How Climate Affects Rain Gutters

Most of us have rain gutters installed to direct water from the roof away from the home. But the folk at Global Gutter Systems say that while most gutter systems are designed to last a long time, the area you live and the weather conditions your home is exposed to can affect the lifespan of your drainage gutter system. How then does climate affect the rain gutters?

The Impact of Weather Conditions on Gutters

Rain gutters do last for a long time but some last longer than others. This has a lot to do with the materials they are made from as well as how they are installed. But it also depends on the weather conditions they are subjected to throughout the year. Regular maintenance of the gutters is important as it helps ensure they perform as they should as well as allowing you to quickly spot any issues that could affect performance. Knowing what to expect from the different weather conditions will help.

Sunny Weather

Sunny, dry weather means that the guttering does not have to do any work. After all, there is no rainwater to drain away from the home. But you should know that prolonged exposure to direct heat from the sun can have a negative impact on some gutters, particularly those made from PVC or vinyl, which can become brittle over time. You should also be aware that during sunny periods, the gutters can become a nesting spot for wildlife such as squirrels and birds. It is important to check on them to make sure there are no nests and that there are no cracks appearing because of the heat.

Snow and Ice

Heavy snow and ice can cause rain gutters to become loose, especially if it sits in the gutters for an extended period. Ice can cause gutters to expand and crack, which can then cause leaks; heavy snow can cause the gutter brackets to loosen. You need to check the gutters when the snow or ice has melted to ensure all brackets are tight and that there are no leaks.

Wind

High winds, especially during the fall, can cause plenty of dirt and debris to land in the gutter systems. Things like leaves, twigs, and even bits of trash can find their way into the gutters.When these get mixed with rainwater, they can become the perfect place for windborne seeds to grow. After particularly stormy weather, it is always advisable to check the gutters to ensure there are no blockages that could prevent water from draining away from the home.

Rain

The gutters are obviously designed to deal with rain, but if there is a blockage in your gutter system, a heavy downpour can affect how the system performs. The size of the gutter system can also play a role in how it deals with heavy rain. For areas prone to a lot of rain, wider gutters might be a better choice as smaller systems are often unable to handle heavy rainfall.

Conclusion

The goal of a working drainage gutter system is to provide an escape route for rainfall from the roof of a home. When working efficiently, gutters direct water from the roof and to a downspout, where it then flows into a drain. However, if the system does not work properly, the rain can pour over the side of the house, potentially causing damage.

Gutters can be negatively affected by all types of weather that can cause the system to fail. It is therefore important to be aware of the issues that the different types of weather can cause and to make sure that you regularly check the gutters to ensure they are working as they should.

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