3 Gutter Installation And Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid
Posted on: 7 August 2019
From moving debris and moisture off your roof and away from your house, to adding a bit of style and definition to your home, a proper gutter system can offer many benefits. Unfortunately, many homeowners struggle installing the correct gutters in the correct way, reducing the function of this imperative system. With this guide, you will learn a few common mistakes to avoid when installing and maintaining your gutters.
Insufficient Pitch
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is installing gutters with an insufficient pitch. Many homeowners choose to install the gutters level with their roof line. However, without a pitch, water and debris cannot flow efficiently and effectively off the roof.
If you are installing the gutters on your own, make sure they have an adequate pitch. On average, experts recommend a ½ inch slope for every 10 feet of gutters. If you are not sure if you have created the proper slope, contact the professionals for installation help.
Forgetting to Clean
Another mistake many homeowners make is not cleaning their gutters out frequently. Even if you do not have trees around your home, the gutters can fill up with dirt, pine straw, pine cones, grass clippings, mulch, and a variety of other types of debris that may be carried by wind or animals.
If your gutters are filled with debris, water will not be able to move through the system, eventually pilling up on the roof and your home's exterior. This moisture increases the risk of interior leaks, water damage, and mold growth.
There is no set time frame of when you should clean your gutters, though, so periodic inspections are essential to determine if they are in good working condition or not.
Not Considering Seamless
There are many types of gutters, all offering different pros and cons. However, seamless gutters should be an option to consider.
Although they are not completely seamless, seamless gutters have fewer seams and connections than standard gutters. The fewer the seams/connections, the less risk of clogged debris and water leaks.
Seamless gutters may be more expensive initially, especially when compared to the style of traditional gutters, but they are a better long-term investment in terms of leak protection and appeal for your home.
Professional help is available when you are ready to install gutters. This guide will help you install and maintain the right gutters in the best manner possible, protecting your home and finances.
For more information, you will want to contact a company like A-1 Seamless Gutters Inc.
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