Summer brings long days and warm weather – but it also has its challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to gutter maintenance.
In the UK, weather conditions can be unpredictable. Proper gutter maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your roofing system – and there are many small maintenance tips that can help safeguard your property.
Read on for a complete guide that will delve into common gutter problems during the summer, their causes, and how you can solve them.
How do gutter systems work?
Gutter systems are designed to move rainwater away from your home, protecting it from water damage. Gutters are made from a range of materials, including aluminium, steel or PVC and are installed along the edges of your roof.
Rainwater collects in these channels and is directed towards downspouts. These downspouts then carry the water to the ground, releasing it away from the house. This process prevents water from pooling around the foundation of the house and causing structural damage.
Effective gutter systems are essential for maintaining the integrity of your home. Gutter systems come in a range of sizes, depending on the needs of a property.
Common gutter problems in summer
Your gutters will undergo different problems depending on the time of year. Any given British summer can vary between stiflingly hot and soaking wet. This climate can create many common problems with your gutter. Let’s examine some of the most common problems:
Blockages and debris
While you won’t have to deal with pesky autumn leaves in the summer, gutters can still become clogged. Debris like twigs, seeds and branches can accumulate in your gutters, leading to blockages. These blockages can cause real problems when it rains.
Algae and moss
The warm and humid conditions of summer in the UK create an ideal environment for moss and algae to thrive. These organisms can grow on and inside your gutters, leading to blockages and even damaging your gutter materials.
Sagging gutters
Debris and blockages can cause your gutters to sag. This can happen even if you are regularly cleaning out your gutter. It will not only affect the efficiency in directing water away from your home but can also lead to further damage if left unaddressed.
Leaks and cracks
High temperatures or prolonged exposure to the sun can cause damage to the material of your gutters. Materials can expand and contract, leading to possible leaks and cracks. This problem causes many issues with your gutter system, causing water to leak and damage your home’s exterior and foundation during heavy rainfall.
Pests
Depending on the condition of your gutter, the summer can attract many different pests to your gutters. Some of these include birds, insects and rodents – each finding your gutters a convenient place to nest or shelter. These pests can add new debris or blockages to your gutters and cause damage to the structure.
Why do these gutter problems occur?
Weather conditions
As mentioned above, British summers can be unpredictable, with periods of hot weather followed by heavy rainstorms. These sharp changes in weather can cause damage to your gutter system, making regular maintenance vital.
Maintenance issues
Many homeowners overlook gutter maintenance during the summer. This is because autumn is more widely known as the time whernissues occur. However, neglecting your gutters during this season can lead to a buildup of problems that can snowball and become more difficult to manage later on.
Installation issues
Improperly installed gutters can cause many problems, including poor drainage, sagging, and small to large leaks. Making sure that your gutters are installed correctly is the first step to ensure long-term performance. Some poor installations may require total overhauls of your gutter systems.
Solutions for summer gutter maintenance
Now that we’ve outlined some of the main problems and their causes, let’s look at the solutions. Below, we’ll run through some tips that will help you get ahead of these problems before they occur or fix them once they have.
1. Regular cleaning
One of the most important ways to stop and fix these problems is regularly cleaning your gutters. By doing this, you will prevent blockages and the buildup of debris. Ideally, gutters should be cleaned at least twice during the summer season. This involves removing leaves, twigs or any other debris that might obstruct the flow of water.
2. Inspections and repairs
Any damage to your gutter system needs to be identified and fixed. You can catch these by conducting routine inspections, searching for cracks, leaks or sagging. Any damage you find needs to be repaired to prevent further issues. You can seal minor leaks with sealant and ensure your gutter brackets are securely fastened.
3. Gutter guards
Gutter guards are a common element that can help to prevent debris from entering your system. These guards allow water to flow while keeping leaves, twigs and other debris out. This can massively reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning and help to maintain efficient water flow.
4. Professional gutter cleaning services
While you can easily solve some small problems yourself, professional gutter maintenance services provide a thorough solution.
Domestic and commercial professionals have the expertise and tools to clean, inspect and make larger repairs. This will ensure that your gutters remain working as intended and stay in top condition throughout the summer.
Get professional guttering with DPR Wakefield
At DPR Wakefield, we know the unique challenges that British summer can pose to your gutter system. Our comprehensive gutter services are designed to keep your gutters in top condition – preventing costly damage!
We offer a range of services, including gutter clearance, maintenance and repairs. Our expert team knows how to quickly complete gutter work to a high standard, minimising disruption for you and your property.
With over 30 years of experience, we have worked with a huge number of clients across multiple industries. Whether you have a commercial or domestic property in Wakefield, we’ll ensure that your gutter system is fit for purpose and ready for anything. Call 01924 255 677 to speak with our team.