Ask These Questions Before You Replace Your Gutters

Should you replace your home's gutters? Even though the gutters may seem like an exterior accessory your home can go without, this system helps to prevent serious water damage. If you're not sure whether a gutter replacement is a necessary upgrade, take a look at the questions to ask right now.

Are the Gutters Clogged?

You can see leaves, dirt, and debris in the gutters. Does this mean you should schedule a complete replacement service?

Clogs interfere with the way your home's gutters should work. This can potentially lead to damaged siding, windows, or home interiors. Without anywhere else to go, the water in clogged gutters can pour over the sides and

down your house.

As the water moves downwards, it can do one of several different things. It can stay on the siding or exterior and warp wood or other building materials. The water can also enter window frames through small gaps. Not only can this cause issues with the windows and frames, but the leak can also damage anything that's nearby in your home's interior.

Water that makes its way to the ground can pond. If it has nowhere else to go, this water can work its way into your basement or your home's foundation. This can damage concrete or flood the lower level. Provided the gutters are intact, a home improvement professional can clean the area and remove the clogs.

Are There Cracks, Gaps, or Other Noticeable Damage?

Are your gutters clean and clear? Does the rainwater or melted snow and ice still flow down your home's exterior, enter the windows, or pool on the ground? If you have no clogs, check your gutters for cracks, gaps, holes, or other types of breaks.

Your home should have a complete, uninterrupted gutter system. This means the gutters shouldn't allow water to leak out at any point. Wear, poor maintenance, and damage from storms or pests can cause breaks in the system. This can result in water damage to your home - both inside and out.

If wear and damage are the cause of the problem, contact a gutter or home improvement contractor to assess the situation. The professional can inspect the gutters for cracks or breaks and recommend the next steps to take.

A minor issue may only require a repair. However, a repair service may not correctly restore significant damage or several worn areas and gaps. Instead, you may need to schedule a full gutter replacement.

Are the Gutters Loose?

Gutters are often held onto older homes with spikes and ferrules. Time and wear can loosen the spikes or cause them to bend. This lets the gutters loose and allows them to pull away from your home. Without a tight fit, water can drop between the loose gutters and your home's exterior. This, like clogs and cracks, can also lead to serious water damage.

Along with pulling, loose gutters can also start to sag. Beyond the functional issues this can create, sagging gutters take away from your home's overall exterior aesthetic.

Loose gutters won't always require a full replacement. A home improvement contractor can evaluate the existing damage and recommend either a repair, like replacing the spikes with steel gutter screws, or help you to choose a new gutter system. The decision to repair or replace the gutters depends on factors such as the age of the system, the condition of the exterior material under or behind the gutters, or the existing wear.

Are you ready to replace your home's gutters? Contact Allstate Gutter & Siding for more information.