A Quick Household Tip for Heavy Rain
Extreme weather conditions can damage guttering systems, leading to leaky roofs. Reputable home insurance policies will protect you financially should your roof leak unexpectedly, but by keeping your gutters clear, you may be able to avoid problems altogether.
Gutters are designed to divert water away from your home, preventing moisture damage. However, if gutters become blocked or damaged and water is unable to drain effectively, the subsequent buildup could lead to leaks and serious damage to your home.
The levels of snow and ice experienced last winter, which was the coldest on record in many places, is one example of the sort of adverse weather conditions that can disrupt guttering systems. Snow and ice can block your home's drainage system and be very difficult to remove. These blockages then trap other debris and before you know it there is a leak and water damage in the affected area.
Storms can also cause problems. In strong winds, leaves and branches often blow onto roofs before being washed into guttering systems by the rain. A combination of sludgy leaves, wet grit, mud and branches can easily block gutters and drainpipes. Overflowing water can build up on the roof and flow down the walls of your house. This can lead to leaky roofs, damp walls and other moisture damage.
After a storm or any especially heavy weather it is best to check the state of your gutters. The sooner blockages are identified and dealt with the less impact it will have on your home. Unclogging your gutters can be time consuming and messy but the more often this job is done, the less taxing it is. A well positioned garden hose or strong leaf blower can help you to clear the drainpipes, or you can contract a professional cleaner to ensure the job is done properly and safely.
Some people invest in gutter guards which allow water to drain but keep leaves, branches and other debris out of the guttering system. Though these products seem ideal initially, they can sometimes turn out to be counterproductive. Some models lead to a buildup of water behind them that allows water to seep in under the shingles; after a few years, this causes roofs to leak. If you do invest in gutter guards, do your research to ensure it is the most effective design.
If your gutters are damaged during a storm and your roof ends up leaking as a result, most reputable home insurance policies will protect you financially from this sort of sudden and unforeseen roofing problem. However, when gutters are well looked after, this sort of inconvenience is far less likely to happen in the first place.
Gutters are designed to divert water away from your home, preventing moisture damage. However, if gutters become blocked or damaged and water is unable to drain effectively, the subsequent buildup could lead to leaks and serious damage to your home.
The levels of snow and ice experienced last winter, which was the coldest on record in many places, is one example of the sort of adverse weather conditions that can disrupt guttering systems. Snow and ice can block your home's drainage system and be very difficult to remove. These blockages then trap other debris and before you know it there is a leak and water damage in the affected area.
Storms can also cause problems. In strong winds, leaves and branches often blow onto roofs before being washed into guttering systems by the rain. A combination of sludgy leaves, wet grit, mud and branches can easily block gutters and drainpipes. Overflowing water can build up on the roof and flow down the walls of your house. This can lead to leaky roofs, damp walls and other moisture damage.
After a storm or any especially heavy weather it is best to check the state of your gutters. The sooner blockages are identified and dealt with the less impact it will have on your home. Unclogging your gutters can be time consuming and messy but the more often this job is done, the less taxing it is. A well positioned garden hose or strong leaf blower can help you to clear the drainpipes, or you can contract a professional cleaner to ensure the job is done properly and safely.
Some people invest in gutter guards which allow water to drain but keep leaves, branches and other debris out of the guttering system. Though these products seem ideal initially, they can sometimes turn out to be counterproductive. Some models lead to a buildup of water behind them that allows water to seep in under the shingles; after a few years, this causes roofs to leak. If you do invest in gutter guards, do your research to ensure it is the most effective design.
If your gutters are damaged during a storm and your roof ends up leaking as a result, most reputable home insurance policies will protect you financially from this sort of sudden and unforeseen roofing problem. However, when gutters are well looked after, this sort of inconvenience is far less likely to happen in the first place.