Author: Brian January 28, 2016

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

The roof, and it’s drainage system, is a vital part of your home, and is hugely important to keeping your home, family and possessions safe and dry.

Many people aren’t aware of how to take care of their gutters, and don’t know the signs to recognise when it’s time to invest in new gutters for your home.

After all, when your gutters are working well, it means that the water falling onto your roof will be directed away from your home, or your rainwater tanks, and you don’t want this system to fail.

Let’s have a look  at five key warning signs that you can use as a guide to let you know when you might need a gutter replacement in Melbourne. or any other location Australia-wide.

Warning Sign One – Puddles

If you spy some puddles around your home after or during a storm or rainshower, it might mean that your gutters aren’t doing the job they’re supposed to do and are struggling to take the water to the downpipes.

You need to check your gutters are clean rather than blocked by leaves.

Then check the way that they flow – which you can either do this during a storm, or with a hose although the sheer volume of water that can fall during a storm will be hard to replicate with a hose.

Be sure to exercise caution when you are standing on a ladder!

Warning Sign Two –  Cracks in your gutters

If your gutters have cracks in them, there’s every chance that the water that’s falling onto your roof is simply falling through the cracks and running down the walls.

When this happens, you run the risk of water seeping into the structure of your home, which can cause a whole host of other problems like mould and damp. Not a great outcome for your family’s health and the structure of your home.

Warning Sign Three – Water Marks on Walls

This relates to warning sign one – cracks – and can be a sign that not all is as it should be with your gutters.

Even if you don’t see the water escaping and causing the issue, it’s a serious problem as it can cause issues with the foundations of your home.

Warning Sign Four – Peeling Paint

Check out the paint on your gutters – if it’s peeling, it may be a sign that rust is beginning to show in your gutters,

Any corrosion can mean that they might have water sitting in them for too long.

When this occurs you’re only a little way from holes and other issues, so be sure to be vigilant here.

Warning Sign Five – Loose or Sagging Gutters

Gutters need to direct the flow of water, and if they’re hanging off your home or not doing the job of directing your water properly, then it’s definitely time to replace them.

You might not need to replace the entire gutter if it’s only a section that’s compromised, so be sure to speak to an expert about your guttering needs.

Don’t forget that storms can occur in any season so, it’s vital to stay up to date with your gutters and the roof of your home.

Be vigilant and check your gutters regularly!