Pre-winter gutter maintenance is important, yet many homeowners underestimate its value. Considering the detrimental effects of snow, ice and water, functional gutters and downspouts are necessary to have an efficient roof drainage system.
Apart from roof leaks, these are the issues you might face if you don’t give your gutter system the care it needs before winter:
Siding, Window and Door Damage
Any experienced roofer, like Tedrick’s Roofing, knows that water runoff can shorten the service life of your siding panels, windows and exterior doors. Moisture is bad news for most building materials. It can cause the paint to peel prematurely, causing them to succumb to rot sooner than later.
Cracked Foundation
A clog can make the downspouts useless and force the rainwater to spill over the sides of your gutter. In turn, the spillage can pool near your foundation. Standing pools of water can reduce its strength over time, increasing its potential to collapse.
Ruined Landscaping
Uncontrolled flow of water can result in soil erosion. Just like your roofing system, your gutters must be properly pitched and fastened to let the rainwater travel safely to the ground.
Basement Flooding
If your gutters and downspouts fail to keep the water away from your home’s foundation, it can easily invade your basement. Chronic water intrusion leads to moisture damage and mold growth.
Dry Rot
Damp areas caused by leaky gutters serve as the breeding ground for this wood-destroying fungus. It feeds on the parts of the wood that give timber structural integrity, increasing the need for fascia, soffit and roof repair. Without scheduling a professional roof inspection, it can be hard to catch dry rot early and minimize the damage it causes.
Tedrick’s Roofing is the gutter authority in Federal Way, WA, and nearby areas. We use a high-tech, rigid aluminum alloy to ensure the longevity of our gutters and downspouts. Our durable finish is resistant to corrosive elements, including ultraviolet radiation and polluted air. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation and get a FREE estimate for your pre-winter gutter installation.