Depending on the type of roof your home has, gutters are very beneficial for water management for your home. Gutters assist in catching rainwater from your roof tiles and guiding them down the pipe and away from your house.
A downpipe is a pipe that directs rainwater away from a building, typically via roof gutters, to a drainage system. Downpipes and roof gutters can become blocked when debris like leaves and twigs accumulate. To prevent this, you should maintain them properly. Once debris builds up, water will overflow and can cause damage or dampness on the walls.
It is essential to take note of the rainwater channels (where applicable) as these channels prevent water damage by channelling storm water away from your property and your house’s foundations.
To keep your house’s gutters working correctly, you should do the following:
Clean gutters: Check them regularly to ensure they are clean and remove leaves or other debris.
Secure gutters: Replace the gutter screws using a cordless drill to repair sagging or loose gutters. Gutter screws hold much better than standard gutter spikes, providing better support and security.
Seal leaks: Use a hose to check the gutter joints and seams for leaks. To repair a leaking joint, clean the area thoroughly and apply silicone caulk to seal it; leave it to dry before checking with water again.
Water run-off: To protect your house’s foundation, check that the water from down-spouts is diverted away from your home using splash blocks, a downpipe extension, or an irrigation pipe.
Glossary of Terms:
| Gutter | A channel at the lower edge of a roof for carrying away rainwater. |
| Downpipe | A pipe used to direct rainwater away from a building, typically from roof guttering to a drainage system. |
| Rainwater Channel | A concrete rainwater channel takes the collected gutter flow a distance away from the wall and foundation to prevent water damage. |
DISCLAIMER:
The recommendations herein are given in good faith and are meant to guide the user. The recommendations imply no guarantee since the conditions of use and method of application are beyond our control.