I'm re-blogging this to the property management group because it is SO VERY IMPORTANT in the inspection or property review process for us to look UP...toward gutters, overhanging tree limbs, chimneys, plumbing vents AND roofs
Gutters and downspouts carry water from the roof away from the building, protecting the cladding system and the foundation. Gutters are also called troughs or eavestroughs. Downspouts are also called rain water leaders, leaders or conductor pipes. While not every home requires gutters and downspouts, those that do suffer dramatically if they are not present or are not effective. Generally speaking, houses with basements or crawlspaces in areas where rainfall is significant should have gutters. Gutters may also be needed to protect siding from damage or discoloration caused by splashing. Where landscaping may be damaged by water running off the edge of a roof, gutters and downspouts should be provided. Gutters and downspouts are not used in some heavy snow areas because ice damming problems may be worse with gutters, and because snow and ice can damage gutters or pull them off the building. These are ice buildups near the lower edges of roofs that allow melting snow to backup under roof shingles and get into the home. In some areas, gutters and downspouts are put up seasonally and are removed for the winter. In some areas a rudimentary rain deflector, often called a Yankee gutter, is used. This consists of an L-shaped trough installed just above the edge of the roof with the one side lying on the roof, tucked under the shingles. The gutter will usually slope to direct the water off the low end, sometimes into a downspout.
ProblemsThe performance issues with gutters are failure to collect and carry away the water running off the roof. In most cases, the causes of problems are installation defects, mechanical damage, or deterioration of components from age, wear and tear. The implications of a failed or missing gutter system is potential leakage into the basement or crawlspace, damaged foundations, damage to siding (and with interior drains or integral gutters damage to soffits, fascia, roof framing, wall systems, and the building interior), and damaged landscaping.
Get it inspected.....keep it safe.
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM * GIBSON MANAGEMENT GROUP, Ltd.
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That sound pretty bad. I have no worries, I live in a 3 bedroom condo. Have a happy and prosperous New Year my friend!
Luke * I had no gutter issues when I lived in Hawaii and had to get back to gutters when I moved BACK to the Bay Area of NoCa which does get rain!!!
Gutters are indeed the bain of the Landlords existence. Great post.
THe new seemless gutters seem to work the best with less maintenance needed. One problem often overlooked is not actually the gutter itself, but how the water flows into the gutter. SOmetimes roofers extend the shingle to far over the overhang and when there is a heavy rainfall, the water rushes over the edge of the gutter rather than into it
This photo shows gutter AND roof damage * Property Managers should ALWAYS be looking UP!!!
Al * I have property gutters cleaned each fall and remove the cheap/plastic gutter guards that owners put in thinking they will do the job!!!
Wallace, thats for the repost.....getting the word out.
Chuck * remember our group next time you post. Property managers LOVE this type of information and education!!!