Gutter inspections are important no matter what type of gutter protection systems you have. Even if your gutters are treated with a special coating, they can still fail. If your gutter is not properly maintained over time it can increase the risk of water damage to your home. Over time, the weight of accumulated debris can actually weaken your gutters. If left unchecked, this can lead to leaks and possible structural damage.
It is important to have your gutters inspected on an annual basis even if they are treated for abrasion by chemical treatments. If the gutter is not inspected regularly, the risk of significant debris buildup and subsequent blockages can become serious. The added cost and risk associated with yearly gutter inspections could make annual inspections more practical, especially if you are already using other traditional means such as installing scaffolding or employing cherry pickers to do the work. You may want to consider the cost and convenience of having your gutter inspected by professionals each year instead of depending on guesswork or cost for inspections.
Many homeowners mistakenly think that their downspout will need yearly gutter inspections as well. The fact is, your gutter and downspout are exposed to varying degrees of exposure from the sun, leaves, rain, ice, birds, frogs, snails, insects, heat, etc. Depending on the type of surface on which the gutter and downspout rest, the combination of weather conditions could cause your gutter and downspout to deteriorate quickly. Regular inspections will not only ensure that nothing has gotten into your gutters, but it could also eliminate the need for costly repairs.
If you are planning to have your gutter inspections done professionally, it would be helpful to know exactly what to look for during the inspection. Most home inspectors start by checking the condition of the fascia and trusses that provide the structure of the gutter. They then inspect the tracheal, or branch pipe, if any. After checking these areas, they move to inspect the pitch and width of the gutter system. Next, they check for obstructions such as leaf and shrub debris, nails, or broken pieces of metal and wood. This detailed data is vital to the accuracy of the inspection, since it allows the inspector to determine if necessary corrective measures are needed.
One of the most important aspects of a quality gutter inspection is to check for any visible damage caused by external water pressure. Many times when a homeowner takes out a mortgage, it is required that they get a home inspection. Most lenders require home inspections for properties that have been on the market for at least three months. By having your gutters inspected, the lender can ensure that there is no significant damage caused by deteriorating gutter systems.
If you have been considering getting gutters replaced, it may be beneficial to get them inspected. Gutters are essential to the structural integrity of a home since they direct rainwater away from the foundation and into downspouts. Inflated gutters to allow water to easily flow from rooftop to floor to cause extensive damage to the roof and walls. Since purchasing new gutters can be quite expensive, it may be wise to have an inspection performed to pinpoint repair needs and to identify weak areas where water may be leaking. A qualified home inspector can help you determine what needs to be repaired and why and with the proper inspection techniques, you can make informed decisions about your home’s gutters and other structures.
Guttering Canberra
6a Mirrabucca Cresent
Giralang ACT 2617
(02) 6147 2609