Most people don’t think too much about their gutters aside from an annual, maybe biannual, cleaning. However, gutters play an important role in your home’s ability to keep you safe from the elements. In this article, we discuss how to know when it’s time to make repairs to or replace your gutters.
What do gutters do?
Gutters protect the house by directing rainwater away from the walls and foundation. Over time, water can wear away at your home’s siding and windows. Foundation can become eroded thanks to pooling water. By diverting rainwater away from the house, the gutters increase your home’s longevity. For this reason, it is important to make sure your gutters are functioning properly. Otherwise, you can expect the water to cause damage.
Signs that it’s time to repair or replace your gutters:
The next time you or a company cleans your gutters, take a few minutes to see if it’s time to replace or repair your gutters. You should inspect your gutters after it rains to catch any issues.
- Cracks: Gutters that have small cracks means that that water is remaining behind. This can lead to wear on your siding. Don’t ignore the small things – small cracks can also become big cracks.
- Pooling Water: The purpose of a gutter is direct water away from the house. If you see water pooling in your gutters, then the gutters are not doing their job properly. In addition, if you see water pooling near your house’s foundation, this can also be a sign that your gutters are non-functioning. Mildew along the base of your house is also a strong indicator that water is not being diverted properly.
- Sagging: Gutters should not sag in any place because it disrupts the flow of water away from your house. Sagging can cause the water to flow over the sides of the gutters, creating a waterfall that will leave water where you don’t want it to go. Sagging can mean that the gutters aren’t working properly. In such a case, understanding the overarching issue is important.
- Fasteners: During your inspection, if you see that the fasteners, which attach the gutter to the roof, are loose or on the ground, you will need to make a repair. Loose or missing fasteners mean that the gutters can pull away from the house. This leads to water pooling and potentially damaging your home.
- Rust: Rust is the result of when a metal reacts with oxygen and water. Corrosion leads to the deterioration of the metal. In the case of one’s gutters, the rust is a sign that water has been interacting with the metal because the gutters haven’t been draining properly. You will need to replace portions of your gutters and install them in a way to prevent water from pooling.
Repair vs Replace
As a rule of thumb, small and minor issues can typically be repaired while major issues will require replacement. For example, if you see a loose fastener, tightening it will do the job. If you see extensive rust, it’s time to replace the gutter. Another aspect to consider when determining whether to repair or replace your gutter include the age of your gutters. At some point, your gutters will need to be replaced because they have become too worn to work properly. An inspector can advise you on what to do in such situations.
Concerned about your gutters? Reach out to the Go Roof Guys with your questions.
