Most of us know how important it is to regularly clean our gutters, but what if you notice issues that can’t be addressed by regular maintenance?
How do you know when it’s time to replace your gutters altogether?
Luckily, there are some very clear signs to look out for, and we’ve listed them below. It’s better to replace gutters early than to wait until the rest of your house is affected by water damage.
1. Visible Cracks
If you notice one or two very small cracks in your gutter, you might be able to patch them up with sealant. However, if you see more than a handful of cracks, it’s time for a complete replacement.
What starts as a small crack could easily become much worse after heavy rainfall.
Inspect your gutters during and after rainfall and look for any sections where water is dripping down. This helps you identify small cracks that might not be visible to the naked eye.
2. Rusted Areas
If your gutters are made of galvanized steel, you might start to notice rusting as the protective coating wears off over time. This will usually be orange in color and might be on the actual gutter, or on the wall close to it.
Rust is a clear sign that your gutters need to be replaced and it will only get worse over time.
3. Sagging
Are your gutters starting to look a little droopy? Are they sagging and coming away from the edge of your house?
Gutters tend to sag as a result of being full of water, with the weight pulling them down. This is a sign that they aren’t working as they should and need to be cleaned, fixed, or replaced completely.
If you’re not clear on the reasons behind the sagging, it’s worth asking an expert to take a look.
4. Peeling Paint
Noticed peeling paint on your house?
This suggests that water is trickling down from your gutters and causing water damage, which causes your exterior paint to peel. Unaddressed, water damage like this could do real damage to the structure of your home.
Have you seen peeling paint on your actual gutters? This is a sign that their protective coating is wearing off, meaning that it’s time for a replacement.
When it comes to gutters, peeling paint is never a good sign – always get a professional to take a look.
5. Mildew and Moisture
Have you noticed a build-up of moisture, mold, or mildew around the foundation of your house?
If you have, your gutters clearly aren’t redirecting water the way they should. Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems, so it’s wise to get your gutters replaced as soon as possible.
Who Should You Call to Replace Gutters?
It’s never a good idea to try and replace gutters yourself. Instead, you should contact a remodeling company that specializes in gutter replacement and knows exactly what to do.
They’ll be able to get to the root of the problem and install a replacement that should stop the same issues from reoccurring
Ready for your gutter replacement, or just want to get some advice? Contact us today.