March 7, 2008

Rain Gutters and Water Damage

By Kate Davey

Let's face it, each year we dread cleaning out gutters to remove accumulated leaves and debris. It is both unsafe and tedious work.

However, it is a very important maintenance task as there is more than convenience at stake with clogged gutters. Rain or shine your wood trim and eaves are also at risk when you have clogged gutters.

When gutters clog, they allow excess water to flow over both the front and back of the gutter. When this happens, wood behind the gutter becomes soaked and is not exposed to open air to dry. Eventually this wood will mildew, and even the best paint will begin to degrade. Then, you begin to experience wood rot.

Once the wood begins to rot, mold and mildew may accumulate behind the rotting wood and spread to other areas. Now you are looking at a significant investment in home repairs.

The alternative is to clean gutters on a regular basis or consider a gutter protection system. While regular cleaning is the most economical, it is not without risks. Gutters are generally found in places that are high and awkward to access. Paying someone to clean gutters is a great alternative if you have someone you can contact for this work.

Gutter guards, on the other hand, if properly installed can eliminate the need for any on-going gutter maintenance. If you are considering the installation of gutter guards, seek a qualified and bonded contractor to perform the work. Ask for samples to review the quality and finish of the materials used. And, if at all possible, ask for a guarantee. Quality providers will happily provide one for you. The Kate Davey Team's concierge service is a great resource for all your home maintenance needs.

We trust you have found the above tips useful. If we can recommend reputable licensed contractor to help you through this process, please let us know. And don't forget to call or email us when you have a real estate or home-related question. As your lifetime real estate resource, we are here to help!

The Kate Davey Team offers a full array of Real Estate Services and information on every facet of the Real Estate Industry. From Selling to Buying a Home or from Home Improvement to Home Safety, the Kate Davey Team provides a full concierge service. If you have a specific question, please email your question to: info@katedaveyteam.com.