If you have recently moved into your new home, knowing where to begin checking can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are a first time buyer. In your homeowners checklist you should include knowing how to clean gutters and checking if a fascia and soffit replacement is necessary. Checking your gutter system is important for ensuring your home is not at high risk of water damage.
If your home is due a maintenance check, here are our suggestions to add to your homeowners checklist:
Know How to Clean Gutters
During the wet and rainy weather it can be easy for your gutters to become clogged with debris. To clean your gutter, climb up a ladder with someone at the bottom to help you. While scooping out large debris with your hands, make sure you are wearing work gloves for protection and latex gloves under them to keep your hands dry. Then, use a garden hand trowel to tackle more compact debris.
Next, use the spray nozzle of your garden hose to spray water downstream of your gutter system, down the downpipe. This will help to clear the downpipe of loose debris and if there is a clog you will notice that less water is coming out at the bottom compared to what you are pouring through the top. When this happens, point your garden hose up the downpipe and increase the water pressure.
Identifying If You Need a Fascia and Soffit Replacement
Firstly, you need to be able to distinguish between the fascia and soffit. The fascia runs along the side of your roof’s overhang and is a sleek design to make your roof look complete. Whereas the soffit is tucked below the fascia.
Fascia and soffits are responsible for protecting your roof by ensuring that water, damp and condensation stay out of your home. As they play an important role in protecting your property, it is important to understand the signs of needing a fascia and soffit replacement.
- Cracks: Cracks in either the fascia or soffit can increase your risk of leaks and therefore need replacing.
- Pests: Fascias and soffits are designed to keep pests out of your loft, so if you find them still entering there may be an issue with your boards.
- Little ventilation: If you notice that there is little to no ventilation in your loft, this could be a sign that your fascias and soffits are blocked or damaged.
- Water leaks: Finding water in your roof void can lead to rot or mold, which can cause damage.
- Asbestos: If you think there is any sign of possible asbestos in your home, it is important to call in a team of experts as it can be very dangerous for your health.
Upgrading Your Concrete Gutter Lining
After 30+ years, concrete gutters begin to break down as water manages to squeeze between mortared joints. This can risk water seeping behind the concrete gutter to cause dampness in your upstairs bedrooms.
Upgrading your concrete gutter lining with a thick grade EPDM seamless liner can provide you with a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years. When working with us, we ensure that your liner is fully fitted by stripping rows of tiles if necessary and removing your gutters of debris and previous repair attempts. This should leave you with bone dry gutters.
Starting Your Homeowners Checklist
When managing your homeowners checklist, maintaining your gutter system should be listed with fellow priorities. Without a necessary fascia and soffit replacement, reliable concrete gutter lining or not knowing how to clean gutters, it can cause you problems and money in the long run.
At MW Roofline we specialise in gutters, fascias and soffits. Browse our services and get in touch to enquire with our team.
