Like any other part of your house, gutters can wear out and will need replacing over time. There are many secondary problems that are caused by improper drainage so it’s important to keep an eye out for problems. Not sure if your gutters need to be cleaned or replaced? Here are a few signs to look out for.
Signs You May Need New Gutters
Sagging This is perhaps one of the easiest warning signs to spot on a house. If your gutters are pulling away from the home or sagging, it’s time to replace them. Sagging gutters can mean that they are full of water and pulling away from the house because of their weight. Soon they will rip off and can cause damage to your house.
Water Damage Inspect your gutters at least once a year on a day that is sunny and rain-free. Any water marks or damage under the gutter can mean that overflowing or leaking water is escaping. This can be problematic because water intrusion can damage your fascia board and soffit.
Pools of Water As you probably know, the main purpose of a gutter is to keep water moving away from the foundation. Should you notice standing water next to your home’s foundation, it probably means that the gutters are not working correctly. This can lead to costly and time consuming repairs.
Peeling Paint If your gutters are relatively new, peeling paint and flecks of rust are an indication of water that is continuously present. This could mean that water is not draining out of the gutter or other water damage is occurring.
Cracks or Splits Seeing small cracks in your gutter may not seem like a big issue, but they can start to turn into bigger ones sooner than you may think. Not taking care of cracks in gutters leads to damage in the fascia boards, shingles, and even the foundation below. It can be normal for older gutters to have a few cracks or splits. These can typically be fixed with some sealant or a little flashing. But if you’re starting to see more than a dozen sections with cracks, you may want to replace your gutters.
Screws and Nails on the Ground If you’re finding screws and nails on the ground around your house, it may mean that the fasteners to the gutters are working themselves loose. It isn’t hard to replace these, but if it is happening repeatedly, then this can indicate gutter wear.
Flooded Basement If water is constantly pouring next to your foundation, it can leak into your basement and cause costly damage.
Eroded Landscaping You know that it takes a lot of work for landscaping to look good. If you’re continuously working to repair damage from malfunctioning gutters, you’ll probably want to bite the bullet and replace your gutters.
We take pride in keeping your gutters in tip top shape to keep your house free from potential problems. Contact us today to learn more!