When it starts to get chilly and the dark nights roll in, the last thing you want to do is think about gutter maintenance. Annoyingly, winter is the time when you need to keep an eye on your gutters the most, as lots of pesky problems can pop up.
There’s more rain, frost can set in and seasonal debris can all cause blockages and damage. And it’s best to find things before they cause serious issues and prevent further damage and costs.
Let’s look at a few simple checks:
The Weight of the Weather
There are lots of things that can add weight to guttering and lead to issues if left there. Soggy autumnal leaves, debris, pests and ice can all add weight and lead to sagging or the guttering pulling away from a property. If this happens then water won’t be able to move freely and can spill over and cause damp and structural damage.
Making it a regular winter routine to check guttering for debris and clearing it can make a big difference and prevent more complex issues.
Preventing Damp and Water Damage
Overflowing gutters can cause serious damage to your property if left unchecked. Water needs to be diverted from your roof and walls otherwise it soaks into brickwork, which can create damp mould and damage structural integrity.
Insulation and strength of structures can be affected by damp etc, which are much more expensive to fix than initial gutter maintenance. Making sure rainfall can flow easily in the wettest months is a sure-fire way to protect your property.
Spotting Ice Dams Early
After heavy rainfall, it’s important to check that it hasn’t got trapped in your guttering, laying dormant. Otherwise, when temperatures drop it can mean that water already in guttering can freeze, turn to ice and add considerable weight to guttering. It forms an ice dam which prevents proper drainage if rain water so your guttering will become completely ineffective.
Water will then have nowhere to flow, causing build ups and seepage into brickwork or under roof tiles. If there’s large build up of ice, when it thaws this can cause even more water too.
Protecting Paths and Driveways
You might not think it, but clogged gutters also affect ground level. If water is dropping in the same spot due to blockages, this can cause slippery spots making it unsafe underfoot.
Water safely diverted into drains means that your property is protected and also the people walking underneath guttering too.
Simple Maintenance, Big Reward
Winter gutter maintenance isn’t about complicated action, it’s about being consistent and vigilant.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call out a gutter maintenance company who have all of the safety equipment and tools to ensure that problems are sorted before they get more serious and that potential issues are highlighted.
Taking the time to inspect your gutters in winter can prevent lots of issues and further structural problems and the costs attached.
For any further info or to organise maintenance, get in touch with our team at Gutter Art today.