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Working gutters are critical to the care of any homeowner's investment. By properly draining water away from the roof and foundation, they prevent water damage from occurring to these key areas. That's why it is important as well to ensure that the downspouts are draining the runoff at least several feet away from the home's foundation. In addition, they should be free from obstructions which would prevent the necessary drainage. This is where a gutter guard can save a lot of time and trouble. Left unattended, gutters tend to collect more than just rain. They can become clogged with leaves and other debris, which results in water build up rather than drainage. The damage which then results to a home's structure can cost hundreds of dollars in repairs. Frozen water can also further damage the gutter system, making it more difficult and costly to repair later on. Possible damage to a house's structure could make certain areas unsafe, or introduce mold, mildew, and other hazards. Warping and cracking can damage seals, and wet insulation loses its ability to retain heat, which can also make heating bills costlier. Water which is allowed to accumulate and stand may become breeding grounds for vermin, mosquitoes, and other pests. Proper gutter drainage becomes a matter of safety for both the home and its occupants. Many problems can attack a home's gutter system. Missing gutters will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Leaking gutters can and should be plugged. Caulk or putty can be an affordable and effective solution. If possible, the company that installed the gutter system should be consulted. Corrective measures will also become necessary where the gutters are pulled away from the roof. Sagging troughs can throw off the pitch, preventing the runoff from draining through the proper channels. If corrections must be made, aim for one quarter of an inch of slope for every ten foot length of gutter. One common problem for homeowners is the tendency for the downspout to collect leaves, dirt, and muck. The gutters will then overflow and dump water over the places it was designed to drain. While not evident at first, this creates problems which compound themselves if measures are not taken. Foundations crack, roof structure can rot, even driveways can crack and shift due to the erosion. Smaller homes can be cleaned out manually if the homeowner doesn't mind the mess. For houses with more than one story, though, it may be better do prevent the fouling entirely. Gutter guard systems can do it without dealing with the mess and muck of accumulated gutter trash or the danger of falling. This is why regular inspection and maintenance of the gutter system is important. In addition, gutter guard systems can help improve and cut down on the need for many repairs. A little precaution exercised early can prevent the breakdown and damage that occur to a home's structures over years of improper drainage.
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