It’s usually autumn and winter we think of when we imagine issues to do with guttering – falling debris, flooding etc. This is when the heavy rain and cold will be putting your guttering to the test the most. That’s why neglecting your gutters in summer and the lead up can cause you problems – and anything to do with guttering can prove costly in the long-run.
Let’s look at why it’s so important to get a grip on your guttering.
Blockages Can Lead to Overflow and Water Damage
Yes, in theory there won’t be as much rainfall over the summer, but this is the UK and nothing is ever set in stone when it comes to weather! There can be freak flash storms and rainfall which means that your gutters won’t function well if there are any blockages.
Debris from the previous months could be clogging up your guttering, which means there’s an accident waiting to happen:
- If you experience heavy rainfall then overflowing water can then cause structural damage.
- Staining on brickwork or rendering can start to look unattractive.
- Damp can spread into your property, which can be really difficult to rectify once it starts.
Stagnant Water Attracts Pests
Stagnant water is pretty gross, it smells and can be very unpleasant. You might not even notice it’s hiding in your guttering, but trust us, you’ll start to smell it after a while! Blocked gutters will start trapping water and you guessed it, make it stagnant. In summer months this can attract all sorts of creepy crawlies and in general, things can start to smell more in warmer weather – not ideal!
- Attract an influx of uninvited guests like mosquitoes, midges and other insects.
- Birds and rodents might spot nesting materials in your guttering.
What starts as a simple blockage could soon turn into a mini David Attenborough documentary!
Plant Growth Takes Hold
Plants can quickly start to grow and take hold in guttering which can start leading to structural instability. It’s amazing how strong plants are, so neglected guttering could buckle under their pressure. Seeds and plants will thrive in moisture if left for too long.
Weeds, grass and small saplings can start growing rapidly and before you know it there’s even more of an issue with blockages.
Gutters Can Sag or Break
The weight of debris, water and plants can put strain on your guttering, as well as the fact that materials can expand in the summer. This doesn’t add up to a good ending.
- Sagging sections that aren’t functioning properly and draining
- Cracks and splits in the gutter causing leakages
- Structural damage
Missed Opportunity for Early Repairs
Neglecting issues in the summer chance means that they might get worse over time and cause more serious damage in the autumn/winter months, costing you more money over time.
Getting professionals in to give your guttering a quick checkover and clean during the summer can save you more hassle down the line.
For more help and information, get in touch with our team at Gutter Art today.