Wondering if it’s time to update your home gutters? Well, a quick inspection should help in finding out whether or not you are looking at a home gutter replacement.
You don’t have to have the knowledge of a roofing expert to know if your gutters are out of shape. There are several signs that will tell you that it is time to look into repairs and replacements. Our professionals are here to give you all the details to look out for.
Cracks, Holes, Noticeable Damage
The damage you should look out for in your gutters includes:
- Cracks
- Fractures
- Holes
- Rust or orange discoloration
Once any of these kinds of damage come into the picture, your gutters will leak water. Rust, especially, signifies the end of your gutter’s life. There usually is no way to treat or prevent rusting, so in this case, you should call a professional to consult about replacement.
Broken or Loose Fasteners
Fasteners are the small pieces of metal that hold your gutters to your roof. Strong and durable fasteners are important to keep the gutter level to your roof. If you have a few loose fasteners, they could probably be replaced. Although, if you have several loose or broken fasteners, it may be your home gutters causing the issue.
Water Damage
It is normal to have some puddles or water hanging around your roofs after a storm. Something you should look out for, though, is water that has been around or directly beneath your gutters for days, maybe even weeks. You want to keep an eye out for excess water because this can cause overflowing and water damage. This makes it easier for water to leak into your home.
Mildew or Pools of Water
Home gutters are made to ensure rain and water flow away from your home. There should be no collection of water surrounding the foundation of your home. Should you notice pools of water, or worse, mold or mildew, this could indicate a problem with your home gutters. There could be several causes, such as clogged gutters, or more serious problems. If a professional finds your gutters to be in critical condition, they will most likely recommend replacing them.
Gutters are Disconnected From Your Home’s Roof
You can always go ahead and replace fasteners whenever it is needed. But, it is important to be aware that there could definitely be a bigger problem at hand if your gutters sag or are disconnected from your roof. If they pull away from your roof, this could be tied to a damaged fascia. The fascia is a board along the side of the overhand of your roof. It is intended to help add a finish to your roof. Although, should your fascia ever become damaged, it compromises the performance of your home gutters.
Gutter Seams are Loose
The seams are where sections of your gutters meet. Leaks commonly occur between gutter seams once they start to loosen. These seams can be mended but chances are you’ll have to regularly keep up with them, which can become a hassle over time. Ultimately, our roofing experts recommend that you opt for home gutter replacement.
Your Home’s Exterior Paint is Peeling
If moisture gets trapped in your home’s exterior, it can cause your paint to peel and fall off. Home gutters are designed with a coating to prevent a tremendous amount of wear and tear. But, should you notice paint starting to come off, this could very well mean your gutters are nearing the end. Thus, you should look into gutter replacement as soon as possible.
Rotten Trim
Similar to peeling paint, malfunctioning gutters can damage the trim of your home’s exterior. Weakened trim is prone to water damage, causing it to rot and fall off in pieces. Even if the damage seems minor, it can worsen over time, especially if you live in a climate where severe weather is regular. Damaged trim makes it harder for your home to keep weather conditions from interfering with the interior of your home.
Your Basement Floods
Maybe the flooding isn’t too severe at first, but it definitely can be. If you ever notice some water leaking into your basement, this could very well be tied to damaged gutters. The more water that builds up next to your home’s foundation, the easier it becomes to seep into your home. If you are conducting repairs in your basement, you should also look into home gutter replacement.
Call Us Today for a Free Estimate!
There could be several other kinds of damage you notice with your gutters. Whatever the case may be, our Euclid and Cleveland roofing experts can provide all the same! Give us a call at (216) 381-7414 today to learn how you get started on new home gutters!
