What’s The Best Time To Carry Out A Biannual Gutter Inspection?
How regularly do you carry out a gutter inspection for your house? The four distinct seasons pose a challenge to properly functioning gutters. For this reason, you need to get a professional to inspect your gutters at least once a year to keep an eye out for any potential problems that may occur. Unfortunately, most home owners overlook the importance of carrying out gutter inspections since they are designed to be inconspicuous. Gutters are designed to drain large volumes of water from the roof and in case they develop problems, this can quickly turn into a calamity. So when exactly is the best time to carry out gutter inspections?
When it rains
Most of us want to curl up by the fire while we enjoy a cup of coffee as it rains. As good as this may sound, you can also use this time to check your gutters. While it is raining, go around the house and check how well the gutters are draining water. Check the drainage around the foundation and check any signs of pooling anywhere near the house. Follow the water drainage to see if it is flowing away from the house or not.
Next, check the downspouts to see if the water is running outside. Carefully inspect to check for gaps or cracks along the joints or elbows of the downspouts. Make sure that the water from downspouts is being directed to the splash block. The splash block should then direct water away from the house at least 2ft from the external wall. You should also check if the gutters are well secured and if there are any leaks.
In the fall
Fall is a good time to spend time outdoors as you enjoy the fall colors around you. Use this time to go around your house and inspect the gutters and downspouts. Check for any possible rusting or loose screws along the gutters and downspouts. Go around the foundation of the house and clear any shrubs to check if there is any water collection.
If you notice discoloration on the external walls, check if there are any holes in the gutters that may be causing possible leaks. If you notice any gaps between the fascia and gutters, it’s time to call for a professional who specializes in soffit and fascia in Toronto. He will carry out an inspection and advice whether to repair or replace the fascia to avoid leakages.
In the spring
Most people prefer to carry out gutter inspections during the spring. The weather is warm and it is considered a safe time since there are no strong winds. Use this time to clean out the gutters. It is advisable to call in the experts to carry out the inspection since they know what and where to check. If you prefer doing it by yourself, ensure that you have the right gear to ensure your safety. You will need to put on gloves and protective glasses during the cleaning. Use a ladder to get to the gutters and clear out the leaves and debris using your hands. After clearing out the debris, direct water to the gutter using a hosepipe to clean out remaining dirt and while doing this check for any possible leaks. Ensure that no debris is blocking the downspouts and that water is flowing freely. Check the fascia for any signs of rot or moisture. If you find any problems, do not hesitate to call the professionals for a quick fix up.
Never allow your gutter to stay for long without being inspected or repaired. Delaying will lead to more damage to the gutters and around the house. In the end, you will end up splurging more cash on repairs.