Ensuring that your house is well maintained and that gutter repairs are taken care of regularly will mean that your home looks good and remains structurally sound for many years. Your roof plays an important role in the structural integrity and maintenance of your house and an essential part of your roof are the gutters.
When many people do roof repairs and maintenance they focus on the tiles and fascias, but they forget about the gutters. Gutters need to be properly maintained and regularly cleaned or they will become blocked and the first big rains will cause the water to overflow and damage your wall plate and spars. Prolonged water running down the side of your home can damage your walls, rot your wood, cause interior damp and even damage your foundations.
Here at Peninsula Group NW we can help with all of your Gutter Repairs and Cleaning on the Wirral. Contact our friendly and professional team today.
Different types of guttering
Properly working gutters are an essential element of any home and there are a number of different types of guttering systems. Gutters can be made from several types of materials including:
UPVC gutters
UPVC gutters are popular because they are easy to install and won’t rust. The sections of the gutter are lightweight and snap together with ease. If you live in a cold climate, however, these gutters won’t last as long as other options and if they are not properly installed and maintained you can get water pooling in places.
Aluminium gutters
Aluminium gutters are also easy to install, lightweight and won’t rust and they can withstand the cold weather. These gutters, however, need to be handled carefully before and during installation as they are prone to dents and it is essential to buy high-quality gutters made from primary aluminium rather than recycled aluminium. Trying to save a few pennies in the short term could lead to higher costs later on.
Stainless steel gutters
Stainless steel gutters cost more than UPVC and aluminium, but they are still affordable. They are sturdy and won’t rust. Copper and cast iron guttering are typically found on older homes and are used to preserve the period style of your property. These gutters usually need to be installed by a commercial guttering service.
Warning signs of blocked or damaged gutters
- Water pooling near your foundations, up against the side of your home and on your driveway
- Water in your basement
- Dripping gutters
- No water running in the downspout when it is raining
- Interior damp, peeling wallpaper or paint
- Mould on the exterior walls
Keep your gutters clean in on the Wirral
Leaves, plants, nests, and debris can easily block your gutters and regular gutter cleaning is essential to remove this dirt before it becomes a problem. Blocked gutters allow water to overflow and run down the side of your residential or commercial property. This will eventually lead to water stains on the side of your home and any wood will ultimately warp and rot.
Water will also collect on your roof, damaging the roof and leading to expensive repair work. Blocked gutters also become extremely heavy and this can cause them to break or detach from the side of your home, resulting in costly repairs to your gutters, woodwork, and walls.
Gutters and downspouts can be cleaned by a professional cleaning service with a high-pressure wash and gutter guards can be installed to prevent future problems. Gutters should ideally be cleaned twice a year, once in late spring and then again at the end of summer. By using a cleaning service team to keep your gutters clean and well maintained you can potentially save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
