If you’ve got a gutter that is attached to rotting wood, then you are in luck. The good news is that this is an easy fix and doesn’t require much effort on your part. The bad news? Well, the wood probably isn’t going to last much longer, so you might want to deal with the issue sooner rather than later. The first thing you should do is check the eaves of your house for any other rotting spots – it’s possible there are others that haven’t yet shown signs of being affected by rot. If you find another spot, then take care of it as soon as possible so it doesn’t spread to other parts of your home. You also need access to your attic so that you can see if there are any bats or other wildlife nesting up there. If either of these things are a concern for you, then we recommend checking out our article on how to get rid of bats in an attic instead.
What to Look For When Inspecting a Gutter
When inspecting the wood for rot, it’s a good idea to look for any of the following signs: – Discoloration – While wood can change color over time, it should never change to an unnatural shade, like gray or pink. It should always be a natural shade of brown or darker. – Severe Cracks – A gutter that’s completely cracked and splitting apart is a sign that the wood is completely dead. This can damage the rest of your home’s exterior, so don’t let it happen. – Bats in the Eaves – If you’ve checked the eaves of your house, but you still see signs of rot in the gutter, then the rotting wood is probably in the attic. Get up there and take a look.
Determine Whether the Wood is Living or Dead
Once you’ve inspected the wood, you’ll want to determine whether or not it’s alive or dead. There are a few ways to make this determination. The easiest way is to use a piece of copper tape – copper is conductive, so it will trigger an electric current when it contacts a non-conductive object. If you apply the copper tape to the wood and then touch it to your home’s electric meter, then you’ll get an accurate reading. You can also use a non-metallic wood detector if you have one available. These are only accurate when used in an indoor setting, but they are still useful. If you have access to a power source, then you can try using an electronic meter probe. These have a stainless steel tip, so they’re safe on non-metallic structures. Place the probe against the wood and then check to see if you get an electrical reading.
Check for Bats and Other Wildlife Nesting
If the wood is alive, then it’s possible that bats are nesting in it. Even if they aren’t, the wood itself could be attracting other animals that love roosting in rotting wood. If this is the case, then you’ll want to get rid of the wood and use an alternative method to hang your gutters. If bats or other wildlife aren’t nesting in the wood, then you can safely clean it. You want to start by scraping off as much of the crud and grime as you can and then using water and a mild dish soap. Be careful not to get soap in any cracks or holes, and be sure to wash the wood thoroughly. You don’t want to miss any areas. You can also use a vinegar solution to kill any remaining rots that might be lurking in the wood. Pour white vinegar all the way up to the top of the wood and let it sit for a few days. After that, wipe the vinegar solution down with a rag so it gets rid of any leftover vinegar.
Get a Professional to Check the Gutter for Rot
It’s important to check the gutter for rot. This is because it is possible to get a very dangerous disease from it. The first step is to get a professional to check the gutter for any signs of rot. This is important because otherwise you might miss signs of the rot and end up doing the job yourself. When you go to the professional for the inspection, be sure to tell them about the rotten wood on your gutter. This is important because otherwise they might not find it.
Fix Any Signs of Rot Yourself
If the wood is dead and you decide to remove it yourself, then you’ll want to get a crowbar and try to loosen the wood as much as possible. Removing a section at a time will make it safer for you to work. Make sure you brace your foot under a nearby section of the house to help support you.
Wrapping Ties With a Metal Gutter System
If you decide to remove the wood and replace the gutter with a metal one, then you’ll want to use a metal gutter system with a rope gutter. This will prevent any wood from falling into your new gutter.
Conclusion
If your gutter is attached to rotting wood, then you’ll want to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you deal with the issue, the less damage it will cause. Take the time to inspect the wood for signs of rot and get a professional to check for it, and then remove as much of the wood as you can and replace it with a metal gutter. These are both easy fixes that don’t require much effort on your part but will make a big difference in the long run.
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