Gutters are a part of the roofing system they’re fastened to, and they can be damaged by the same forces that affect roofs. In today’s post, Patriot Roofing LLC takes a look at how wind can cause damage to gutters and how you can protect them.
Metal Fatigue
When an exterior wall is hit by winds going at high speeds, it exerts pressure on the entire building and forces the wind to change to an upwards direction. The roof edge is vulnerable to wind damage during a storm — because it’s hit by wind coming from two directions. The differences in wind pressure can cause the gutters to rock back and forth and cause metal fatigue on gutter hangers and fasteners, leading to cracks and loose fasteners.
Metal fatigue can be prevented by investing in high-gauge gutters and quality fasteners. Seamless gutters are also less vulnerable to wind damage thanks to fewer joints and seams. If your gutters are already showing signs of metal fatigue, have your gutter contractor perform repairs. Like roof repair, gutter repairs are best done as soon as possible.
Airborne Debris
High speed winds can be strong enough to lift large pieces of debris into the air, which may hit the gutters on their way down. It’s easy to overlook damage to the gutters when the roof itself is damaged during a storm. As a homeowner, make it a point to review the repair estimate and make sure that the gutters are included. Should the gutters require a replacement, take it as an opportunity to reinforce the gutters with higher-gauge sheet metal and stainless steel fasteners.
Tree Limbs
Wind can cause tree limbs to scratch the gutters and scrape the paint and caulking off. When this happens, the bare metal can be exposed to corrosion, leading to leaks. Large tree limbs may also cause dents. Trim the tree branches and maintain a 10-foot clearance from the roof and gutters to help prevent such damage. Also, consider investing in gutters made of corrosion-resistant metals like aluminum or copper.
Patriot Roofing LLC is your leading provider of gutter installation services. Give us a call at (405) 289-8807. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Moore, OK, and the surrounding communities.