A functional gutter system is a matter of necessity. Your gutters prevent water damage to your house by diverting water away from the foundation. Gutter systems take a lot of punishment on a daily basis. If your gutters are damaged, repair them in a timely manner or your gutter system may fall apart.
Here are some of our top gutter repair tips.
Patch any Holes
Holes in gutters are caused by incorrectly positioned nails, rust decay, and cracks resulting from weather-related damage. Before you patch holes, make sure that the area around them is clean, dry and properly sanded. Cover the area with roofing cement and level using a putty knife. Patch the holes with a metal patch.
Replace Worn Gutter Spikes
For many years, the conventional method of hanging a gutter involved inserting a long spike through a metal tube, known as a ferrule, into the wooden fascia behind the gutter. Over time, water damage and the weight of gutters can cause these spikes to become dislodged from their holes, and gutters could sag and split.
During an inspection, make sure to check that the spikes are still firmly in place. If they are not, consider replacing them with gutter brackets, straps, or hangers.
Secure Your Downspout Strap
Your downspouts are responsible for channeling water from your gutters and away from your house. If a downspout becomes detached from the side of your home, you may need to reattach the downspout strap. A downspout strap is usually a metal strip attached to the wooden, brick, or concrete siding using concrete screws.
Check if the screws are still tight, and if they are not, schedule professional gutter repair in Marin County.
Use Sealant for Leaking Joints
Even seamless gutters usually divide into various sections along the downspout and at elbow transitions. Should these seams develop cracks or significant rust, it’s likely that they will need to be replaced.
You can use a water-resistant, flexible sealant to temporarily fix the damaged joint. Gently compress the pipe at the joint where it connects to the adjoining piece to release it. Once you have made sure it is clean and dry, follow the instructions to apply the sealant, then reconnect using clamps so it can cure properly.
Do not forget to clean your gutters-Over time, gutters can become obstructed with dirt and debris. Clogged gutters are unable to properly divert water away from your home and it spills over them, leading to several different problems such as foundation damage, basement flooding, mold and mildew growth and structural problems. If you notice your gutters are damaged when you are doing your annual cleaning, schedule professional gutter repair in Marin County.
Using a hose, clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. If pine needles, twigs, and compacted leaves are stuck in your downspouts, use a plumbing snake.
Whether you want to install new gutters or have existing gutters cleaned, ARS Roofing & Gutters can help. We get to the root causes of gutter problems and address them before they snowball into major issues. To learn more, call 707-584-5900.