The gutters on the side of your home are instrumental in preventing water damage to both roof and siding.
The gutters on the side of your home are instrumental in preventing water damage to both roof and siding. With secure gutters, you can also make sure that this water doesn’t get inside your home and ruin your belongings and furniture. Summer is a stormy season, so here are some tips for making sure your gutter systems are up to the task.
Look At Your Gutters
One way to make your gutters more secure is to switch out the nails holding them up and replace them with screws. To get started, you will need to take a close look at your gutters. Before climbing up on your ladder, make sure you have someone nearby who can act as a spotter. Figure out how many nails there are, and how many need to be replaced. It’s possible you’ll need to replace the ferrules too; ferrules help anchor the nails. Then verify that there are no other damages before you start gathering the supplies you need.
Gather Necessary Supplies
If you are intent on fixing your gutters by yourself, then you will need tools and materials. These you can get from your hardware store. Be sure that you pull down one nail and its attached ferrule, so you know what to look for when you visit the store – this way, you can avoid wasting time, money, and energy after finding you bought the wrong screws. Whichever replacement parts you get, they have to be identical or nearly identical to the ones that are worn out. Before you leave the store, get anything else you don’t already have a home – so making a shopping list before you set out is a worthwhile idea, too, even if you think you don’t need one.
Get Started
Once you get home, it’s time to get started. Find the weaker end of your gutters and begin working there; you can figure out where to go based on how loose the nails are. Make sure the drill you’re using has an extension cord that is long enough, or if you’re using a battery-powered drill, that is it charged. Don’t forget gloves, goggles, and any other pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that you might need. Then secure the ladder or have someone else hold it steady for you.
Turn the Screws
Pull out the loose nails one by one and replace them with screws. The screws will make your gutters more secure. A claw hammer will be your best tool for extracting the nails. Don’t put the screw in the same spot where the nail was. Put the screw in a spot above the nail-hole Here, use a drill and screwdriver to attach the screw to the fascia. Be sure not to make the connection too tight, but that should be all you need to repeat the procedure as needed.
Contact Topper Construction Today!
If you’re interested in having skylights, a roof system, siding, or water drainage system installed in your new home, or would like a free estimate, contact Topper Construction. With Topper Construction, you’ll see the benefit of nearly three decades of experience. Contact Topper Construction at 301-874-0220 or email us at info@topperconstruction.com if you are interested in learning more. We can help you with projects in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
