Guest Blog #176, Entry #656, September 13, 2011
Whether you are a new homeowner or an experienced one, the roof of your home is of the most neglected areas. For it isn’t in plain eye sight everyday, and seasonal changes, foliage debris, and climatic conditions can cause your gutters to get blocked.
Gutter maintenance can protect your home
Image courtesy of IB Plastics
Today, my Guest Blogger shows you how a blocked gutter can lead to basement floods. Prepare your home today, to avoid this condition that could be catastrophic for your home.
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Did you know that one of the most common causes of flooding in your basement is a blocked gutter? A basement flood can cause considerable damage to your home, and cleaning up afterwards is no picnic. Avoid the issue by doing regular gutter maintenance.
What Causes Blockages
Falling leaves and other debris can create blockages in a gutter system. Leaves, when dry, don’t present much of a problem, but as they get wet they breakdown and compact. As leaves and sticks break down, they can create a sludge that builds up. Over time, not only will the sludge create blockages that can cause leaking inside the home, but it can also cause gutters to bow and tear out of their moorings. Gutters just aren’t designed to handle all the extra weight and break as a result.
What can happen when Gutter Systems get Clogged
When gutters are blocked, water backs up and flows down the outside of the home. If there are any weak spots in the roof, water can make its way inside and do considerable damage. Moisture trapped in nooks and crannies can freeze during the winter, expanding and creating cracks and weak points in the overall structure of the home.
How gutters can affect your basement and foundation
Image courtesy of Seguin Gutters
When to Clean Your Gutters
Gutter maintenance should be done twice a year to help reduce the chance of water damage. Spring and fall are both good times to call a professional for a cleaning. The mild weather will reduce the chances that your appointment will need to be rescheduled plus those times of the year are when most blockages occur. Higher winds in spring and fall tend to blow more debris and if your area gets heavy snow in winter it will be impossible to clean until the spring thaw.
What Services Should You Ask About
When you call a professional for gutter maintenance services there are several things you should ask to have done. After they are finished removing all debris you will want them to check for leaks. Leaks can occur when there are weak spots or corroded areas in the gutter. If there are any leaks, the maintenance crew should be prepared to caulk the leaky spots. If the leak can’t be repaired with caulk, then the gutter will need to be patched. This requires a professional laid the patch inside the existing gutter and secure it with epoxy and roofing cement.
While you have the professionals at your home you should also have them repair any sagging areas. The nails that secure the system to the side of a house can work loose over time. When you call a professional to provide your gutter maintenance they can replace the existing nails with screws.
A clean gutter can lead to a dry basement and foundation
Image courtesy of DIY Life
Call a Professional
Gutters often get forgotten during regular home maintenance unless there is an obvious problem. However, they are critical to ensuring your home has proper drainage so that water damage is kept to a minimum. Clogged gutters result in leaks to the roof and interior areas of the home, which eventually settle in the basement. The prevention is so simple and cost effective that home owners should consider a regular maintenance contract that allows them to forget about scheduling. When you contract professionals to service your gutters biannually, you never have to think about the potential problems and can rest assured knowing that they are properly maintained. Don’t risk your life on a dangerous do-it-yourself gutter maintenance when getting a professional is so inexpensive.
Guest writer Olger Fallas is an experienced house painter and gutter cleaner in Maplewood New Jersey. He has over 10 years of experience in interior and exterior residential painting as well as commercial industrial painting. His company is committed to providing the highest quality service at the most affordable price. Their motto is: “We don’t cut corners, we paint them!”
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I meant to say great blog post. I will direct friends to this guide
My downspout once came off and water poured onto the ground right near my foundation. Thw water then made its way to one of my basement window wells and flooded my basement!