Living in Muskegon means dealing with rain, snow, and heat at different times of the year. Unfortunately, these weather conditions can affect your house’s eaves. Hence, you should take extra care to keep your eaves in good condition. Eaves do more than just update your home’s look; they are also functional. They shield your house from the sun and increase the airflow inside. Additionally, eaves keep the rain, snow, and debris from damaging your house’s walls, foundation, and windows.
Eaves are designed to protect your home but can become damaged if improperly maintained. If water from rain, ice dams, or melting snow seeps through the eaves, it can cause serious problems. And because birds and insects like termites like to make their homes in eaves, they can also weaken and damage the structure. Therefore, regular cleaning and maintenance of eaves is a must to prolong their lifespan and functionality and avoid costly repairs in the future.
- Understanding Eaves Damage
- Potential Consequence of Neglecting Damaged Eaves
- Regular Inspection
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Protective Measures
Understanding Eaves Damage
Eaves protect your home from the elements, but they are not immune to potential damage. Eaves are more susceptible to damage and wear and tear in places like Michigan, with freezing winters and hot, humid summers. Here are some common causes of eaves damage:
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
If the gutters and downspouts are not cleaned regularly, they can overflow and cause water to back up and leak into the eaves. This can lead to rotting, cracking, and staining of the walls below.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are formed when snow melts on the roof and refreezes at the edge, creating a barrier that prevents water from draining. As a result, water accumulates and seeps into your eaves, leading to staining, rotting, and other damage. Hence, the Michigan State Police MIREADY program reminds residents to keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and ice all winter to prevent the formation of ice dams.
Improperly Installed or Damaged Flashing
The flashing is the metal strip that seals the gap between the roof and the wall. If the flashing is improperly installed or damaged, water can seep into the eaves and cause leaks and mold growth.
Animal Damage
Squirrels, birds, rodents, and insects such as termites enjoy building their homes in spaces like eaves. They can chew, peck, or build nests, causing damage and making your eaves vulnerable to leaks, rot, and other damage.
Potential Consequence of Neglecting Damaged Eaves
A small animal bite or a large ice dam on an eave can lead to serious problems if neglected and ignored. Water damage is among the most serious consequences of leaking if your eave is damaged and unable to redirect water properly. Here are other potential consequences of neglecting damaged eaves:
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- Create dirty and muddy stains on your home’s walls
- Erosion and oversaturation of soil affecting your home’s foundation and further structural damage
- Cause extensive damage to your roof
- Flooded or waterlogged yard
- Lead to attic leaks and decaying ceiling
- Affect nearby plants and bushes
- Pest infestation
Regular Inspection
Having your eaves inspected and maintained regularly can help keep your home safe and prevent costly repairs. Most Muskegon gutter installers recommend having an eaves inspection at least once a year. However, a good rule of thumb is to check your eaves when cleaning your gutters. You can visually inspect your eaves for damage, though professionals can most likely do it better. They can easily spot even the slightest sign before it leads to serious damage. Here are some of the identifying signs of eaves damage:
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- Missing shingles
- Overhanging trees or shrubs that can reach or cause water splatter to the eaves
- Visible gaps in the seams of the eaves
- Peeling paint or rust on the eaves
- Water stains
- Holes or cracks on the eaves
- Sagging eaves
- Termites, carpenter ants, and other insects
Cleaning and Maintenance
Here are some tips for keeping your eaves clean and in good condition:
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- Trim trees and shrubs that overhang your roof.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts with a gutter sucker, hose, or scoop.
- Check the eaves for gaps, cracks, holes, rust, rot, or sagging.
- Replace or repair any damaged fascia, soffit, flashing, or shingles.
- Remove snow and ice from your eaves and gutters.
- Hire a Muskegon eaves repair and maintenance professional to do the job.
Protective Measures
To maximize the benefits and advantages of eaves and avoid costly repairs in the long run, you can take several protective measures, such as:
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- Shepherd Shoreline’s Muskegon eaves repair and maintenance experts can install gutter guards to keep leaves, debris, and other materials out of your gutters.
- Protect eaves from water damage with splash blocks or downspout extensions. Water is redirected away from the house’s foundation using splash blocks and downspout extensions, then carried away to a garden or other safe area.
- The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends using a self-sealing bituminous membrane to seal eaves during cold climates to protect them against harsh conditions.
- Excessive moisture can weaken eaves, so experts advise installing intake vents to prevent damage. Proper ventilation can also reduce the formation of ice dams during the snowy season.
Professional Eaves Damage Repair Services
When it comes to eaves maintenance, catching the earliest signs of damage is critical to avoiding costly repairs. Thus, the most cost-effective solution is to hire seasoned contractors who are already familiar with the climate and eaves maintenance in Muskegon. Whether the damage is minor or extensive, it is always best to consult an expert. When looking for reliable eaves maintenance and repair service in Muskegon, look no further than Shepherd Shoreline. We have extensive experience and a team of experts who offer quality service at a reasonable price. Reach us here or call (231) 780-2847 for a quotation.