The majority of homeowners remember to maintain every part of their homes but forget about the roof and its accessories. However, the roof plays a crucial part in protecting our home. To help with its job, gutters, and downpipes are installed onto the roof. When it rains, these ensure that the excess water doesn’t settle on the roof and leak through, causing damage to ceilings and walls.
For this reason, it’s important that the gutters and downpipes are regularly maintained. Otherwise, you’ll pay a hefty price for your neglect.
In this article, we take a look at the ins and outs of the downpipe, downpipe spreader, and gutter maintenance, and why it’s important.
Understanding Downpipes and Gutters
Downpipes and gutters collect and then get rid of water on your roof. They protect your roof from leaks and damage caused by clogged water. As a homeowner, it’s vital that you don’t neglect them. They require regular maintenance if your home is to continue being habitable.
Neglecting downpipes and gutters can mean damaged ceilings and walls, destroyed insulation, cracked foundations, basement flooding, growth of molds and mildew, and interference with the electrical systems in your home. Neglect comes with a hefty price.
Besides downpipes and gutters, you’ve probably heard of downpipe spreaders. They are mainly used on multi-storey buildings where the downpipe from one roof runs onto another roof. They spread the water outlet so its force doesn’t push water under the tiles. They, too, require regular maintenance.
There are different types of downpipes and gutters made with various materials and in different shapes. With regard to shape, they include fascia, European, K-style, and half-round. With regard to material, they include aluminum, vinyl, zinc, copper, and steel. As for downpipes, they can be square or round. Some types need more maintenance than others.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
The core function of downpipes and gutters is to drain water off your roof. This is important because stagnant water can cause serious damage to your roof and overall home. That’s why it’s important to maintain your downpipes and gutters regularly.
Some of the common gutter issues that can be prevented with regular maintenance include:
- Flooding onto ceilings and into the basement
- Clogged gutters
- Structural damage. Water that can’t be channeled away destroys the structure of your house
- Mold and mildew
- Damaged insulation
- Potential danger with electrical systems
Regular maintenance of your gutters and downpipes will save you from spending hundreds of dollars in repairs to the roof and other parts of the house. If the damage is structural, you could end up having to repair the ceilings, walls, and electrical system.
Practical Guide to Maintaining Downpipes and Gutters
The following signs will tell you that it’s time to call in professional help:
- Rotting wood
- Moldy walls and exterior. This indicates that your roof is leaking
- Debris in the gutters
- Rusting of iron sheets, nails, or gutters
- Cracks in the roof
- Watermarks on the ceilings
There are some repairs and maintenance that can only be done by a professional. Professional maintenance is advisable in the following scenarios:
- Your gutters look like they’re about to explode
- Water is pooling around the gutters
- Gushing sounds in your gutters
- A dirty gutter even after cleaning
Conclusion
Your roof plays a crucial role in maintaining your house. For your roof to do its job correctly, it’s installed with gutters and downpipes. These help to ensure that water and debris don’t clog and destroy your roof. It’s therefore essential as a homeowner to regularly maintain your downpipes and gutters as this will save you from having to spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance.
For more inquiries about gutter maintenance and downpipe spreaders, contact your local guttering specialist.
