Roofs are the fundamental components for a home as it protects us from different elements. But the wind, sun, and weather conditions weak down the roofing materials over time. Therefore, it is important to check for damage and other issues in different weather conditions. For gutters and downspouts, keeping them clear of debris can prevent leaks and damage to your house. There is a need to check them annually for protecting them for years.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutter and downspouts help directs water away from your home. They have troughs that collect water from the roof and carry it towards downspouts and directs water off the roof down and away from your home. It is essential to take good care of them for extending their life and to keep them function properly. Ensure the downspouts directs water away from your home’s walls and foundation. Downspouts that pour water towards the home can cause extreme damages to the siding, foundation, and in the basement. Stucco home has gutters and downspouts installed by a professional for preventing the water intrusion issues and damages to stucco eaves properly.
For maintaining Gutters and Downspouts
- Inspection of gutters and downspouts is necessary to be conducted twice a year preferably at the start of spring or during the fall season. Follow these guidelines for maintaining the gutters and downspouts of your house.
- Removal of debris is a much-needed task. Keeping the gutters and downspouts clean and maintained will help slow down the deterioration process that is the important factor of causing leaks and damages.
- Do check the elbow connecting the gutter to the downspouts. Remove it and clear any obstructions.
- Inspect the sources of any leaks in the gutters and downspouts. Look for cracked fillers at the end of caps and between the elbows and the gutter area. Also, do not forget to check the cracked fillers at the corners.
Care and Maintenance of Roof
The quality roof area is designed to help protect the house from elements as rain, hail, snow, wind, hot sun, and other weather conditions but these factors can also wear down the roofing material over time. They only require simple maintenance and the ideal seasons of spring and fall as this examination gave them a better idea for checking any winter damages. The following are some guidelines for maintaining them.
Start with a checkup and inspect the following problems and immediately repair, replace, or remove as applicable:
- Check loose, missing, or damaged shingles along with curled, buckled, or blistered shingles.
- Supports for television antennas or satellite dishes that can be damaged.
- Check for an excessive amount of shingle granules in your gutters and protect them from the sun providing them extra weight.
- Overhanging tree branches can produce scratch of shingles and can damage the roof structure.
- Clogged roof vents need to be repaired too.
- Replace any damaged flashing immediately.
- Check for cracks and leaks in valleys along with the Debris.
- If you see any evidence of water, locate its source especially on rainy days as there exists a possibility of water leaking into the attic.
- Damaged seals need to be resealed at the scuppers and corners on a flat roof.
A careless job while installing the TV radio or antenna can be the reason for serious leaks that typically are not covered under the warranty. If the roof gets a leak, call a qualified professional for making repairs as soon as possible as the cost will be lesser than if gets postponed. A quality roofer must inspect your roofs after every three years.
