21 Apr

The Top 7 Causes Of Gutter Damage And How To Prevent Them

COLORBOND® roofing is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, but even the sturdiest roof can suffer from gutter damage. Gutters are an essential component of any home’s drainage system, protecting the roof and foundation from water damage. However, many factors can lead to gutter damage, all of which can cause a range of issues, from roof leaks to foundation cracks. To prevent these problems and ensure the longevity of your COLORBOND® roofing, it is essential to properly maintain and repair your gutters. But how can you do that?

This article explores the 7 main causes of gutter damage and how you may be able to prevent it. For personalised advice, contact our team at O’Boyles Roofing today.

What Are Gutters And Why Are They Important?

Gutters are essential components of a home’s drainage system. This is because they play a crucial role in protecting a home’s structure and foundation from water damage, keeping your home a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.

When it rains, water runs down the roof and into the gutters, which channel it away from the house’s foundation and prevent it from pooling around the structure. If water pools around the foundation of your home, this can cause the foundation to weaken and crack over time. Also, if your home doesn’t have gutters or its gutters are damaged, water can accumulate on the roof and seep into the roofline, causing damage to the roof and potentially leading to leaks inside your home.

Gutters also help prevent erosion of the soil around the foundation, which can lead to serious structural issues and, ultimately, costly repairs. Therefore, gutters are an essential part of any home’s exterior and should be properly installed, maintained, and repaired as needed.

What Can Cause Gutter Damage And How Can I Prevent These Problems?

Gutters play a crucial role in safeguarding homes against water damage. However, they can be susceptible to damage due to various factors. These include:

1. Poor Installation/Improper Placement/Incorrect Sloping

Improperly fastened gutters can become loose and sag, causing water accumulation on the roof and possible leaks indoors. Incorrect placement and sloping are other issues that can cause gutter problems and possibly lead to water damage to the foundation or siding of the home. This is because if gutters are not sloped or placed correctly, water is unlikely to flow correctly and can then contribute to foundational or siding problems.

To prevent issues caused by poor installation and improper placement, it is crucial to position the gutters correctly, ensuring that the water falling from the roof enters the gutter as it’s intended to. To do this, always use a qualified roof plumber with a thorough understanding of how to place, slope, and install gutters.

2. Ageing

Ageing is inevitable, even for the best gutters. After years of use, gutters can rust, corrode, sag, or break at the joints. Although roofers typically secure gutters to fascia boards on the roof, the wood may rot over time, causing the gutters to sag and even spill water over the sides.

While you can’t prevent ageing, you can do what you can to put it off for as long as possible while maintaining the safety and health of your gutters. COLORBOND® roofing is a great way to do this as it’s strong and durable, lasting much longer than many other options.

3. Debris Accumulation

Debris accumulation is another issue that can clog gutters, such as with leaves, branches, seeds, and granules. Debris build-up can cause gutters to malfunction by blocking the water flow, and the excess weight may cause the gutters to sag or break apart at the joints.

To prevent debris accumulation from causing a problem for your gutters, keep your gutters free of debris by cleaning them out frequently, especially if trees grow close to your home. Use a ladder to reach the gutters and remove any debris, or call a professional to do so for you.

4. Rust Or Corrosion

Rust or corrosion can weaken gutters and cause them to develop holes or cracks. This can lead to water damage to the home’s foundation or interior or even structural damage to the gutters themselves.

To prevent rust accumulating or corrosion from taking hold of your gutters, ensure you clean them regularly and remove any debris and water build-up. Another top is to repaint your gutters as needed, as paint acts as a barrier against moisture and therefore helps to prevent rust and corrosion. Use a high-quality, rust-inhibiting paint designed for metal surfaces for best results.

5. Damage From Windblown Debris

Tree limbs or other debris that fall onto gutters can cause them to dent or become damaged, leading to potential leaks or water build-up on the roof. Windblown debris can also clog gutters or damage them over time.

Inspecting and cleaning your gutters frequently is a good way to minimise damage from windblown debris, but there are also other steps you can take to prevent this. Trim trees close to your home, especially if they hang over your roofline, so you can reduce the amount of debris that may fall into your gutters. You should also make sure your gutters are securely attached in order to prevent them from collapsing during strong winds.

6. Not Maintaining Or Cleaning Gutters Regularly

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting gutters, is essential for preventing damage and ensuring the longevity of the drainage system. Failure to maintain gutters regularly can lead to clogging, damage, or wear and tear over time.

Prevention, in this case, is as simple as regularly inspecting your gutters and taking any steps needed if you see any potential problems.

7.  Damage Caused By Pests

Animals or pests that nest in gutters can cause damage by chewing on or nesting in them, leading to potential leaks or clogging. Additionally, animal droppings can also cause damage over time if not cleaned up regularly.

Trimming trees and reducing the risk of animals building nests near your home is a good place to start when it comes to preventing this type of damage. You can also use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or mothballs around your home, which tend to repel pests and animals from settling into your gutters.

While regular maintenance can prevent some common gutter problems, upgrading to a new, high-quality gutter system may be the only solution for other issues.

Need Gutter Cleaning Or Installation In Melbourne?

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your gutters is crucial to prevent any damage or wear and tear, but sometimes repairs or replacements are necessary. If you’re in need of professional assistance to keep your COLORBOND® roofing in tip-top shape, look no further than O’Boyles Roofing! Our team of experts can inspect your gutters and roofing system for any issues and provide you with the best solutions to protect your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late; contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your gutters are in top condition!

FOR AN EXPERT ROOF PLUMBER, CALL 03 9998 2171