Carrying Out Construction Work

Posted on: 13 March 2018

Durable gutters are integral to any residential roofing system. Typically, these structures can withstand the mechanical stress and pressure exerted during rain and storms without degradation. Unfortunately, this does not mean that your guttering is infallible. If a high or unusual load is exerted on this drainage system, significant damage could be sustained and complete failure might occur. Under ideal circumstances, you should hire an experienced contractor to perform repairs when there are unexpected gutter problems. However, if you have some tools and basic DIY skills, you might be able to restore your gutters with ease. Here are practical tips to help you deal with common gutter problems.

Unclog Your Blocked Gutters

If you have noticed clogging in your gutters, you should make time to unclog the channels. In general, the clogging occurs due to the accumulation of leaves, debris and dirt. If these materials are not cleared out before the rainy season, they will cause damming. The rainwater will not be able to flow efficiently; leakages and overflows could therefore occur.

Fortunately, clearing the gutters is quite simple. You will need a ladder and gloves to scoop out the debris from the channels. After removing the leaves, you should rinse the gutters using a water hose. If you would like to reduce the build-up of debris in your gutters, you should invest in gutter covers.

Repair Leaking Gutters

If your gutters are leaking, the problem is most likely in the joints. Often the gutter sections forming the continuous channel separate due to mechanical strain, lack of maintenance and poor installation. Ideally, the gutter sections should be closely bonded, and the joints should be watertight. You can restore the gutters by disconnecting the sections, removing any damaged seals and cleaning the dirt from the joint. Once the area is clean, you should purchase and install new seals to restore the integrity of each section.

Eliminate Rust

If you have metal gutters, you might notice the formation of rust. This problem is caused by the interaction between the iron in the material, water and air. If the rust is ignored, it will accelerate the degradation of the gutters, necessitating premature replacement. Luckily, you can control the deterioration by removing the rust.

You will first need to clean the reddish brown deposits using sandpaper or a wire brush. Once the rust is cleared, apply a rust-resistant primer and finish up with suitable high-gloss paint.

For professional gutter help, contact a company like ACT Gutter Service.