January has seen temperatures plummet, with snow and ice in lots of areas of the UK. Winter gives a harsh lesson about guttering and structural issues you might have been neglecting, as the cold winter weather exposes it to the elements!
But take this as an opportunity to solve issues now before they turn into bigger and more expensive problems over time.
A minor blockage or slight overflow in winter can quickly turn into something major come spring time.
Why Winter Is When Problems Start
Gutters collect leaves, moss, twigs and general debris over the winter months, with all sorts of critters and creepy crawlies making home there too. When you throw heavy rain, freezing temperatures and snow into the mix, then it’s easy to see how gutters get damaged.
If there are issues then water can’t drain properly and it has to go somewhere! In winter, this often shows up as:
- Overflowing water during rainfall
- Damp patches appearing on exterior walls
- Gutters sagging under the weight of debris and standing water
Sometimes it doesn’t always cause immediate damage, so it can be easy to not spot issues, or think the they will be ok unchecked, but situations can worsen quickly.
Small Blockages, Big Consequences
Even when a gutter is blocked, it can still function, but it won’t be functioning at full capacity and it may be more unpredictable. The flow of water won’t be going at the speed it should do. Water can spill over the guttering and water won’t be safely directed away from the property. Excess water and moisture can lead to:
- Damp and mould on internal walls
- Damage to brickwork and pointing
- Rotting fascia boards or roofline timbers
- Water pooling near foundations
Things can get a lot more costly if left over time!
One of the biggest risks to guttering is water build up that freezes and then thaws. Ice can expand the gutter and put pressure on it and then when it eventually thaws, it can cause damage to the guttering.
Why January Is the Ideal Time to Check
January is a useful checkpoint for checking guttering. Autumn debris will have fallen and winter weather is starting to get more extreme.
A simple inspection at this time can help identify:
- Areas where debris is building up
- Gutters pulling away from the property
- Joints that are leaking or misaligned
- Downpipes that aren’t draining freely
Finding issues earlier means more straightforward maintenance instead ofore serious structural damage and extensive costs later in the year.
Protecting Your Property Before Spring
Spring often brings more consistent levels of rainfall, especially April showers. Water damage can be rife if your gutters have long-standing maintenance issues.
Tackling issues head on in winter helps ensure:
- Water is directed away from the property as intended
- External walls remain dry
- Rooflines and fascia boards stay protected
- Maintenance costs stay manageable
It’s a preventative approach that saves both time and money in the long run.
New Year maintenance is about tackling less glamorous jobs before they cause disruption. Gutter checks fall into this category, so don’t let small issues turn into a big headache.
To book your gutter maintenance, get in touch with our team at Gutter Art today.