are available at most local hardware stores. 

If you find yourself skipping or postponing gutter maintenance, hire someone to do it. The relatively small cost associated with maintenance can save a lot of aggravation and cost later.