Your gutter is the core of your drainage system. If your gutter breaks, it is very possible that rainwater will begin to flow from your roof into the foundations of house, potentially leading to crack in the walls, mould on the walls and the spread of damp.
It is therefore important that your gutters are cleaned, maintained regularly and repaired if necessary. Here is a guide to help you do just that:
Testing your gutter
Test how efficiently your gutter is functioning by pouring water down it and observing how well the water flows through. If water flows freely through, then the gutter is functioning properly. On the other hand, if the water pools at certain parts of the gutter then this a sure sign of a blockage
Inspect and clean your gutter once every six months, preferably just prior to spring and just prior to autumn. Look for the presence of leaves, tree branches and other debris and use a plumber’s snake to remove. If such a blockage is a common occurrence then consider installing strainers; these are relatively inexpensive pieces of equipment that are easy to install and ultimately very useful.
Repairing Your Gutters
It is only really possible to repair minor leaks and rust spots on your gutter without the need for replacement parts to be installed. To fix small holes, paint on a 3mm layer of purpose-made liquid PVC cement and allow it to dry completely before testing by pouring water through. Again, if water flows through freely, that broken guttering will need to be replaced.
If you would prefer to hire a professional to diagnose the problems with your guttering and you live in Leeds, call us on 0113 335 0043.