There has been plenty of rain recently and lots of properties have suffered negative effects as a result. More bad weather is predicted for the coming weeks so it's the ideal time to make sure your gutters are in tip-top condition. We recently posted a blog article about our essential rise and fall brackets; here we look at Easyfix Gutter Guard, produced by Bluebird Fixings, one of our trusted partner companies.
Rain needs to be directed away from buildings and this is usually achieved through a combination of gutters, drains and sewers. Just as you would not let a drain or sewer become blocked, you should not let a gutter become blocked either as this is just as important a part of the system. Blocked gutters gather liquid which overflows to then run down the building and produce puddles on the ground beneath, often causing:
Mould and Moss: rainwater is loaded with microorganisms and so are the leaves and twigs that commonly block gutters. This combination creates an ideal environment for the fast growth of moss, algae and mould, which are also often present on the floor beneath a gutter that has overflowed where the water has soaked into the masonry
Leaks and Water Damage: water can find it's way through gaps between shingles and the roof itself, causing all kinds of damage from rotting woodwork to crumbling masonry. As the weather becomes colder, any water that has a chance to freeze will widen the gaps, exacerbating the problem
Basement Flooding: blocked gutters are among the most common cause of flooded basements and thousands of pounds worth of damage can be caused, particularly when the basement area has been converted into a living or working space
Collapsed Soffits and Fascias: standing water is heavy and the weight of it is something that soffits and fascias were never designed to carry. The result is malfunction and subsequent collapse
Pests: pools of standing water can attract flies, rats and lots of other nasties. Don't put up a ‘WELCOME’ sign for vermin!
Preventing these problems is simple with the Gutter Guard from Bluebird Fixings, available now at the most competitive price from BS Fixings. Can you afford not to install them?
