Gutters play a valuable role in protecting your home from storms. At a glance, they may appear to be in great shape, but it is key to check on them over time to keep them in tip top shape. Here are the signs to look for to help you determine if its time to replace your gutters.
Signs of Mildew– Have you noticed moisture or water getting into your basement? Does your basement have an unpleasant, mildew scent? Do you see signs of mildew? Does water pool around the foundation when it rains? This is great indication your gutters need maintenance, or need to be replaced. Downspouts deter water approximately 6 feet away from the home, to keep your home dry and safe from water issues. However, if the gutters are shot, the downspouts cant fully do their job.
Routine Maintenance– At least once a year, you should routinely clean gutters of any debris. If your home has a lot of tree coverage, you will want to do this at least 2 times a year to clear all the leaves. Cleaning your gutters will allow the rain water to run freely to the downpouts and away from your home. If you are not able to routinely maintain your gutters, you can hire someone, or install leaf guards to prevent your gutters from getting clogged. Avoiding maintenance can cause water to get trapped, putting a lot of weight on your gutters, leading to replacement costs.
Signs of Paint Peeling– When you see signs of paint bubbling or peeling on your siding, this is an indication the siding is being exposed to excessive moisture. When you see these signs, check the gutter above this area. Gutters themselves will start to peel when there is a leak. The more you notice signs of peeling paint, it’s a good indication its time to fully replace your gutters.
Signs of Stress– When two gutters meet, that is called the seam. This is a very vulnerable spot that can become weak, and fail to do their job. The seam gets clogged, weighted down, and overall, cant function. In some situations, you can repair the seam, depending on the condition. This is a great situation for guards for your gutters.
Visible Cracks– If you can visibly see cracks on your gutters, that is an indication of its last life. Avoid spending money trying to repair cracks. You might only see the large cracks, however, there are smaller cracks that leave your gutters and your home in a vulnerable position. The goal of the gutters and downspouts is to protect your home from water and direct it away from your foundation. Any crack, big or small, prevent that from happening.
Signs of Rot– When gutters are not functioning accordingly, rain water will run down your siding, and start causing the wood trim around windows or doors to rot. Gutter replacement is fairly affordable. However, waiting until the rotting stage will definitely put a dent in the wallet.
Hail Damage– You may think hail damage is just a cosmetic issue. However, dents can cause leaks, damage to downspouts, broken gutter hangers, and cause water to pool around the home. We recommend replacing any damaged gutters.
No matter how well you maintain your rain gutters, they still have a life expectancy. The average lifespan of galvanized steel and aluminum gutters can last up to 20 years. Higher end options can last up to 50 years. Keep in mind, hail storms or tree damage to gutters can shorten the longevity of your gutters. At Crew, roof inspections include inspecting of gutters for signs of storm damage, weak spots and wear and tear. If you notice any of these signs, give Crew Construction and Restoration a call. Protecting your home is what we do.
