Contractors
Some parts of the country – such as the Pacific Northwest – receive a great deal more rain than others. However, in still other parts of the country, monsoon-like rains of several inches in under a few hours is not at all unusual. If you live in an area that is known for frequent heavy downpours, the advice below can help you ensure that your gutters will hold up to the pressure for many, many years.
Start with the Right Gutter System
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners tend to make when it comes to their gutter systems is failing to install the proper size gutter for their locations. When installing gutters, it’s important to look at local rainfall rates and then purchase a gutter system large enough to handle the weather, even when it’s at its worst. It’s also important to think about the material from which your gutters are made. Aluminum and vinyl are wonderful, but in areas prone to high winds, heavy rains, and severe weather, they may not hold up as well as steel or zinc.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Keeping your gutters clean does much more than simply make them look better; it’s also important for their performance, as well. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris simply cannot handle excessive amounts of rain pouring from the roof, and this can lead to things like overflow, sagging, and, eventually, extensive damage to your roof or your home. As such, if you want to ensure that your gutters will hold up despite the heaviest possible rain, be sure that you keep them clean.
Install Gutter or Leaf Guards
Gutter and leaf guards are important additions for those who live in areas where leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other sorts of debris are common. They prevent this debris from entering the gutter system in the first place, which goes a long way toward preventing clogs. There are numerous types of gutter guards, so choose the one best suited for your needs and budget. Some are foam inserts, some attach with a hinge, and some simply snap down over the gutter system without any additional tools required.
Repair or Replace Damaged Sections
All gutter systems, regardless of materials, will need to be repaired or replaced at some point. Even copper gutters, which can last upward of a century when they are well-maintained, can have issues requiring repairs. If you notice any sort of damage to your gutter – cracks, corrosion, rust, sagging, and more – contact a professional right away to have that section of gutter repaired or replaced. These problems will only continue to get bigger over time, and they can eventually lead to serious damage to your roof and your home.
The best way to make sure that your gutter system can handle even the heaviest rain is to clean and maintain it regularly. Fortunately, there are numerous companies out there that can provide gutter cleaning, leaf guard installation, repair, and system installation, so find one you trust and make sure that you do your part in keeping your gutters like new.
