We know that cleaning gutters can be grueling and dreaded, but it is vital to the foundation of a home. We like to view gutters as an external plumbing system. Flooding, water overflow, and a cracked or damaged foundation can occur if your gutters are not taken care of. The hard truth is gutters require regular maintenance and replacing them can be a costly but necessary experience.
When is it time to replace your gutters?
There are a few telling signs that your gutters need replacing. Check out our top five signs of gutter system damage.
- Cracked Gutters
As gutters age, they become vulnerable to cracks – some can be large and obvious. In contrast, others can be small and only noticeable during a rainstorm. Think of it as a small tear in a blowup pool – it starts with a slow leak and eventually will burst open, leading to costly damage. A cracked gutter defeats the purpose of gutters entirely, as the diversion of water is no longer moving away from the home’s foundation. Not fixing this problem right away can lead to larger cracks, especially during winter, as water freezes. In addition, cracked gutters put the foundation of a home at risk and can damage the fascia board or shingles on one’s roof. - When Paint Begins to Peel or Gutters Begin to Rust
The paint on gutters is typically weather-resistant and holds up through extreme temperatures. When the color begins to chip or rust on gutters that are a few years old, it’s a sign that water is not draining correctly or cracks within the system are causing leaks. If rust occurs, these spots will quickly develop into holes. If the peeling paint goes beyond just the gutter, it is likely too late to repair, and a whole replacement is needed. - Sagging Gutters
There are various reasons that gutters may begin to sag, but all require inspection and possible replacement. Firstly, clogged gutters with no proper drainage can start to sag slightly. A gutter cleaning can usually help if caught early enough. Although, if left untreated and a significant amount of sagging occurs, a replacement could be essential. Secondly, as time goes on, the gutter’s fasteners can become worn down and disrupt the connection between the gutters and the house. Yes, they can be refastened, but only so many times. If gutter sagging occurs, it is a sign that it’s time to replace your gutters. - Mildew
If places within a home accumulate excessive moisture, the musty smell of mildew will begin to occur. Mildew is a teller sign that there is water exposure within a house’s foundation; if this happens, it is likely due to a damaged gutter. Concerning cracked gutters or split seams, water will continually run down a home’s siding, causing a foundational issue. If mildew occurs, have a professional check your gutters immediately. If a repair is not possible, it is time for a replacement. - Pooling Water or Water Damage
After or during rainfall, check to see if there is pooling water near your home’s foundation. It’s a sign that water is not correctly being diverted from your home. Water overflow is not only evident during rainstorms, but there can be evident signs on a sunny day. Signs of water damage or marks underneath your gutters are signs of water overflow or leaking. If a gutter cleaning cannot solve the water pooling, it is time to consider a replacement.
How LeafFilter Can Help
Continual gutter maintenance is necessary to keep your gutters in the best shape possible. So if gutters are on your to-do list, let LeafFilter help you out. We can replace your current gutter system and help reduce the stress of cleaning your gutters. So don’t hesitate and schedule your free estimate today!
