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How To Test Your Gutters to Prevent Leaks?
Admin • Jul 12, 2019
Gutters play an important role in protecting your property. When it rains, they direct water away from the house and into the underground drain system, minimizing the risk of flooding the foundation, which could cause severe structural damages. Keeping your walls dry also prevents mold from growing, soil from eroding, and keeps your expensive siding looking as good as new. But only provided that your gutters work properly. Ignoring gutters leaking at the corners or along the perimeter will lead to long-term problems that can significantly decrease the value of your property.
Water is tricky. It can get through the littlest cracks, and before you know it – the damage is already done. This is why it is so important to maintain your gutters regularly. It is essential to test them for leaks at least two times a year before a tiny leak turns into a flood in the basement. Of course, nothing is beyond repair. But the foundation is the base of your house, and fixing it will cost a small fortune. Maintaining your gutters, on the other hand, is much more affordable. You can even do it yourself! Follow the steps below to perform a leak test on your gutters like a pro.
Step 1: Basic Maintenance
The best time to clean your gutters is during fall and spring. The main focus is clearing out fallen leaves, branches, and other debris to prevent clogging. Watch out for eggs in spring – birds frequently choose gutters to nest. After the winter season, it is important to make sure there are no “ice dams” left inside the pipes to secure leaking and overflows. All you need to clean your gutters are a ladder and a pair of gloves with a rubber grip to protect your hands. Starting at the downspout, scoop out all the leaves and sediment.
Step 2: Test the gutters
Using a ladder and a garden hose, you can easily check if your gutters are leaking between the house and the gutter itself:
- Set up a ladder so that you can access the top of the gutters.
- Place the garden hose inside the gutter and ask someone on the ground to turn it on. Make sure the water runs into the drain. Secure the hose or ask a helper to hold it for you.
- Walk around the perimeter of the house and check if there is water dripping anywhere. Mark the problem areas.
- Move the hose into different positions until you test the entire gutter system. Use a flashlight to review the dark areas of the house.
- Make plans to repair the problem areas as soon as possible.
The whole process wouldn’t take long, but we recommend to do it on the weekends when you are not limited in time and feel rested.
How to fix the leaking gutters?
So, you have found a few spots around the house where water seems to drip down where it shouldn’t. First of all, breathe out! Most leaks can be patched up with roof cement. And even if they can’t, you can always cut out the problem area and have it replaced. Home improvement stores hold all kinds of gutter repair kits that will help you secure leaking in no time. After you are done with repairs, test your gutter system once again to make sure there are no leaks left.
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