Gutters are essential for irrigation and drainage and for protecting any home from exposure to ice, rain and snow. When gutters fail the consequences can often be drastic. A failing gutter can result in leaks, moisture infiltration, foundational compromise or structural damage. It is essential to take all the appropriate preventative measures to ensure your gutters are working properly. Here are three proven methods to assure your gutters continue working properly.

Make Sure Your Gutters Are Secure

There is a gutter technique known as Spike and ferrule which refers to usually old gutters, more than 15 years old, that have been nailed in with a large spike. This technique has proven to be a failure and has made gutters all the more vulnerable to failure when heavy snow and ice accumulates in winter months. Thus, it is advised that all gutters are fixed and secured to fascia board. Gutters which are installed and maintained using this form of engineering are proven to endure the weight and pressure heavy precipitation brings when it falls in significant amounts. In addition, gutters are less likely to be exposed to rust and corrosion as they are not solely reinforced by a large metal spike. This is the best way to maximize gutter performance.

Clear Your Gutters Regularly

Cleaning and clearing your gutters can sometimes seem like not only an inconvenience but a consuming home project. Debris and leaves easily accumulate in gutters. With time these materials compound and can even weigh down the gutters when they become saturated with moisture from humidity, rain, sleet, snow and ice. Failing to remove this debris from your gutters places extensive pleasure on your gutters and thus makes them susceptible to fail. In addition, snow and ice can warp the gutters themselves through expansion and contraction when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing. Make sure to take the appropriate action and ensure your gutters are always cleared. This is another proactive initiative that provides equity.

Check Your Roof Shingles

Removed or torn shingles can compromise the functionality of any gutter. This is largely in part to a seam being created which allows water to infiltrate the structure itself, bypassing the gutter entirely. In the case of shingles that are in close proximity to any gutter system, this does not allow for water to naturally trickle into gutters, collect and drain. Instead the water, ice and snow will pool in the area affected and thus create a stoppage within the gutter. The consequences of such an event can lead to the immediate failure of the gutters. In addition, free-moving shingles can fall into the gutter and thus create an obstruction or outright remove the gutter from being fixed to the house itself. After any snow or ice storm, be sure to check your roof and ensure all shingles are properly in place and pose no threat to your gutters. Storm or not, it’s essential to keep an eye on your gutters at all times and make sure they are secure, clear, and also keep an eye on your roof shingles.