Gutters and downspouts should be inspected at least once per year. The following items should be checked during the inspection.
Clear leaves & debris. Gutters and downspouts must be clear of leaves and debris to do their job. Clogged, dammed drain outlets lead to overflowing gutters, and may even pull the gutters loose.
Inspect the slope. Properly installed rain gutters are slightly sloped toward the downspout, allowing water to drain efficiently. Improperly sloped gutters will result in pooling, which over time will corrode your gutters. An easy way to test the slope is by spraying water into the rain gutters with a hose. The water should flow smoothly toward the downspout.
Inspect for gutters pulled away from the building. If water pools in gutters for any reason, the weight of the water may, over time, loosen the fasteners and allow the gutter to pull away from your structure.
Check for leaks and holes. Using a garden hose, spray water on the roof to see if the gutters are leaking.
Inspect downspouts. Inspect downspouts for any leaks or signs of excessive wear. Ensure that they are firmly attached.
If you want more information about maintenance for your gutters and downspouts, please visit our website at www.apextx.com, call us 817-239-8744 or view our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ApexRoofingInc.
