DIY Roof Repairs for Homeowners

Keeping Your Roof Gutters Prepped For Wet Weather

16 May 2016

Fernando Silva

One of the most common reasons you would require roof repairs is water damage. Although exposure to water is inevitable for your roofing, it does not mean that you have to resort to roof repairs every single time wet weather rolls around. A good way of keeping your roofing materials intact is by ensuring the roof gutters are in good condition. Some homeowners tend to overlook the importance of prepping their gutters as they assume the gutters will automatically direct water away from their roof. However, if gutters are not maintained, the edges of your roof and even the shingles can be compromised. The following are some of the things you should consider to ensure your gutters are prepped for wet weather.

Keep the gutters clean

The first step to ensuring that your roof gutters are in optimal working condition is to keep them clean. This may be difficult once it starts raining, but it is prudent if you would like to prevent water from pooling in the gutters. As leaves and debris fall into the gutters, they have a high likelihood of sticking to the gutters and accumulating due to moisture. Left unchecked, this debris can prove quite hard to eliminate and will promote the stagnation of water. During wet weather, take measures to clear the gutters so that there is no obstruction of the flow of water.

Inspect the gutters for cracks and holes

If you go into the wet season with structurally compromised gutters, you put your entire residence at risk of leaks and water damage. Cracks and holes in your gutters may not be much of an inconvenience during the summer months. However, when rain starts to fall on a regular basis, it has a high likelihood of seeping into the external walls of your home if the gutters are compromised. Left unchecked, these leaks can also make their way into your home's foundation and this could affect the entire structural integrity of your home. This is why it is prudent to inspect the gutters for any signs of wear and tear. Call on a roof plumber to repair them before the onset of the rainy season.

Invest in gutter guards

One thing that you cannot control as a homeowner is debris making its way into your open gutters. This is especially true during stormy weather when leaves and twigs are flying in the air. However, your gutters do not have to stay open for them to carry out their function; investing in gutter guards prevents this flying debris from making its way into your gutters and accumulating there. This would be ideal especially after you have cleaned out your gutters in preparation for the rainy season.

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