Gutters/Downspout Tips

Maintenance Tips: Gutters

One Of The Best Ways To Ensure That Your Home Continues To Look And Perform Well Is To Make Sure That You Have Gutters In The Right Places, And That They Are Properly Installed.  Gutters Are Recommended At All Appropriate Roof Slopes Around The Entire Perimeter Of The Home To Channel And Direct Rainwater Away From The Structure, To Promote Foundation Health, And To Reduce Moisture-Related Deterioration Of Under-Eave Wood Structures, Such As Soffits And Fascia Boards, As Well As Splash-Back Moisture Damage To Doors And Frames.  Lack Of Proper Gutters Is Also A Major Factor In The Development Of The Green Algae That Develops In Humid Climates.  In Order To Do Their Job Properly, Gutter Downspouts Should Have Splash Blocks Or Flexible Downspout Extensions To Prevent Ponding, Puddling And Splash-Back Near The Foundation.  You Should Arrange To Clean Your Gutters Twice A Year.  If The Gutters Are Full Of Leaf Debris, Pine Needles Or Shingle Grit, Rainwater Will Overflow And Cascade Over The Under-Eave Structures, Possibly Causing Moisture Related-Damage And Algae Formation, Even On Composite Materials, Such As Hardie Planks (Which Are Usually Nailed To Wood Structural Members).