Winter is a rough season and it can take it out on your property. And one of the main areas that takes the brunt of it all? Usually your guttering.
There’s frost, lots of rainfall, wind and even snow in the winter to contend with. This all takes its toll on guttering and downpipes – features of your property that do a lot of heavy lifting. It’s not always obvious when there’s an issue, but once you know, it tends to be a big issue and an expensive one.
Spring is an ideal time to take stock and repair your gutters.
How Winter Causes Gutter Damage
The harsh, cold temperatures in winter and tendency for lots of consistent rainfall means that guttering issues can be rife.
Common gutter problems include:
- Cracked or split gutters caused by freezing water expanding
- Structural issues with gutters from strong winds
- Sagging gutters due to the weight of debris and standing water
- Blocked downpipes from autumn debris
Freezing water can expand guttering which can lead to structural damage and leaks. Joints can also be put under strain and over time, cause damage.
Checking whether damage has occurred after a harsh winter is really important for long term gutter maintenance.
Why Spring Is the Smart Time to Act
Spring is the best time to check the condition of your guttering and make repairs if you need to.
Better weather conditions mean that inspections and repairs are safer and more efficient, with more light, linger days and milder temperatures.
It’s important to prevent further damage, especially with April showers on their way. If guttering is already damaged then excess rain can cause:
- Damp patches on external walls
- Water pooling around foundations
- Damage to fascia
Sorting issues early prevents bigger issues further down the line.
Signs Your Gutters May Need Repair
Spitting issues doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be up a ladder inspecting your guttering, a lot of things can be spotted if you know what to look out for:
- Water spilling over the sides during rain
- Signs of sagging or sections that are out of place
- Plants or moss growing from gutters
- Damp patches or wet brickwork
- Rust spots or visible cracks
Repair vs Replacement
Not all winter damage means that you have to go into panic stations – it might just need a smaller repair job to keep things ticking over.
Re-securing brackets, replacing a damaged section, clearing out any blockages and resealing weak joints are all smaller jobs that can improve overall gutter functionality.
Getting a professional in to assess whether any bigger jobs need doing can help you to work out whether a smaller repair is just putting off bigger costs further down the line.
Protecting Your Property
Regular gutter maintenance, especially after the winter months is a sure-fire way to help protect your property from the elements. Unchecked damage can prevent rainwater being diverted from your property safely and lead to structural damage. Brickwork, rooflines, foundations and plasterwork can all become affected when something’s not quite right.
Spring is the best time for preparing your guttering for any future rainfall and future winter months. Acting early helps you to prevent issues and bigger costs.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your gutters, get in touch with our team at Gutter Art today.