The weather is heating up, which means one thing: your gutters are about to be tested. During the summer, heat can cause a lot of damage to your gutters, which can eventually lead to expensive roofing repairs. That’s why the Boise roofers at Madison Roofing would like to discuss the top ways how heat can affect your gutters and what you can do to prevent damage.
What are Gutters, and Why Are They Important?
Gutters are an important part of your home’s exterior that helps protect your foundation by channeling water away from your home. Without gutters, rainwater would pour down the sides of your home, eroding the soil around your foundation and causing cracks in your foundation or basement walls. Heat can cause a lot of damage to your gutters, which is why it’s important to know how heat affects them. Here are the top three ways:
Heat Causes Expansion and Contraction
Just like any other material, heat causes expansion and contraction in gutters. This can lead to warped or misshapen gutters, which won’t be able to properly channel water away from your home. In extreme cases, this can even lead to gutters falling off of your home. To prevent this, make sure that your gutters are properly secured to your home and that they’re made from a durable material that can withstand extreme temperatures.
Heat Can Cause Discoloration
If your gutters are made from metal, such as aluminum or steel, then heat can cause them to discolor. This is because the metal expands when it’s heated, which causes a chemical reaction that leads to discoloration. To prevent this, you can either paint your gutters or choose a different material altogether. For instance, heat won’t affect vinyl gutters in the same way as metal ones.
Heat Can Make Gutters More Susceptible to Leaks
Heat can cause the seals around your gutters to fail, which will make them more susceptible to leaks. If you have a gutter already leaking, heat can worsen the problem by causing the sealant to soften and break down. To prevent this, ensure your gutters are properly sealed and you check them regularly for any signs of leaks. You should also repair any leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Be Careful with the Gutter Material You Use
When it comes to heat, not all gutter materials are created equal. Some, like vinyl and steel, are more resistant to heat than others, such as aluminum. If you live in an area that gets hot during the summer, be careful with the type of material you use for your gutters. Otherwise, you may be dealing with warped, discolored, leaky gutters.
If you’re looking for a gutter material that can withstand the heat, then choose one that’s durable and made for extreme temperatures. Steel and vinyl are two good options. Or, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of painting or replacing your gutters, then you can install gutter covers. Gutter covers sit on top of your gutters and protect them from the elements, including heat.
Make Sure Your Gutters are Adjusted Properly
Heat can cause your gutters to expand and contract, which can lead to them becoming misshapen. This can cause problems with the way they channel water away from your home. To prevent this, make sure that your gutters are properly adjusted. You may need to adjust them more during summer to account for the heat.
Check Your Gutters Regularly
It’s important to check your gutters regularly, especially during the summer months. Look for any signs of damage, such as leaks, discoloration, or warping. If you see any damage, then repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. You should also clean your gutters regularly to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging them. Clogged gutters can lead to a number of problems, including leaks and overflows.
Be Wary of Harsh Sunlight
Harsh sunlight can cause the material of your gutters to break down over time. This is especially true for lighter-colored gutters, which can become discolored from the sun. To prevent this, you can either choose a darker color for your gutters or install gutter covers. Gutter covers will protect your gutters from the sun and keep them looking like new.
Madison Roofing
At Madison Roofing, our Boise roofers offer a wide range of roofing services, including repairs, replacements, and installations. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 344-5379 to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.
