Most homeowners hunker down during the winter months, wanting to stay cosy indoors and not giving too much thought to the outside of their property.
However, this could be a big mistake to make, particularly when it comes to gutter maintenance, as the colder months could be the ideal time for guttering installation.
Here are a few reasons why:
– Stops major problems escalating
Even if you do not think your gutters are in a dire condition, it is worth getting them looked at, as this could prevent small problems becoming much bigger ones.
A damaged or blocked gutter could lead to issues of overflowing water, which typically results in damp and mould.
Both of these are hard to get rid of, and can even lead to health problems, such as breathing difficulties and infections, and worsening allergies and asthma.
Children and older people are particularly vulnerable, so if you suspect your gutters are not working effectively, it is worth having them seen immediately.
– Prevents water damage during the wettest months
Winter is actually a great time to replace gutters because of the wet weather, not in spite of it. Rain and snow enables homeowners to see whether their gutters are working effectively, or if there are leaks, overflowing water, or ice dams.
These conditions put strain on the guttering, as well as highlighting areas of concern, making it much easier for contractors to determine what the problems are.
Gutters are designed to remove rainwater from the roof and keep it away from the walls, so they do not become damp and water-logged. They also prevent water spilling into the ground surrounding the house, which affects the foundations.
If they are not working properly, this could even result in structural issues, as the foundations become compromised due to the wet conditions.
What’s more, there could be significant water damage to the exterior and interior of the house, as well as issues to the roof. All of these problems would be much costlier to fix than simply repairing or replacing the gutter.
– Avoid snow damage
When it snows in the UK, many things ground to a halt, including, sometimes, gutters. This is because snow and ice can become trapped in clogged gutters.
This results in ice dams, which causes the water to remain in the gutter or on the roof, adding weight to the structure and leading to water damage. Snow could even lift roof tiles if it gets underneath them, leading them to be repaired later on.
Additionally, the extra weight of the snow in a weak gutter can actually force it to come apart from the wall of the house. It might even break off entirely and collapse, in which case you will need your gutters replaced as a matter of urgency.
– Easier to get work done
Spring and summer are peak times for contractors, as the weather is better and homeowners start to consider more home improvements.
This means it is much easier to find someone to repair the gutter during the winter, considerably shortening wait times.
By avoiding the busy season, you may also be able to take advantage of cheaper rates, as there is less demand from customers.
