Your gutters protect your home from unfathomable damage every time it rains, but they rarely get the credit. Gutters are a vital part of your roof system, so it is essential to keep them in tip-top shape. Even though gutters can last for decades, eventually, they will need to be replaced. Here is how to pinpoint when to get new gutters.
Cracks and Holes
Take a quick trip around your home and inspect your gutters. Do you see any cracks or holes? That is an easy indicator that you need to get new gutters. Cracks and holes can’t be repaired and need to be replaced quickly. If you don’t see any cracks, try taking a walk around your home while it is raining. You may only be able to see the cracks or holes when water is pouring through.
Landscape
If you are walking around your home, check to see if there is any eroded landscape, dirt channels, or pooling water. These are indicators that your gutter system isn’t working correctly. If you cannot identify where it is coming from, try again while it is raining. You may also want to check your basement for flooding or water damage since improperly functioning gutters can lead to a foundation leak that ends up in the basement.
Seam Stress
On nearly every home, there are multiple points where two horizontal gutter sections meet. It is at this meeting point where the gutters are the most vulnerable and can suffer from seam stress. When the seams become stressed, they can either leak or become separated, which will further damage your home if not repaired or replaced quickly.
Separation
As your gutters age, they will likely begin to separate from the house. This could be due to broken fasteners, nails coming out, or warping. Once the gutters pull away from the house, the water is no longer streamlined into the gutters, but instead flows off the roof and down the side of the house. Luckily, separated gutters can be nailed back in, but eventually, that band-aid will no longer work, and a gutter replacement will be necessary.
Peeling, Rotting, and Mildew
When your gutters fail, it means that instead of streaming the water to the downspout, the water instead slides down the side of your house. Water is a strong element that can cause severe damage to your home quite quickly. If you are seeing peeling paint, rotting wood, or mildew on the side of your house, you likely have a gutter problem.
Getting New Gutters
Hiring an expert gutter installation specialist will ensure that your new gutters are installed properly and will last for a long time. You may even be able to replace parts of your gutter system instead of getting a whole new system. Call your local gutter installation company for a quote today.