Now that the spring rains are past and you’re enjoying those sunny summer days, you’re probably not thinking about your gutters.
But you should be, and this is the best time of year to consider their condition.
Why Gutters Are Important to Your Home
Quality gutters installed and maintained properly will add many years to the protection of your largest investment, your home. The home’s roof may be the first defense in keeping the elements out, but the gutters then move potentially damaging water away.
Over time, water falling from the roof can drip down the exterior of a home and eventually find its way inside. Small issues can become massive carnage if that water is not directed away from your house. From water’s first contact with wood along the fascia surrounding the roof, the path of destruction can go as far as to expensive foundation repairs.
Check For These Signs of Gutter Trouble
Some easily spotted signs of needed repair can be noted by a simple walk around the house. It’s not necessary to wait for this stroll during a good rain, because lingering indications will remain as the skies clear.
Splits, cracks, and separations at the seams of gutters are sure signs of needed repair. The best time to check for these is right after a rain when water is still coming off the roof. Any drips noted will become larger as time rolls on.
During dry times, spotting discoloration or soiled areas around seams should warrant further investigation. Signs of oxidation on and around the gutters should be addressed.
Painted surfaces will eventually succumb to weather, and constant attacks from leaking gutters will only speed that process. Peeling and bubbling paint on your siding or trim are signs that gutter issues may be present.
One of the worst enemies of exterior wood is water. Common locations of rotting wood will show where water is in contact frequently and for long periods. A leaking gutter system will continue to provide a source of water long after the rain stops. The damage is done, but the source needs to be removed before it gets worse.
Puddles forming around the house are enemies to the home’s foundation and basement. Any standing water allowed to filter into the earth close to a home is affecting foundation walls. Gutters and downspouts should direct this water away. Any surface should be kept as dry as possible.
Before the fall storms hit, give your gutters a close inspection – they form an important part of protecting your home, so keep an eye out for signs they’re not functioning well, and then consider repairs or replacement. A call to us here Window Outfitters in Minnesota will be the step to address any issues with your gutter system. We install seamless gutters as well as other exterior home improvements such as siding and replacement windows and doors.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
