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Cleaning out your residential or commercial drainage system is a necessary step in ensuring your roof stays maintained and also reduces the possibility of water damage. In addition to scooping out leaves and other organic debris, you also need to check for holes and gaps in the gutters and downpipes.
However, despite your best cleaning and repair efforts, older, worn drainage systems may require the gutter replacement Melbourne roofers often recommend.
The good news is that a range of different options makes it super easy to find the best upgrade for your drainage system. This post explores a few of the top pointers to keep in mind when you’re considering a new drainage system.
Give Gutter Replacement the Due Diligence it Deserves
For many people, replacing damaged gutters and downpipes involves ordering the exact same system they already have. Since gutters aren’t among the items that are replaced regularly, you may not even know that you can choose the shapes and sizes of your drainage system.
It’s important to point out that replacing your old drainage system is the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient system. This is especially necessary if the rainfall patterns in your area have increased over recent years.
A clear sign that you may need a bigger gutter system is increased maintenance. With this in mind, our team of roofers has compiled a list of pointers that your roofer wants you to consider before opting for a new gutter system.
Opt for a Professional Assessment
If you think an exact same size gutter system may be all you need, then it’s time to assess why your gutter became damaged in the first place. Chances are that your gutters and downpipes developed holes and gaps from being overfull and blocked.
This, in turn, is usually caused by excess leaves, twigs, and other organic material falling into the gutters from ongoing or severe bouts of rain.
This means that opting for the same guttering system will more than likely result in the same issues down the line. Therefore, experts recommend having your guttering system and roof requirements assessed before simply opting for a replacement guttering system.
A full roofing and guttering system assessment will give you a better idea of the size and type of gutter your home needs. Depending on the shape and design of your house, your roofer may recommend moving gutters from their original position to a more functional angle.
They will also advise you of the best materials and gutter designs to opt for, based on your home’s needs.
Review the Local Climate
Upgrading your gutters and downpipes should begin with assessing how the rainfall patterns in your area have changed over recent years. Global warming and climate change have led to drastic changes in rainfall patterns and, in some cases, created more severe weather events. All of these factors can affect how well your drainage system works.
If your region is experiencing more rainfall, then it may be time to upgrade your guttering system to one that can bear the increased load. This involves choosing a system that’s not only bigger but is also made of more durable materials.
Consider Adding Gutter Guards
Another effective way to improve the lifespan of your new guttering system is to have gutter guards installed at the same time. These handy gadgets are designed to cover the opening in the gutter to keep leaves and twigs out.
By adding these guards to your gutter, you will instantly reduce your seasonal maintenance, as in most instances, you simply need to rinse the leaves off the top of the guard grids. Another way to reduce the amount of gutter debris you need to clear out is to cut any trees that could be leaning over the roof.
Have Your Whole Roof Assessed
Professional gutter installation should always be preceded by a full assessment of your roof. This is because there may be other factors that contribute to the damage to your guttering system, such as worn roof components. This often includes damaged fascia boards, missing shingles, or broken tiles.
Having your whole roof assessed will identify potential issues that could damage your new guttering system. Older or neglected roofs may benefit from a full roof restoration before installing the upgraded guttering system.
Speak to your roofer about a restoration package that includes cleaning, repairs, sealing, and painting. This not only ensures the longevity of your roof but will also reduce the overall maintenance that needs to be done.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve repaired your gutters more than once in the past year, it may be a clear sign that you need to consider an upgrade. Worn and damaged gutters not only increase the risk of water damage to your home and property but also increase the amount of maintenance that you need to do every season.
Avoid this by speaking to your expert roofer about choosing the best upgrade for your home’s needs. Use our pointers to help you make gutter selection quick and easy!
