Guttering, the simple bit of plastic that goes around your house can help prevent serious water damage to your home. That is, IF they are maintained properly!
Gutters were designed to collect and direct water away from the foundations of buildings, preventing against the likes of lateral penetrating damp. This type of damp is caused by excess water soaking into brick work. In the colder months, this soaked up water can freeze and cause bricks to crack, potentially causing serious structural damage.
Thankfully, gutters are easy to maintain and can be fixed by homeowners themselves.
To make sure your guttering is performing correctly, we would suggest the following:
- Ensure guttering is clear from any obstructions such as leaves, plants and that random tennis ball that was thrown too high during the summer and landed in the gutter.
- If you live next to a tree, trim the branches down so they don’t hang over your roof, allowing the autumn leaves to fall on the ground instead of on your roof or into your gutter.
- Use a hose to check for any leaks and to flush any debris that may be blocking the pipes.
- If you spot any damage to your gutters such as cracks in the pipes, get them sealed and fixed as soon as you spot them.
- Make sure your gutters are secure. Loose gutters will not be able to collect water as intended.
- As well as the gutter itself, be sure to check the drainage is clear of debris and obstruction as well.
If you do happen to find damp whilst checking your guttering, give us a call on 0808 273 2138 or book a free survey with one of our experts who will come out to inspect your property.
