Are Your Gutters Ready for the Next Rainstorm?

With all the rain that we’ve had here in Atlanta over the last few months, many people are having problems with leakage because their gutters are full. It’s so important to awaken gutters at least twice a year (regardless of whether your gutters are open or covered) with a good cleaning and inspection to avoid:

• Flooding both in and around your home
• Foundation damage
• Soil erosion
• Wood rot
• Mold
• Paint damage

Many reputable gutter cleaners can confirm if your gutters perform their best, and many gutter installations come with a warranty to cover the repair. However, if you are a DYI kind, take caution when leaning ladders against the gutters to avoid denting or loosening the gutter.

But don’t stop the maintenance of the gutters just along your roofline. Inspect the downspouts and leaders to ensure they are attached properly, un-clogged and point in the right direction according to the water flow. If using leaders, be sure they lead at least 4 feet away from your home’s foundation.

And remember, consider your neighbors. Georgia’s Water Laws found in O.C.G.A. Sec. 44-8-1 and Sec. 51-9-7 codify what’s known as Riparian Rights. In a nutshell, these codes prevent a homeowner from diverting water, including rainwater, onto a neighbor’s yard. To do so is considered trespassing. Similarly, a homeowner cannot prevent the neighbor’s run off to flow onto the homeowner’s yard when the water follows the “usual channel” of drainage.

Fingers crossed that we have some sunny, dry weather in our future. We want to help protect your “nest”!