Gutter Inspections

A gutter system’s health is not usually the first thing on someone’s mind. That is until a heavy leak occurs. It is important to have a gutter inspection performed at least twice a year, as well as the gutters cleaned out. The two most important times to have this done is in the fall before winter arrives and in early spring before rain season beings. This allows small issues to be discovered before they turn into bigger problems. 

When inspecting a gutter system, an inspector should look to make sure it is adequately sized to prevent runoff. Typically, there are two phases involved in a gutter inspection. During the first phase, the inspector will inspect the gutter system from the ground. They will conduct a visual inspection of the miters, endcaps, gutter runs, and downspouts. They will also check for gaps, missing pieces, pulling away from the home or building, detached downspouts, rusts, holes, and signs of leaks. Any areas of concerns will be looked at closer during the second phase. 

Gutter Inspections Process

Once the first phase is completed, the inspector will move on to phase two. If there is any debris present, it must be cleaned out before the inspection of the inner gutter occurs. Afterwards, the inspector will use a hose to run water through the gutters to look for leaks and to ensure the water runs freely through the downspout and is diverted 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation. The inspector will then inspect the health of any sealants used as well as fasteners and hangers to make sure they are not loose. If there are gutter guards, the inspector will also examine the gutter protection. They will check for gaps due to improper installation, clogs resulting from smaller debris or a pest that has made the gutters their home. If the gutter protection is in good condition, then the inner gutter system should be free of problems. However, a hose should be used to run water through the gutters to make sure there are no leaks and no clogs in the downspouts. 

A few inches of rain falling on a roof may not seem like a lot, but it can produce several thousand gallons of water runoff. It is important for this runoff to be diverted away from the foundation. If it is not, the excess water can rapidly soak the soil surrounding the house or building and taper through the foundation to the inside. As soon as it is inside, the moisture can cause many issues such as mold and wood rot, as well as indoor air quality problems. 

Reason For gutter inspections

When a gutter inspection is done by a professional, many things can be learned about the home or building. For instance, weak spots in the roof lines, eaves, and drip edges might be discovered. Other discoveries might include possible mistakes during installation, the true age of the gutters versus their life expectancy, and whether the right sealant was used. To prevent leaks or major problems in the future, it is vital to schedule a gutter inspection twice a year. Do not hesitate and call today!