5 Easy Gutter Fixes for your Pacific Northwest Home
The gutters on your home may not be something you think about a lot, but when that first heavy rain comes you will quickly remember you were supposed to take care of them after the last storm! Gutters take a beating in the weather. They are not always given the attention they deserve, and it isn’t until you are getting drenched by water flowing off your roof, or you notice mold around your house that you remember the gutters are in need of repair. Our team at Greenwood Hardware can help you take care of your gutters with the assortment of tools and supplies available at the store.
Refastening
It is normal for the gutters to become loose. It is a fairly simple task to add new fasteners that will keep the gutters nice and tight on the edge of your roof. You will need a drill and some fasteners designed to keep the gutters in place. A gutter that is tight against the shingles will keep water from leaking behind the gutter and directly onto the ground, threatening your foundation.
Gutter Apron
If the water is leaking behind the gutter, it is likely because there is no flashing that fills the gap between the shingles and the gutter. Flashing is a lot like a bridge and is easy enough to install. The flashing or gutter apron will direct the water directly into the gutter and keep it from leaking between the cracks and onto the ground.
Splashing Water
There are some places on your roof where the water will flood the gutter and splash out over the top. This is typical in the corners of the roof. Adding splash guards is quick and easy and will help keep the water in the gutter where it is supposed to be.
Gutter Repair
If there is a section of the gutter that has a hole or is cracked and water is leaking out, you can repair it without replacing the entire length of the gutter. You just need a small piece of gutter. Fit it over the broken area and use a fastener to secure the new section in place. This is an inexpensive and quick way to repair an otherwise perfect gutter.
Leaking Gutters
You will likely have places along the length of your gutter that have small cracks. This may be from connecting two pieces together, small holes from debris or age or holes from old fasteners. A simple fix is seam sealer, similar to caulk. The material is applied to the leaking section and allowed to dry. It will make the gutter good as new with no leaks!
Don’t let another wet fall damage the foundation around your home or kill a perfectly good hair day by getting dripped on. These quick, simple fixes can be done this weekend and help keep you and the foundation of your home nice and dry. Head into Greenwood Hardware to pick up what you need to fix your gutters! Come on in, or contact us today.