Gutters and downspouts prevent the accumulation of water on the roof of a house or building and divert the water to where it won’t do any lasting damage. They are a critical aspect of any home and one that should always be checked.
But while these elements impact the quality of your house, many homeowners commit gutter installation mistakes. Soon enough, your gutters fall into disrepair and have a whole new set of problems.
To ensure that your gutter installation process doesn’t end in disaster, you need to know all the common mistakes to avoid. Here are the biggest mistakes to watch out for when replacing old gutters.
1. Inaccurate Measurement of the Length of Your Gutters
It can lead to gutters that are either too long or too short for the space, which can cause many problems. If they are too long, they can hang over the edge and cause water to drip down the side of your house. They can sag and even fall off.
If they are too short, they won’t be able to properly drain rainwater away from the building, which can lead to leaks and water damage. Water will overflow the gutters during a rainstorm and can cause water damage to your foundation. Measuring the length needed is vital to ensuring a proper fit, so ask for professional roofing services to help measure before cutting any gutters to size.
2. Not Accounting the Slope of Your Roof
One of the common gutter problems is not accounting for the slope of your roof. It can result in gutters that are either too shallow or too deep. It can cause your drains to collect water and debris in one spot, which leads to clogs and overflows.
Installation must have a slight slope so water can flow freely through them. To avoid this, measure the slope of your roof before purchasing or installing new gutters.
3. Unsecured Gutters
It can lead to many problems, including gutters that come loose and need to be re-secured or gutters that sag and cause water to back up and overflow. It is vital to secure your drains to avoid these problems. Use designed straps or hangers for gutters, or use screws or nails that are long enough to go through the drains and into the fascia board.
4. Unsealed Gutters
It can lead to many problems, including leaks, corrosion, mold, and mildew growth. While it may seem like a small detail, sealing your gutters is essential to ensure their long-term performance. To avoid this mistake, use caulking or sealant designed for gutters, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Not Properly Cleaning the Gutters
Clogs can cause your drains to overflow, leading to water damage to your home. Leaks can also occur, allowing water to seep into your home, causing mold and mildew to grow.
To avoid these problems, regularly clean your gutters and inspect them for any damage, using a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any leaves or debris. It will help ensure that they are properly installed and will function correctly.
Avoid These Gutter Installation Mistakes
If you’re planning to install gutters on your home, avoid these gutter installation mistakes! Instead, take the time to do your research and hire a professional to get the job done right.
Take these precautions, and rest assured that your gutters will be installed correctly and will last for many years. Want some more tips? Check out our other articles for more!
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