When it comes to installing gutters, there are a few things that you need to avoid doing. These include improperly positioning hangers, allowing channels to sag in the middle, and creating ice dams.
Rain Gutters Perform a Vital Function
Rain is essential to the health of your home. It’s also necessary to have a sound rain gutter system. These will keep your house dry and prevent water from causing damage.
A properly installed and maintained rain gutter system will protect your home from leaks, mold, and flooding. The best rain gutters from gutter companies Salem are made from durable materials. This will ensure that they last for years.
Gutter companies have developed a variety of styles and materials for your home. They can install gutters on-site or create custom gutter corners.
A sound rain gutter system will save you from replacing your siding or roof. Gutters can also prevent water from damaging your basement. They can even protect your landscaping.
While you are at it, inspecting your roof and gutters for any signs of wear and tear is a good idea. You could be in trouble if your roof leaks or the downspouts are clogged.
Downspouts Divert Water Eight to 10 Feet Away From Your Home’s Foundation
Downspouts are necessary to keep rainwater away from your home. If water is not diverted correctly, it can damage your foundation.
When installing downspouts, you must consider how sloped your yard is. The slope should be a minimum of six inches per six feet. It would help if you also ensured that the downspouts were not pointing toward your driveway. This can create safety concerns and can cause soil erosion below your house.
To avoid soil erosion, the downspouts should connect to an underground catchment system. This allows you to divert the water to an area outside of the home. However, it would help if you never touched your downspouts to your foundation drain system.
A splash stone, also called a “spray way,” is an optional accessory that can help keep water from coming back toward your home. They are usually about two to three feet long and can be purchased at any home and garden store.
Improperly-positioned Gutter Hangers Can Cause Your Gutters to Sag in the Middle
Whether in a cold, wet climate or a hot, dry one, the weight of water, ice, and debris on your gutters can sag them. This can damage your foundation and rot your wood. Sagging gutters can change the course of the water’s flow and cause flooding. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem.
The best way to prevent gutters from sagging is to ensure they are appropriately sized. If the gutters are too large, they will put too much strain on the system. Also, sagging gutters can prevent rainwater from channeling off the roof appropriately.
Usually, the solution for sagging gutters is to install new gutters or tighten the hangers. However, this is only sometimes a permanent solution. It is better to have a professional repair the problem. Having a professional fix your sagging gutters will help you to know exactly what is causing the drooping.
Ice Dams
Ice dams can cause a lot of damage to your roof. They can erode the shingles and even leak water into the interior of your house. There are several ways to prevent ice dams.
First, you need to check for air leaks. Sealing air ducts and vent pipes can help. You can also use foam to fill in gaps. This will ensure that there is no air leakage.
Then, look at the gutters. If they are clogged with ice, you will have to clean them. Clear the downspouts so that the melting snow does not freeze.
Lastly, check the eaves of your house. Often, places with many overhangs will have a greater chance of developing ice dams. When the temperature fluctuates, the snow will melt and refreeze overnight.
Injuries During Installation
If you’re installing gutters, you’ll need to consider safety. It’s essential to make sure you use the right tools and materials. Using improper equipment can lead to accidents that can be very costly.
Falling off of a ladder is one of the most common workplace injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 90,000 people require medical treatment for falling off a ladder yearly.
Injuries from falling off of a ladder include back strains, headaches, and other problems. However, the most severe injuries can be caused by a lack of fall protection.
In addition to protecting employees, employers should also ensure that the job site is surveyed correctly to ensure no hazards exist. Many accidents can occur unnoticed, and it’s essential to have all the facts before you start any project.
