Gutters are to a home what veins are to the human body-conduits for essential flow. Yet, many homeowners overlook the importance of well-functioning gutters. Gutter protection is not just about preventing water from cascading over the side; it is a safeguarding measure that keeps your home’s structure sound, its foundation intact, and your peace of mind secure.
Unfortunately, many gutter issues go unnoticed until they become huge problems. Without proper maintenance, clogged gutters can cause serious damage to your home’s foundation and roof. This is where gutter protection comes in, as it helps prevent debris from accumulating in the gutters, keeping them clean and functional. There are several signs that can indicate that your gutters are in need of further protection.
7 Signs You Need Gutter Protection
Some things you should look out for around your home that can indicate problems with your gutters include the following.
1. Walls are Stained or Mildewed
When your gutters function properly, they channel rainwater away from your house. However, when they are clogged or damaged, water can overflow, causing it to run down the sides of your home. Over time, this constant exposure to water can lead to staining on your exterior walls.
The stains typically appear as dark, dirty streaks running vertically down the wall. They can often be found directly beneath the gutter line and may become more noticeable after periods of heavy rain when the overflow is at its worst.
In extreme cases, excess moisture leads to mildew growth on top of your home. This is fairly easy to spot and should be addressed quickly. If mold were to get inside your home, it could be a costly repair and a significant danger to your health and safety. A gutter fix would direct the water to a proper location on the ground and away from your home’s walls.
2. Standing Water
Anytime it rains, and you see giant puddles of water around your roof or near the downspouts on your home, you may have a gutter and drainage problem. The most likely cause of this is a clogged or damaged gutter system. If your gutters can not properly channel the water away from your home, it will pool around the roof and the foundation.
This can cause serious damage over time as the excess moisture can seep into cracks and weaken the foundation of your home. It can also cause water to make its way through your fascia boards and cause significant damage to your attic and roof. Pooling water anywhere around your home can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests, all of which can make the damage even worse.
This is where gutter protection comes in. Gutter guards or covers prevent debris from entering your gutters in the first place. This means water can flow freely without getting trapped and causing problems.
3. Bad Soil Erosion
Soil erosion around your home is a strong indicator that you may need to invest in gutter protection. When your gutters are clogged with debris, water flows over the gutters and hits the ground with force, dislodging soil particles and causing erosion.
Soil erosion can have serious consequences for your property. It can lead to uneven ground, create sinkholes, and even affect the stability of your home’s foundation. If you notice areas of washed-away soil or newly exposed tree roots around your home, it may be time to check your gutters.
Gutter guards keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters. By preventing overflows, gutter protection reduces the force of water hitting the ground and minimizes soil erosion. It also decreases the chances of water pooling near your foundation as it ensures your downspouts can redirect the water away from your home correctly.
4. Siding Issues
Homes with siding need to be especially careful about their gutters. If water is overflowing from your gutters, it can easily get behind the siding and cause damage. This is especially common with vinyl or aluminum siding, as they have a gap between the panels known as a “weep hole.”
When water enters these weep holes, it can lead to mold growth and rotting of the wood underneath. This weakens the siding and can spread to other areas of your home if not addressed.
Proper gutter protection can prevent this from happening by ensuring that water is properly directed away from your home instead of overflowing and causing damage.
5. Peeling Paint
If you have noticed peeling or bubbling paint on your exterior walls, it might be more than just an eyesore. It could be a sign that your gutters need protection. Peeling or bubbling paint is often an indication of excessive moisture. These bubbles are often filled with water and, if they burst, will cause damage to the painted finish on your exterior.
When gutters are clogged or damaged, water can overflow, causing it to run down the sides of your house. This prolonged exposure to water can cause the paint to lose its adhesion, leading to peeling or bubbling.
The areas most likely to show these signs are directly beneath the gutter line. You may also notice this happening after periods of heavy rain when the overflow is most severe. Gutter protection keeps the debris out and your water flowing freely.
6. Gutters are Sagging
Anytime your gutters start to sag down, you know you have a real problem. Gutters sag when they are being weighed down by water or debris, such as leaves and twigs, and even small animals. Over time, this weight can cause them to pull away from your house, leading to sagging.
Apart from being unsightly, sagging gutters can also cause damage as they cannot effectively direct rainwater away from your home. They could also do some damage if they break apart and fall into your yard or break into your windows.
So, if your gutters are beginning to sag, do not ignore it. It is often a clear sign that they need some attention and good gutter protection.
7. Gaps Between Gutter Sections
Next time you are walking around your home, check to see if there are any gaps between your gutter sections. A gap is a clear sign that the gutters are worn out or damaged and may need to be replaced.
Gutter sections can separate for various reasons, but a common one is the strain from accumulated debris. Leaves, twigs, and other waste can weigh down on your gutters, causing them to pull apart at the seams over time. These gaps can lead to water spilling out in undesired locations, potentially causing damage to your home’s exterior or foundation.
Best Gutter Protection Service
Windlicker Exteriors is a well-respected gutter protection service with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. We understand how important it is to keep your gutters clean and functioning properly to protect your home from potential damage. To learn more about how we can keep your gutters clean and your home protected, call our team today at 414-531-1729 to schedule a free estimate. As trusted roofing contractors in Oconomowoc, WI, we are committed to providing effective and affordable solutions to customers.
