Gutters and downspouts are designed to control and direct rain runoff from the roof of a structure, therefore a Gutters and Downspouts Inspection is essential to ensure proper protection against water penetration. If there are no gutters installed, water may seep into the basement or crawl space, causing rotting sections of wood trim, damage to foundation plantings, as well as the erosion of topsoil.
Most residential structures, whether masonry-constructed or with long overhanging eaves, that are not in the snowbelt should have gutters. In the snowbelt, however, gutters are considered more of an inconvenience than a help because the snow and ice often tear them from the supports, requiring constant maintenance. If you can’t find any gutters during your inspection, record the condition on your worksheet.
Gutters and Downspouts Inspection – Types of Gutters
There are two types of gutters: built-in and exterior-mounted. The built-in gutters are basically extensions of the roof framing, with waterways built into the roof surface over the edges. The gutter channel might be lined either with asphalt roll-roofing or with some other type of impermeable material. These channels will require periodic maintenance, such as applications of an asphalt-type cement. Leakage through these channels is usually indicated by water stains in the soffit below the leaks or by water stains in the interior. Leakage in this type of gutter often leads to rotting sections of trim. Built-in gutters are seldom used in residential structures, but if you come across this type of gutters and you notice stains or rotting sections, record the condition on your worksheet.
Exterior-mounted gutters can be made from copper, galvanized iron, plastic, wood, or, most commonly, aluminum. Copper gutters are considered the best, as the are virtually corrosion-resistant and have a projected life of more than 40 years, however they are expensive. Moreover, as they age, these gutters corrode and develop tiny holes in the bottom portion of the gutter channel. Depending on the height of the gutter, the holes might not be visible from the ground. On the other hand, by standing directly below the gutters and looking straight up, the sky would be visible through corrosion holes.
Many homes have galvanized gutters because of their low initial cost. However, these gutters rust easily and require periodic maintenance, such as patching corrosion holes and repainting. Though often overlooked by homeowners, the inside portion of the gutter channel should be painted as well.
Gutters and Downspouts Inspection – Types of Downspouts
Downspouts are normally constructed of aluminum, copper or galvanized iron. As copper and galvanized downspouts age, they often develop corrosion holes in the elbow sections. Moreover, in some cases the copper can corrode so that cracked sections are paper thin and can be easily stripped away. This condition often indicates that those sections should be replaced. If the downspouts have loose and open seams along their length, the condition may interfere with their effectiveness.
In some cases, the downspouts terminate directly into the ground. During an inspection, it is usually not possible to determine whether the downspouts are connected to free-flowing drain tiles or to dry wells. Free-flowing drain tiles are recommended, because dry wells can become clogged or ineffective if the level of the subsurface groundwater is high.