The gutters on your home play a major role in keeping your home and roof safe. When the gutters do not function correctly, it can cause water to back up into the roof or puddle down, causing major damage that can be extremely costly to repair. For this reason, it is imperative to have an intact and functioning gutter system. Unfortunately, there may come a time when damage, nature, or another factor causes some damage to your system. It is vital that you recognize the common signs that your gutters may need to be replaced.
Top Signs That Your Gutters Need to Be Replaced
There are several things you should look for when determining whether it is time to replace your gutters.
Hardware Is Falling Off Your Gutters
Your gutter system is held firmly in place by nails, screws, and other fasteners. These attach to the gutters and the roof or fascia of your home. As your gutters are subjected to wear and tear, these pieces of hardware can become loose. Eventually, they may fall out altogether. If you notice any hardware lying in your yard around your home, it could indicate that a replacement is needed. At the very least, you should schedule an inspection to determine the condition of your gutters, how well they are performing, and if a replacement is needed in the near future.
Your Gutters Are Rusting
Noticing rust on your gutter system can indicate that the system is eroding. Large areas of rust can compromise the integrity of your gutters and lead to complete system failure. Although small spots of rust can be repaired in some cases, you will need to call our professionals right away for a gutter inspection. If you are seeing rust from the ground, there is a chance that there is a much larger problem in areas that are out of sight.
The Gutter Seams Are Breaking
Broken and leaking seams in your gutters can grow into a very large problem very quickly. The seams should always have an airtight seal. When the seal is compromised, it can lead to leaks and widespread damage to your roof, siding, and foundation.
Your Gutters Are Pulling Away From Your Home
Your gutters should be positioned tight to your home. If there is any pulling or bending on the system, it could indicate that your gutters are full of water. This could be related to a draining issue caused by debris, a crack, or another issue. A sagging gutter system needs to be addressed immediately, as it could eventually tear off your home and cause severe damage to your windows, siding, roof, and other components.
You Spot Water Damage Below the Gutters
Watermarks or damage below your gutters are not only unsightly, but they are also an indication that there is a much larger problem with the overall function of your gutter system. Water damage often indicates that your gutters are leaking or that there is overflowing water somehow escaping the system over the edge instead of through its proper channels. This can cause damage to your fascia board and soffit, so addressing the problem quickly is vitally important.
Water Is Pooling in Your Gutters
It is crucial to keep your gutters and downspouts clean and flowing properly. When the gutter system is unable to remove the water away from your home efficiently, it can result in a pooling of water inside the system. This can lead to mildew and an array of other problems. In addition to weighing your gutters down, pooling can be an attractive location for pests, such as small animals and insects, to burrow in and create a home. It can also result in the growth of mold and mildew, which can be hazardous to your health. These issues need to be addressed quickly as they can lead to foundation issues and siding problems while also compromising your roof.
The Paint on Your Gutters Is Pealing
If you notice that the paint on your gutters is starting to peel, it could indicate that they are reaching the end of their life. Although the paint is designed to withstand wear and tear all year round, there comes a time when it may be subjected to standing water and other elements that cause the paint to lift and crack. Significant pealing could indicate that your gutters are not draining water properly and need to be replaced in the very near future.
You Spot Cracks in the Gutter System
One of the most obvious signs that you need a gutter replacement very soon is spotting cracks in the gutters. Although small cracks may not seem like a major problem, they can result in severe leaking and damage to your roof, fascia, and more. Over time, small cracks can grow and cause massive separation of the gutter materials. This can lead to significant water leaking, which can damage your home’s siding and foundation by crashing down on the surfaces below.
Any significant damage to your gutter system can quickly grow into a much larger problem that impacts nearly every aspect of your home. The last thing you need is leaking water to penetrate your foundation and cause structural damage and flooding. If you believe that your gutters are damaged, or you would like to schedule an inspection to determine if a replacement is needed, contact our professionals right away.
Schedule a Gutter Estimate Today
Since 1996, our team at Windlickers Roofing & Exteriors in Oconomowoc, WI, has remained committed to ensuring that every customer we work with receives quality and trusted services and products that they know they can trust. We take great pride in the level of care and professionalism that we put forth on every job that we complete. While working with our team, you can expect that we will stay with you from start to finish to ensure everything is done skillfully and correctly. We encourage you to reach out to our team today by calling (414) 531-1729 to schedule a free estimate to get started.