Got Rain?

GOT RAIN? 

Then take a look at your gutters….

The gutter and downspout system is one of the most important, yet most neglected systems of your home!  The purpose of a gutter and downspout system is to help control the flow of rainwater from your roof to the ground to prevent rain damage to the exterior of your home. Gutters and downspouts also keep insects and moisture from entering your basement or crawlspaces, they protect your landscaping from eroding, and they help guard your foundation from damage.

For that reason, it’s important to keep your gutters in good repair and free from leaves and other debris that interrupt the intended disposition of excess rain water and melted snow which may cause water to leak into your attic or between siding layers of your home.  Having lived on Cape Cod for over 25 years and conducting home inspections on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard  I see damage caused by faulty gutters from: ice, snow, tree limbs, and squirrels.

The best time to check your gutters for damage is during the spring and fall before the snow flies. Either wait for a rain shower and circle your home watching where the flow is correct versus where the flow is stopped up or diverted by leaves and debris, or you can simply spray water on your roof, letting water cascade down to your gutters and then looking for leaks and other problems.

If your gutters pull away from their mounting it may be as easy as hammering loose nails back into place.   You may need to pull a nail and start a new hole.  To plug the old nail holes, buy a tube of roofing cement and a “patch” of the same gutter material that is much larger than the hole itself. Simply clean the area, and use the roofing cement to connect the two pieces of material, which will solve the problem.

Keeping your gutters cleaned out and flowing properly can help to avoid problems with your foundation, wall siding, trim, windows and grading.

Helpful information for Homeowners – Licensed Cape Cod Home Inspector – Scott Hunt – SEASIDE HOME INSPECTION offering home inspections on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Southeastern Massachusetts