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Badly Installed Gutters Can Cause Water Damage

Water Damage From Badly Installed Gutters - Nashville TN - Gutterman of TNGutters are your first line of defense against water damage. As with any component of your home, having a badly installed gutter can cause water damage inside and outside your home. On the exterior of your home, water can cause masonry damage to brick and mortar or can cause paint to peel and wood to split. If the water reaches the inside of your home it can cause damage to the structure or can cause paint and wall treatments to peel. Both of these types of water damage are expensive but likely avoidable with a little diligence.

Damage is common around the house, especially during winter months when harsh weather can wreak havoc on the exterior of your home. Often problems become worse if certain aspects aren’t installed properly. Inspect your gutters regularly to discover and assess any badly installed gutters that may be causing water damage.

Nail Holes In Gutters

When having your gutters replaced, many gutter companies will rip the gutters down and leave the old nail holes. Then they will go back and nail in new nail holes, leaving the old nail holes still there behind the new gutters. Look for nail holes on your gutters and fill them with caulk. Ask your gutter replacement company if they are going to fill the old nail holes before installing new gutters.

Hidden Water Damage

Another way gutters can cause problems is if the water damage is hidden. Clogged gutters that have not been maintained will often mask water damage, making it difficult to detect until it’s too late. Clogged gutters are simple to fix and it is a shame that something so small could hide water damage until it becomes a costly and intensive repair.

Not Installed Properly

The biggest way gutters can cause damage in your home is if they simply aren’t installed properly. Gutters should be installed straight, so water has a straight line to drain off the roof and away from the house. If a gutter is not installed straight then water is likely to collect and cause damage. In other instances, gutters are not measured properly and are too short for the roof they are installed on and don’t properly collect or drain any water. This can cause water to collect around the foundation of your home and can lead to major damage and expensive repairs.

If you are sure your gutters have been installed properly, but are still concerned about water damage, a simple inspection can make sure everything is in working order. There are additional things you can do to make sure they are draining efficiently including:

  • Have your gutters cleaned regularly.
  • Inspect your gutters after the winter season to look for damage and clogs.
  • After a heavy winter storm, make sure no ice dams have built around your gutters, causing clogs.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from poorly installed gutters is to hire a reputable gutter company. The Gutterman of TN has years of experience installing complete gutter systems and will guarantee your gutters will not only be installed properly but will be maintained for years to come. Trust the experts to properly install and maintain your gutters to protect your home from costly (and unnecessary) water damage all year long.

Benefits Of A French Drain System

French Drain Benefits - Nashville TN - Gutterman of TNIf you own a home, or are looking to purchase a home in the future, you have probably been made aware of the importance of drainage. Draining excess water from your home is one of the most important things you can do in order to protect your home from damage and maintain the integrity of the exterior AND interior of your home. Without proper drainage, you could see water pool around your home that may damage the foundation. You may even see some leaks and interior damage. Rainwater from your homes gutters and downspouts may also be flooding your yard and property and soaking it making for a poorly maintained lawn. Simply put, you want to get any water away from your home and property as fast and the best as possible. What is the easiest way to do that?

French Drainage System

French_drain_diagram (public domain)A French drain system is a widely used method for diverting water away from your home. This type of system involves digging a trench along the slope of your property and covering it with gravel. In some cases, piping is installed in the trench to expedite the movement of water away from the home or structure.

Benefits Of A French Drain System

There are a variety of benefits to this sort of drain system, all of which should be considered by homeowners. One of the biggest draws of a French drain system is that the homeowner can choose where the water is diverted. In traditional drain systems, the water is simply run off and away from the house, but with a French drain, the trench can lead as far away from other structures as the homeowner desires. Additionally, this type of system is cost effective, and does not require as much intensive installation as other types of systems. One of the features homeowners like best is that French drainage systems are often attractive. The trenches can be covered with gravel and decorative rocks that lead to a pathway towards your house. Having a drainage system that is effective as well as attractive is a real draw for many homeowners.

The International Association of Certified Home Inspection recommends a thorough inspection of any French drainage system  installed in a home you are planning on purchasing. In many cases, homeowners take this project on themselves, but if not installed properly this type of drainage will not work and can wreak havoc on surrounding structures. Similarly, if you are planning on installing a French drain system, consult with a professional contractor or drain company to ensure the project is done effectively and correctly.

The Gutterman Of TN knows drainage systems and can recommend the right system for your home, as well as your budget. It is important that whatever style drainage system you use, you choose one that will work with the gutters around your home to properly divert water away from the structure, as well as any surrounding structures. The Gutterman will come to your home, look at your existing structures and recommend the best course of action. Don’t tackle an important task like installing a drainage system on your own. Trust the experts to recommend and execute a system that will work for you and your home for years.