Proper roof maintenance is a critical component to homeownership. While it may not be as flashy as a new kitchen or addition, your roof is essential in protecting the integrity of your home. In the world of roof work, drain and gutter maintenance is something that should be done regularly either by yourself or with the help of professionals. The experts at Samra have decades of experience in the field and are always happy to help. The following guide serves as an introduction to drain and gutter maintenance, covering everything from identifying problems to measures you can take to prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
Understanding Your Home’s Drainage System
If you haven’t spent much time on your roof, you may not be familiar with your home’s drainage system. Most all roofs have some combination of gutters, downspouts, and drains to help escort water off of and away from your home. Gutters run along the eaves of your roof, carrying water and light debris to the downspouts and drains which direct the flow out and away from the structure. Each of these components is critical in protecting the structural integrity of your home and extending its lifespan.
Signs of Drain and Gutter Problems
Thankfully, identifying drain and gutter problems can be pretty easy. Spotting things like leaks, clogs, and overflows can be done from the ground – simply look for areas where water is not flowing where it should be flowing or is flowing where it shouldn’t. If you did not catch it early enough, even debris piles can be identified from the ground as sticks, leaves, and other gunk will create dams in your gutters. Keeping an eye out for rust, wear, and otherwise broken components is also critical when trying to stay ahead of drain and gutter maintenance.
Routine Maintenance Tasks
When you do notice something funky in your roof drainage system, a careful homeowner can take matters into their own hands. If you are comfortable at heights, the easiest way to remove debris and clogs from your gutters is to get on a ladder and unclog the problem yourself. You can also DIY clear downspouts, though this process is a bit more involved. Depending on your comfort with maintenance tasks, it is also nice to regularly check the seals, joints, and alignment in your home’s drainage system. Of course, the professionals at Samra are well trained experts and can provide a more thorough and safer alternative. The key takeaway is that routine inspections and light maintenance are critical in addressing minor issues before they become major problems.
Best Practices for Gutter Cleaning
The safest way to handle gutter cleaning is to hire a professional, but if you really want to tackle this yourself we have some tips for you. When using a ladder, make sure it is securely planted on a firm surface underneath. You should always have a spotter when you are climbing up and down your ladder onto the roof. Helmets are also a great idea, and professionals on steep roofs will sometimes even tie in to prevent serious injury or death from a fall. Gloves, rakes, and hoses and light pressure power washers will often suffice as the necessary equipment to clean gutters. At a bare minimum, Samra recommends deep cleaning your roof and gutters before winter to ensure adequate flow and in the spring to capture any winter debris. Adding an additional cleaning once or twice in the summer when the weather is nice can also be very beneficial.
Preventative Measures
In addition to regular inspections, homeowners can take additional preventative measures to further protect your home. You can install gutter guards and covers to get ahead of debris accumulation and keep gunk out of your gutters. Further, thoughtful landscaping will help promote drainage flows away from your foundation instead of pooling up around your house. Grade away from your home and plant trees, bushes, and shrubs that thrive in moist environments so they will eagerly soak up any roof drainage.
Handling Severe Weather and Seasonal Challenges
While undeniably beautiful, Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest are notoriously moody climates. Our beautiful summers are accompanied by wet, snowy, and occasionally windy autumn, winter, and spring months. It is best to get ahead of the seasonal challenges by preparing your gutters and drains before the harsher seasons hit. Keeping roofs clean of downfall and debris is paramount when it comes to encouraging proper drainage. If your roof accumulates snow and ice in the winter this is also something you need to get ahead of – and is best left to a professional.
When to Call a Professional
The experts at Samra are well versed in all aspects of roof maintenance and preventative care. Simply put, if you are at all uncomfortable working at heights call a pro. If the job at hand is making you step out of your comfort zone, call a pro. If the debris buildup is too much for you to handle, Samra is here. If you cannot identify the cause of a leak or backup – or do not have the tools to fix it confidently – the professionals can. While it can be nice to tackle home improvement projects on your own, hiring a professional roof cleaning team is a much safer, more thorough, and oftentimes cost and time efficient way of doing things.
Drain and gutter maintenance is best approached proactively. It can be easy to disregard the top of your house because – for the most part – it is out of sight. However much of the integrity of your home depends on a sturdy, clean, and well maintained roof. Whether you are inspecting regularly on your own or are scheduling a professional team to come by once or twice a year, proactive care is key. If you are still unsure what that looks like, or perhaps now realize that it may be time to schedule a professional visit, give Samra a call today!
