by Network Exteriors | Oct 29, 2022 | News
How to Install Rain Gutters
Rain gutters help to maintain the structural integrity of your home by directing rainwater away from the foundation. Improper routine maintenance or severe weather can deteriorate your gutter systems overtime. Poor installation could result in an improperly functioning system, leading to leakage that could cause damage to your home’s foundation. We always recommend hiring a professional to handle gutter installations, but the following tips may provide some insight into the gutter installation process:
Rain Gutter Sizing
To determine what gutter size you will need, you must first measure the square footage of the gutter’s drainage area. For a straightforward, gable-end roof, you will only need to make two calculations – one per slope. Intersecting roofs require more measurements, as you must add up the area of each surface in the drainage area.
Once you have determined the square footage, you will need to adjust for roof-pitch factor and rainfall intensity. Victoria weather requires larger gutter sizes in order to avoid overwhelm from large rainfall.
Downspout Positioning
The placement of downspouts is critical to avoiding water seepage into your basement. Downspout positioning should be determined before gutter installation in order to understand the direction in which gutters should be angled. As a general rule, at least one downspout should be placed for every 40 linear feet of gutter. If possible, try to place downspouts near the corners of your gutters.
Chalk Line Snapping
The angle in which your gutters are placed is important in allowing for proper downflow of rain water into the downspout. One way to precisely measure this angle is by chalk line snapping.
Place one end of a chalked line on your fascia board and have someone run the line to where your downspout will be. Measure from the roof edge in order to ensure the downspout end of the line is ¼” below the high end of the line for every 20 feet of gutter run. Have someone pull on the chalk line while you hold both ends down. Once released, the line will snap into place, providing an ideal alignment for the rain gutter.
Tight Seals
Proper sealing is necessary in order to avoid leakage and moisture damage. After sealing gutter pieces and downspouts together – and once the sealant has dried – always test the seal yourself with water to ensure soundness.
Expert Gutter Installation in Victoria
Rain gutters are incredibly important in maintaining your home’s condition. A professional gutter installation requires years of experience and can save you a great deal in repair costs down the line.
Network Exteriors is happy to provide gutter installation services in Victoria. Learn more about our gutter installation services here, or contact us today to obtain a free quote.
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by Network Exteriors | Oct 23, 2022 | News
Why Gutter Repair is so Important
Wondering why gutter repair is so important? Gutter maintenance and repair is essential to the longevity of your gutters. Poorly maintained gutters can lead to a number of expensive problems. Clogged gutters, gutter leaks and sinking gutters are all critical problems to address in order to avoid roof or foundational damage. Clogged gutters may trap dirt, moisture, ice or other debris, making them heavier and prone to sagging. If left too long, this may cause cracks and leaks in the roof – and some extremely costly repairs.
How Do I Know if I Need My Gutters Cleaned?
It is advised to have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year to ensure proper functioning: once in the spring and once in the fall.
Another quick way to determine whether your gutters need cleaning is examining them from the outside when it is raining – a frequent occurrence in Victoria. If the rain drips down the edge of your building, it’s possible that your gutter is clogged with dead leaves, moss, or other debris. The two most typical gutter repairs issues are congestion inside the gutters and in the downpipes.
How Do I Know I Need My Gutters Repaired?
If you suspect your gutters are damaged or clogged, you should get in touch with experts who are qualified to provide advice on the correct procedures – whether you need waste cleared or your guttering joints fixed. Feel free to contact us at Network Exteriors with any questions you may have regarding gutter repair.
Faulty Gutter Issues
Improper gutter repair or a lack of maintenance can lead to a number of issues including:
Sagging
If undrained rainwater or debris sits in your gutters for too long, they may sag under the weight. Even high winds and temperature changes can cause gutter sagging over time. To keep your gutters operational, you should repair sagging gutters as soon as possible in order to avoid having to replace the entire guttering system.
Dampness and mould
When water sits inside gutters instead of draining out as usual, this may lead to dampness and mould growth. This issue is particularly common in the winter months, and poses not only aesthetic problems but potentially harmful health risks. Mould will need proper removal immediately as well as repair of the improper functioning gutters.
Leakage
Leakage occurs when gutter fasteners are loose, or contain cracks and holes. Water may then leak through and off the guttering throughout the draining process, leading to water damage to your home. Holes will need to be sealed with a proper sealant and fasteners may need to be tightened. These types of repairs can be handled quickly and efficiently by Network Exteriors.
Gutter Repair in Victoria
Network Exteriors is happy to provide gutter maintenance and repair services in Victoria. Learn more about our gutter repair services here.
