(702) 646-7536Repair and Replacement of Rain Gutter Systems
Southern Nevada can be hit with some strong rains and winds. Every few years, El Niño gears up to bring above normal rain, wind, and overall wild weather. The first line of defense against the effects of heavy rains, as well as occasional ice and snow, is a clean, well-designed water runoff system. This means having intact gutters and an appropriately sloped roof to keep excess water from pooling and leaking into your home, resulting in expensive repairs.
Before the rainy season begins in earnest, property owners should carry out a thorough roof and gutter inspection. Many gutter systems may just need a good cleaning or minor repairs. But if your rain gutters are aging and beginning to fail, it might be time to install replacement rain gutters. A good inspection can help you determine the condition of your rain gutters.
Damage, Leaks or Mold Could Mean a Defective Rain Gutter System
Whether you inspect your own gutters or hire a qualified professional to perform the task, there are certain warning signs that indicate that replacement rain gutters might be the best course of action. Situations to be on the lookout for include:
- Standing water in your gutters. This one of the most obvious symptoms of a malfunctioning water runoff system.
- Mold in your basement, attic or walls or anywhere in the home. This could mean that your rain gutters have allowed leakage into your roof that seeped down into walls and floors, or has leaked into the ground close to the home and then under the house.
- Signs of erosion in your lawn or landscaping. This happens when water runoff essentially forms small creeks that flow downhill.
- Standing puddles of water around your home exterior after a rainstorm.
- Rust and loose or missing fittings on the gutters.
- Sagging gutters or those that have pulled loose at the seams.
- Obvious extreme wear and tear. There should be no question about replacing gutters with holes, cracks, substantial discoloration, and other clean visual signs of deterioration.
Cleaning and Repairing your Rain Gutters
The best way to keep your gutters in good condition, or spot problems before they cause expensive damage, is to inspect and clean them annually. Before the rainy season starts, take time to thoroughly inspect and clean out your rain gutter system:
- Begin the cleaning process near the downspout. Remove the largest debris, such as leaves and twigs, with a small hand tool such as a trowel. Wear gloves to avoid being pricked by stickers or pointed pieces of small branches that can get lodged in the gutters.
- Use a ladder to visually inspect gutters all around the exterior of your roof for debris or damage along the roof line. Remove large litter or other objects by hand, then use your garden hose to flush the gutters clear of the finer debris.
- Visually inspect your gutters throughout this process for signs of holes, cracks, loose joints, or other signs of weakness, failures, displacement, or serious wear and tear.
Unless it’s simply tightening or replacing small parts, for defective or damaged gutter systems, it’s best to have a professional roofer make repairs to your gutter system. Choosing, positioning and installing the right parts is key to ensuring good drainage and will help avoid creating or perpetuating areas that accidentally pool, leak or drain improperly.
Types of Replacement Gutters
If it turns out your gutters are damaged or are not doing the job you need, replacing them is a good idea. You have a variety of great materials and styles to choose from. Aluminum is one of the most popular gutter materials for modern homeowners. Advantages include durability, strength, rust resistance, versatility in color and design, and low cost. Other quality material options for your rain gutter replacement include copper, zinc and galvanized steel. These are highly durable, often able to withstand storm damage like falling tree limbs, can be very decorative and are both practical and attractive additions to your home.
Your gutter system can be built in a variety of designs, practical or with custom decorative elements to match your roof and home design. Prestige Roofing specializes in custom roofing, including custom gutter fabrication, so you get a gutter system that complements your home while also protecting it.
Installing your Replacement Rain Gutter System
You will want to hire a professional roofer to design and install your rain gutter system. A roofer will know how to be sure to lay out the best system to draw water away from your home and prevent the possibility of backflow of water into the roof or water pooling around your home. Proper installation is critical to a system that can withstand severe weather, prevent expensive leaks and last for many years. The proper design of your rain gutter system is important to the long term health of your home. Whatever their age, be sure to take good care of your rain gutters to help preserve the value of your home.
Prestige Roofing in Las Vegas can provide you with more information on which type of replacement gutter is most appropriate for your particular property, as well as help you with rain gutter repair and maintenance. Contact us or give us a call at 702-646-7536.
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License #41270A
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