As a property manager or landlord, you have a lot on your plate. From tenant relations to maintenance requests, it can be easy to overlook the seemingly mundane aspects of property upkeep. But ignoring one crucial area can lead to significant problems down the line: your gutters.
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your property's exterior. They are designed to channel rainwater away from the roof and foundation, protecting the building from water damage. When they're not working correctly, the consequences can be costly and disruptive.
Why gutter maintenance is a must
Preventing water damage
Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and pool around the foundation. This can lead to a number of issues, including:
- Foundation damage: Water seeping into the soil around the foundation can cause it to shift, leading to cracks and structural instability.
- Basement flooding: Overflowing gutters can saturate the ground, leading to water seeping into basements and crawl spaces.
- Siding and fascia damage: Water spilling over the sides of the gutters can rot the fascia boards and cause damage to the siding.
Avoiding roof damage
A build up of debris in the gutters can trap moisture on the roof, leading to rot damage. This can also create ice dams in colder climates, which can cause water to back up under any shingles and into the property.
Pest control
Clogged gutters are an inviting home for pests like mosquitoes, rodents, and insects. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and a debris-filled gutter provides a good shelter for pests to nest.
Curb appeal
Overflowing gutters filled with gunk are unsightly and can negatively impact the property's curb appeal. Regular maintenance keeps the exterior looking clean and well-cared for.
Your gutter maintenance checklist
Regular inspections
Gutter maintenance should be a part of your routine property inspections. Schedule a check-up at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and autumn after the leaves have fallen.
Look for:
- Debris: Are the gutters filled with leaves, twigs, or other gunk?
- Leaks: Are there any visible leaks or drips from the gutters or downspouts?
- Sagging: Are the gutters pulling away from the fascia board or sagging in the middle? This could indicate they are full of heavy debris or the hangers are failing.
- Downspout obstructions: Is water flowing freely from the downspout, or is it trickling out?
Professional cleaning
While a simple visual inspection is a good starting point, a professional cleaning is the most effective way to ensure your gutters are functioning correctly. This is especially important for multi-story properties where access can be difficult and dangerous. Professional gutter cleaners have the right equipment and expertise to safely and thoroughly clear out any blockages.
Consider gutter guards
For properties with a lot of surrounding trees, gutter guards can be a smart investment. They are designed to prevent large debris like leaves and twigs from entering the gutter while allowing water to flow through. While they don't eliminate the need for maintenance entirely, they can significantly reduce the frequency of cleanings.
Final thoughts
In the world of property management, being proactive is always better than being reactive. Instead of waiting for a maintenance emergency, like a flooded basement or a collapsed gutter, implement a regular gutter maintenance plan.
And with a platform like Fixflo, you can easily schedule and track these maintenance tasks, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
BLOG DISCLAIMER
This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions related to issues in this article, we strongly advise contacting a legal professional.
These blog posts are the work of Fixflo and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. In summary, you are welcome to re-publish any of these blog posts but are asked to attribute Fixflo with an appropriate link to www.fixflo.com. Access to this blog is allowed only subject to the acceptance of these terms.