Roofing System
Any disruption to the quick and efficient shedding of rainwater increases the potential for water intrusion. Roofing wear can allow rainwater to get up under the shingles and flashing. It can deteriorate those materials over time and eventually penetrate the moisture barrier. Once moisture has compromised the underlayment, it can undermine the decking and other structural components, potentially leading to further damage. Eventually, it can result in moisture and mold within the home. The roof is a key aspect of your house’s building envelope. Even minor defects can destabilize indoor air quality, disrupt comfort, and increase your energy consumption.
Fascia and Other Trim
Fascia boards add a decorative element to your curb appeal, but that’s not all they do. They are protective trim that seals the roofline, supports the gutter system, shields the cladding, and protects against pests. Overflowing gutters will eventually cause the fascia to rot, thereby undermining the gutter support. That deterioration will eventually reach the soffits, which are underneath the fascias. That can undermine the roofing and attic ventilation, leading to increased wear. You may eventually experience damage to the box ends and bargeboards, further weakening the roof. These issues can also make the house more susceptible to ice dams in winter.
Siding, Windows, and Doors
Excess moisture can eventually stain your siding, negatively affecting your home’s curb appeal. It can shorten the life of the cladding’s finish and ultimately lead to more serious issues, such as displacement and rot. Heavy water can also impact your windows and doors, shortening their lifespans and undermining your building envelope.
Foundation, Landscape, and Hardscapes
Another key purpose of your home’s gutter system is protecting its foundation. Gutter issues can result in saturated soil near your foundation, and that can cause many serious problems. The saturated soil can cause the foundation to shift or sink, resulting in cracks that will worsen over time. It can also result in water penetrating your basement or crawl space. Through the stack effect, that penetration can undermine comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. The excess and/or improperly channeled water can also alter your landscape and cause hardscape deterioration.
Monthly Homeowner Checkups
At least once a month, go into your attic and walk around your home exterior with an eye toward the roof. In your attic, look for water stains, water-damaged insulation, and sunlight peeking through. From the ground, look for roof issues like pockmarks, missing or curled shingles, damaged ventilation components, rusted flashing, and so forth. Look at the roof from across the street to see any sagging in the roofline or decking more clearly. Scan your gutters for problems, and look along the foundation for cracks, shingle granules, and other issues.
Schedule a Seasonal Roofing Inspection
If you notice any problems during your monthly assessment, call a roofer right away. Even if you don’t, you should schedule an annual roof inspection. Early in the spring is an excellent time to schedule this evaluation. An inspector can identify any damage that occurred during winter and recommend any maintenance you need to protect against spring rains.
Schedule a Seasonal Gutter Inspection and Cleaning
You should also schedule a full gutter inspection and comprehensive cleaning at least once a year. Homeowners can often schedule this service alongside the annual roofing inspection. A gutter technician will ensure that the gutters and downspouts flow freely. A technician can identify any maintenance issues, such as loose hangers and worn seals. They’ll also wash the faces of the gutters to restore their curb appeal.
Upgrade Your Gutter Size
The most common sizes for residential gutters in the United States are 5 and 6 inches. Most houses have 5-inch gutters because they’re less expensive and good enough in many areas. In North Georgia, homes can benefit from upgrading to the larger 6-inch gutters. While 1 inch may not seem like a big deal, it’s a 40% to 50% difference in overall water capacity. Your 6-inch gutters will move more water and be less prone to clogging.
Upgrade to Gutter Guards
North Georgia homes can also benefit from gutter guard systems. Gutter guards slow the rate of debris accumulation by blocking leaves, branches, pests, and more. A gutter system with guards is unlikely to experience the sudden clogging that can happen during severe storms. It will also reduce the frequency at which you have to schedule professional gutter cleaning. Most households with gutter guards can get by with one professional cleaning a year.
Extend and Direct Your Downspouts
Standard downspouts may not be long enough to channel the water an appropriate distance from your foundation or hardscapes. Downspout extenders can channel the water an appropriate distance. Often, properties can benefit from a different design for each downspout. The right extension not only controls the distance but can also channel water away from landscape features, patios, and driveways.
Landscape With Heavy Rains in Mind
The grade of your landscape is an important consideration as well. A 5% grade over the first 10 feet away from your foundation is ideal. You can use retaining walls to block water from areas of your landscape that have a higher slope.
Local Roofing and Gutter Services in Dawson County
Greater American Roofing is a locally owned and operated roofing company based in Dawsonville, GA. Our in-house roofers provide a full range of residential roofing services. Those include inspections, maintenance,
storm damage repair, and full replacements. Our team also provides residential gutter system services. We inspect, clean, and otherwise maintain gutter systems. Our experts can replace gutters with new seamless systems or upgrade existing setups with gutter guards and downspout extenders.
To schedule a
no-cost roof inspection, call today or contact us online.
