Gutters and downpipes serve an important function – they prevent rain and other water from damaging your home. Because of this, a damaged gutter or downpipe can result in a leak, which puts your home at risk of severe water damage including damaged bricks, rotted windows, and structural decay.

The most common cause of damage to gutters and downpipes is a combination of age and weather wear. Here are some common problems that can lead to gutter and downpipe damage

Blocks

Debris can accumulate in a downpipe or gutter, creating a block and preventing water from flowing smoothly. This problem leads to sections of strain and overflow. Additionally, in time, a blocked area becomes waterlogged making it very heavy. Waterlogged areas create a structural strain and can lead to other problems such as cracks and sagging. Cleaning blocked gutters is a relatively simple task, although there is a danger related to the height of the roof.

After securing your ladder with all the necessary safety precautions, use a small brush or gloved hand to remove the gutter debris and place it in a bucket or bag. In most situations, the clog will be caused by an accumulation of leafs. However, it is possible that other items could be clogging your gutter, so you should be prepared for anything. In order to prevent yourself from being startled, move along slowly and keep a keen eye for bird nests, insect hives, or animal carcasses.

Unlike clogged gutters, blocked downpipes are not as easy to clear. Removing a blockage requires the use of a fairly strong flow of water to push the debris out. Starting at the top of the down pipe, direct your hose downwards and be prepared to clean up whatever comes from the opposite end. After you have unclogged your downpipe, you can fix a piece of gauze or chicken wire over the outlet. These materials will allow water to exit the gutter into the downpipe, but will trap items that could create clogs. You must remember, however, to clear the area regularly in order to prevent a blockage from occurring at the outlet.

Holes and Cracks

Extreme changes in temperature, the strain of heavy debris, and weather aging can cause holes and cracks to form in your drain or downpipe. This is a very common problem, and every homeowner should expect to face a leaky gutter at some point during his or her ownership.

Luckily, in addition to being common, the problem is also very easy to fix. It is a good idea to inspect your gutter system each year so that you can catch problems, like a hole or crack, early on. Early detection can allow you to fix the problem while it is still small and before it becomes a system wide issue. In order to fix a small crack or hole you will require either plastic sealing compound (for plastic gutters), or metal putty or fibreglass (for cast iron gutters). Regardless of the compound used, you should apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which should be relatively quick and simple.

Leaking Joints

Like, cracks and holes, leaking joints are also a common problem with aging gutters and downpipes. Other culprits are when heavy debris creates sagging which strains the connection, or when dirt becomes lodged under the joint’s rubber seal. Regardless of the cause, a leaky joint is best fixed when caught early.

Depending on your specific gutter, you may either have to buy new seals or entire replacement joints. Either way, replacement requires that you first clear the gutter of any debris and then unclip it. Next, clean under the gutter’s seal and then replace either the seal or joint as required.

Sagging

Sagging gutters are frequently caused by waterlogged debris putting a strain on the weight-bearing gutter. However, this problem is also a common sign of old age. If not caught early, sagging can create secondary problems such as cracks, holes, and leaking joints.

A sagging area can also cause the water to pool in one area or flow away from the downpipe. Depending on the severity of the problem, you will have to move the brackets, purchase extra brackets, or in severe cases, replace the gutter.

Regular maintenance and quick repair of any damage will allow you to reduce the chances of damaged gutters creating problems for homes structure. By maintaining the health of your gutters and downpipes, you will reduce the chances of dampness occurring inside your home. This is a major step to ensuring that your home is as energy efficient as possible – which means lower heating costs and more money in your pocket.