Got Gutters? What You Need to Know About Your Gutters
Maintaining your house can seem overwhelming at times, but gutter repair and maintenance should never be overlooked. Gutter systems are used on most houses and buildings today, however, little thought is given to how gutters work. More importantly, home and business owners should know the importance of gutters and when it is time to hire a professional company for gutter services.
How do Gutters Work?
Gutters have not always functioned or looked as good as they do now. While they have been used for centuries, the look and function of gutters have been perfected through the years. In simplest terms, gutters are designed to catch rainwater and guide it to flow away from your house or business through downspouts. Some systems may collect the water and recycle it for use in gardens and other purposes. Gutters protect buildings in many ways including protecting basements from flooding, preventing foundation issues, and preserving landscaping.
What are Gutters Made of?
Aluminum, copper, and steel are common materials used for gutters each offering their own advantages and disadvantages. Various gutter shapes also exist such as k-style, half-round, and box gutters. Choosing gutter material and shape depends on the look of the house or building as well as what environment the system is being built in.
Is Maintenance Important?
Even the most well built and highest quality gutter system needs to be routinely maintained. Gutter problems range from clogs, cracks, holes, loose gutters, and gutter gaps. Crawling critters, leaves and debris can clog gutters in a short period of time. These issues keep gutter systems from moving rainwater away from the structure they are built to protect. A good rule of thumb is to schedule gutter maintenance at least once a year. Springtime is a good time to start thinking about gutter maintenance after fall and winter weather may have caused some gutter issues.
Is Professional Gutter Service Necessary?
A professional company will know how to install your gutters to code as well as follow all safety protocols. Installing gutters to code helps ensure they will not fail prematurely and ensure that they will remove water effectively. Climbing ladders and lifts with large gutter material can be a very dangerous job which is why it is important to leave it to the professionals.
When Should Gutter be Replaced?
While routine maintenance will certainly extend the life of gutter systems, at some point they will need to be replaced. When leaks become unmanageable, corrosion eats away at gutter components, or significant parts of the system are falling, it may be time for a replacement. If your house or business has experienced extensive damage from weather events such as heavy rainstorms, your system may need to be replaced.
How to Schedule an Inspection?
The first step in maintaining, repairing, or replacing your gutters is to speak with a professional gutter company. GutterPros exists to provide quality gutter services to your home or business. Our experienced technicians can help prevent costly damage and repairs to your home with proper gutter maintenance. Skilled technicians can help you make decisions about gutter replacement should your home or business require it. Contact GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195 for a free estimate.