DIY Gutter Repair Tips

If you follow our blog, you know that we are huge advocates for proper maintenance and preventative measures when it comes to protecting your biggest investment - your home and its roof. Your gutter system is a huge part of a properly functioning roof, and it should be inspected and maintained much like your roofing system. Gutter problems can lead to poor drainage, costly interior leaks and foundation breakdown.

DIY Gutter Repair Tips

Let’s take a look at a couple of most common problems you may find as you’re inspecting and maintaining your gutters. 

#1. The Problem: Sagging Gutters. Over time, the fasteners and brackets holding your gutters against the roof perimeter may begin to pull away—or even break off—so gutters begin to sag. In addition to being an eyesore, this sagging allows debris and sludge to build up in the center of lengthy gutter sections. Sagging gutters don’t drain as well, and sludge causes gutter deterioration over time.

The Repair: Reseating or Replacing Hangers. If your gutters are held in place by spike-and-ferrule hangers, try caulking around the spike and allowing caulking to cure. Then, drive the long spike deeper into the roof’s edge. If the spike does not “grab” solid wood when you drive it, change out the spike for a larger nail or a longer wood screw. For clip-style gutter hangers, you must pull up the edge of the roof and reattach hangers to the underlay, or “sheathing.” Be gentle with the roofing material, or you may crack shingles and cause additional roof damage.

#2. The Problem: Popped Rivets. If your home is protected by aluminum gutters, they’re probably attached to one another by rivets or small screws and further secured with roofing sealant or silicone caulking. As gutters shift and warp due to water weight, wind and age, rivets and screws may pop loose. Caulking also dries out over time, losing its ability to support gutter joints.

The Solution: Reinstalling Rivets. After climbing safely up to the roof’s edge, grasp the two loose gutter sections and place them together. Using a lightweight electric drill, make a small hole through each side of the gutter or downspout. Set pop rivets in each drilled hole, and use a pop rivet tool (available at most hardware stores) to secure the rivet into place. Apply a thin layer of roofing cement or exterior silicone caulking around the edge of the repaired gutter, and allow it to cure for 24 hours before testing the integrity of the connection. You may need to reapply a second layer of roof caulking to ensure a tight seal.

If you ever feel unsure or unsafe about performing any of these DIY fixes for your damaged gutters, don't hesitate to contact Trudel and Sons Roofing at (905)642-3515 and we'll be more than happy to send a pro your way to fix the problem!

The Importance of Having Your Roof Inspected by a Pro - Especially After Extreme Weather

In Ontario, we get our fair share of thunderstorms during the summer months and snow storms in the winter. While most are harmless, some weather events cause us to make alternative arrangements – a minor inconvenience.

But, what about those unexpected storms that seemingly come out of nowhere and catch us off guard? How prepared are you for them? What about your business? How confident are you that your building and your roof can withstand the power of a major storm?

 

Last summer, the people in Angus Ontario found out just how quickly a storm can turn into a tornado and cause millions of dollars worth of damage to a community. With winds of more than 180 km/h residents had little time to take cover. Thank goodness no one was seriously injured!

The damage of the June tornado also caused many business owners in the area to rethink the importance of proactive maintenance, especially when it comes to roofing.  

Ask yourself - How prepared is your building if an unexpected tornado or storm hit your city? Do you have confidence that your roof could withstand the high winds?

Have Your Roof Inspected After A Major Storm

If you experience a major storm in your area, it’s important to have your roof inspected by a professional commercial roofer. The truth is that most companies don’t bother to call their roofing company unless they see obvious signs of damage, such as water leaks and visible cracks.

However, there are many other types of damage that can occur, with many of these issues being less obvious or hidden from sight unless an inspection is conducted. Failure to have your roof inspected only opens the door to roofing issues in the future. Avoid overlooking small issues as this is what ends up costing companies more money in the long run. Address the small damages now, so they don’t become a more serious and costly issue in the future.

Types of Storm Damage

What type of damage can a major storm cause to your roof? Just about anything you can imagine!  But, you can help to lessen the impact of a storm by taking care of:

• Broken and missing shingles and tiles
• Interior and exterior water leaks
• Hail damage
• Roof lifting
• Downed trees and branches
• Broken eaves, downspouts and facia
• Clogged water drains
• Surface damage
• Debris build up
• Damage from projectiles

These are only some of the many examples of the type of damage that could happen to your roof during a storm.

Don’t get Caught Off Guard - Do You Know What’s Happening Up Top?

Remember that if you don’t know what’s happening up on your roof, it could lead to a major repair that can be easily avoided through regular inspection.  Don’t leave yourself exposed and subjected to more damage simply because you neglected your roof. It will cost you more money and increase the odds of having extensive damage, should a major storm occur.

Preventive Maintenance Is The Key To A Healthy Roof

Taking a proactive approach to roof maintenance ensures that you stay ahead of the game. Addressing minor issues before they become significant roofing issues saves you time, money, and the headache of dealing with roofing issues.

Through our Preventative Maintenance Programs you will be able to stay on top of things and your roof will be better equipped should a major storm occur.

How healthy is your roof? Get peace of mind and book your comprehensive roof inspection today!