Rain gutters are an essential part of the entire roofing structure. They help in maintaining the roofing
system by channeling rain water to the nearby drainage system. The primary function of an eaves trough is to protect the foundation of the house from water run off which in turn prevents erosion and leakage. Since eaves troughs are designed to catch and divert water, they are prone to clogging from an accumulation of debris. When they are clogged, rainwater cannot flow freely through them, which can cause potential damage to the structure of the house.
The best way to prevent clogs from occurring is to contact the nearest roofing company to clean the gutters; however, it is an easy task for most homeowners to perform on their own. Proper maintenance is the secret to keep gutters providing a lifetime of service. The following are a few tips on how to maintain these structures.
Inspection
- Debris – Inspect the structure for the accumulation of debris and the build up of clogs. Routine inspections should be done at least twice a year.
- Downspouts – Inspect the drain pipes for leaves that may have become lodged and are clogging the pipes, preventing rainwater from properly flowing through the pipes.
- Damage – Inspect the eaves troughs for corrosion, dents, sagging, holes, and missing hangers.
Clean-up
Cleaning should be done twice a year. Generally, it is performed during the springtime and late fall, prior to a heavy rainfall season. Below is a list of what items to remember when performing this important chore.
- Tree Branches – Trim tree branches that overhang onto the edges of the roof.
- Leaves and Debris – Remove any encrusted leaves and other debris using a stiff brush. Avoid driving the leaves into the drain pipes to prevent any further clogging.
- Flush System – Use a garden hose to flush the remaining dirt through the system and check to see if the troughs are draining well or if water is accumulating.
- Adjust Slant – If water accumulates in the eaves troughs, reposition and adjust the pitch to maintain enough of an adequate drain slant to guide the rainwater to the drainpipe.
- Mesh Screens – Install mesh screens on the mouths of the drainpipes to filter debris.
- Obstructions – If clogging in the drainpipes occurs, a pressure washer can be used to remove the obstruction or a plumbing snake can be inserted to clean the drainpipe.
General System Restoration
Repairs can be done in one of two ways. For major leaks, the entire section of the drainage system where it is leaking should be replaced; however, for minor issues one can use a caulking gun to patch and seal small holes.
Maintaining Functional Downspouts
The system will not perform well if the drainpipes are not working properly. Always remember to check the drainpipes when cleaning the entire system. If water is draining near the foundation of the house, flexible extension tubing can be added to direct the water away from the house.
Most issues related to eaves troughs can be fixed by the homeowner. Clean-up is an easy task in maintaining the integrity of the rainwater drainage system. Although inspection and clean up are generally very basic and both require only a small amount of technical knowledge, hiring a professional roofer to inspect and clean the system is a wise choice to make. Preventive maintenance is the key in maintaining a lifetime of service from gutters!
Do you need a Houston roofer to help restore functionality to your roof drainage system? Schulte Roofing covers the greater Houston area and can take care of this chore that will help maintain the quality of your roof!