Vancouver gutters and downspouts have a tough job in keeping your home exterior safe from water damage. The gutter system is an integral part of the roof, first-line defense in protecting from basement flooding, soil erosion, and siding damage. Here are some dos and don’ts that will help you to maintain the gutters and downspouts of your home.
Do take care of the roof.
Most homeowners are surprised to learn just how much water a roof handles during each rainfall. As the runoff is deposited into the gutters, it brings with it debris, both organic and inorganic materials. Ensure there are no missing roofing shingles and that they are in good repair; it can help eliminate places debris can collect. A roof clear of dirt, twigs, and leaves will reduce the amount of debris that gets into the gutter system.
Do clean the gutters regularly.
While the popular recommendation is to clean the gutters twice a year – once in the spring and again in the late fall – know how often you need to clean your gutter system. If you have a lot of trees on your property, have a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, or live near an industrial park or agricultural area, cleaning the gutters three or even four times a year might be necessary.
Don’t forget to inspect your home’s exterior.
Wind, rain, sleet and snow can have long-terms effects on your home’s exterior. Even when you clean the gutters twice a year, annually clean and repair the roof, and wash the siding as part of your fall home maintenance, things can happen in between scheduled cleanings. With every seasonal change, check the gutters and downspouts for:
- Loose, broken, or missing hardware
- Sagging gutter sections
- Gutter sections and hardware on the ground underneath the eaves
- Missing or damaged downspout sections
- Dents that are severe enough to impede the flow of rainwater (aluminum gutters and downpipes)
Don’t neglect the downspouts.
Unlike gutters, which are more accessible, downpipes tend to be difficult to clean since clogs generally form out of sight, on the inside of the downspout. Check the gutter outlet for clogs. To make sure that the downpipes are free of debris, tap the downspout around each elbow or joint – if you hear a “thunk” instead of a “ring” you have discovered a blockage that requires removing. When using splash blocks or downspout extenders, replace them if they have become worn or damaged.
Do make repairs ASAP.
Don’t wait until the issue resolves itself; it probably won’t and in the meantime will only become worse. When you discover the gutters overflowing or there’s water pooling around the downspout or a gutter section has started to sag, find out why and then make the appropriate repairs as soon as possible.
