4 Telltale Signs You Need New Gutters
Your gutter system is one of the unsung heroes in your home. The gutters safely direct water from the roof to the right area through the downspouts. Gutters protect your walls, siding, doors, windows, and foundations from water damage by diverting water away from your house.
Without gutters, the rainwater can cause soil erosion, water damage, basement flooding, and foundation damage. If you have gutters, practicing regular maintenance and necessary repairs is key for a properly functioning system. However, regardless of how much maintenance and care you provide to your gutter system, they won't last forever.
At some point, you'll need to replace the gutter system not only to improve functionality and protect your home but also to enhance your home's aesthetic appeal. But determining the right time to replace gutters can be challenging for most homeowners. Discover four warning signs that indicate you need new gutters.
1. Peeling Paint
Have you noticed exterior peeling paint on your walls or siding? Or maybe one section of your gutter system is corroding. If yes, you may have a gutter leak. Gutter leaks can result from puncture or corrosion and adversely affect your home's exterior.
Apart from being an eyesore, peeling paint exposes your home to water, causing mold, wood rot, and pests. Thus, you'll want to repair the peeling paint immediately and protect your home from water infiltration. However, before you do any repairs, you'll first want to fix the root cause, which is the gutter leak.
Sometimes, patching or repairing the damaged section could fix the issue. However, if the peeling paint is evident in multiple spots, you might need new gutters. Contact a professional gutter service provider who will assess and advise on the right solution.
2. Sagging Gutters
If your gutter system is sagging, it can't drain water effectively. As a result, water will pool in certain gutter sections and spill either behind the gutter or over the edge. This water spillover can cause erosion, basement flooding, or damage to your home's foundation.
Also, pooling water makes the gutter too heavy, causing more sagging. Eventually, the entire gutter system will pull away from the house, worsening the problem. Other reasons why gutters sag include poor installation, warped material, drainage issues, or debris accumulation.
If your gutters look uneven, schedule a gutter repair with a professional to prevent permanent damage. If the repair can't fix the sagging, you may need to replace a part or even the entire gutter system.
3. Loose Gutters
If you find nails, screws, or fasteners on the ground or next to your roof, seek professional help. Such hardware indicates the gutters have loosened and need fastening. Your gutters may not withstand heavy downpours or strong winds and may sag or fall off.
While hammering or screwing could be an easy fix, repeated instances indicate the gutter needs replacement. Also, even if you don't find any gutter-hanging hardware on the ground, but the gutters appear loose, schedule an inspection promptly. The expert will fasten or replace your gutter system to restore it to full function.
4. Overflowing Gutters
Overflowing gutters are a cause for concern. If you find water spilling over, the gutters could have a blockage. Other causes of gutter overflow include poor design, improper installation, or gutters hanging too low.
If rainwater spills over the sides of your gutters, many problems could result. For example, the water could damage your landscaping, sidewalks, and pavements and cause window leaks. Sometimes, the solution to gutter overflow could be a simple fix such as cleaning. However, if the overflow results from issues such as poor design, gutter replacement may be necessary.
Your gutter system is key to preventing serious damage to your home. If you've noticed an issue with your gutters, reach out to a professional gutter company for assistance. Contact experts at Allstate Gutter & Siding for professional gutter repair, replacement, or installation.
