How Gutter Protection Can Help Save your Home from Water Damage

Heavy rain and recent flood events across multiple states in Australia have highlighted how important it is to take every step you can to protect your home from water damage. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of damage, or thinking ahead to how you can better safeguard your home, gutter protection is an investment that you won’t regret.

What water damage signs do I need to look out for?

There are a number of telltale signs of water damage, or potential for water damage, to look out for around your home, and steps you can take to remedy or prevent it from becoming a major issue.

1. Water pooling around your foundations

Puddles of water around your home’s foundations after rain (heavy or otherwise) can, over time, cause damage to your foundations. This damage can include cracking, warping, rot and mould.

Pooled water at your foundations can be a sign that your home’s gutters aren’t working effectively.

2. Roof damage, such as loose tiles/shingles, water, rot and mould

Your home’s roof is constantly exposed to the elements. Inspecting your roof for loose tiles or shingles, or for areas that are leaking or likely to start leaking if not repaired, is a preventative step that will avoid catastrophic internal damage from heavy rain. Smaller repairs made early on can also help prevent more expensive roof repairs down the line.

3. Peeling exterior (or interior) paint

It’s easy to shrug off peeling exterior or interior paint as just being a sign that you need to re-paint, but it can also be an indication of moisture getting into the walls, which can lead to rot. If you notice peeling paint, get the area checked by professionals as a precaution.

4. Water sheeting in heavy downpours

If you notice water sheeting off your roof in heavy downpours, this means your gutters are struggling to move the water freely. This may be due to the sheer amount of rain you’re experiencing, or it could be a warning sign that your gutters need attention.

What can I do to prevent water damage?

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs or are concerned about potential for water damage from heavy rain or storms, your first step is to check the condition of your home’s gutters. If they’re in poor condition then your home may be at risk of water damage.

Gutters can be in poor condition, due to:

• Age
• Accumulation of dirt, leaves and debris
• Unrepaired damage
• Poor installation

Gutters should direct water away from your house, and if they’re in poor condition then they can’t do their job. Preventative gutter maintenance and gutter protection is the best step you can take to protect your home from water damage.

How gutter protection works

Installing a gutter protection system like Guttershield G3 will help make your gutters more effective at funnelling water away from your home, avoiding potential damage to your foundations, roof and walls, and will help prevent water sheeting during heavy rain. It also takes away the onerous task of cleaning and clearing your gutters, as leaves, dirt and debris can’t build up and cause blockages.

Not all gutter guards are created equal though, and many products will only go part of the way towards protecting your home. That’s why it’s important to do your homework and choose a quality product.