Gutters are essential in keeping your home safe from water damage. Bad gutters can cost you thousands in repairs. If you’re not a gutter expert, though, how can you tell if your gutters are due to be replaced? Here are some signs that your home needs new gutters.
Cracks, holes or gaps in the gutters
An obvious sign that your gutters need to be replaced are cracks, holes or gaps of any kind in your gutters. Cracks, holes and gaps in your gutters allow water to flow down against your home and land near your home’s foundation. In a heavy rainstorm or heavy snowmelt, they could lead to basement flooding or even foundation damage. If you see cracks, holes or gaps in the gutter in even a minor degree, your gutters should be replaced to keep your home safe from water damage.
Discoloration or paint damage on your gutter
Even if cracks, gaps or holes aren’t clearly visible on your gutters, your gutters might show you other signs that water is leaking through and that they are no longer holding all of the water that flows off your roof. Signs that water is seeping through the gutters include paint peeling off of the gutters or rust or discoloration on the gutters. Pay close attention to seams and joints on the gutters, where leaks are likely to develop first.
Sagging gutters
Your gutters should form a tight, clean line along your roof to ensure that water is flowing directly into, and not around or under, the gutters. Sagging gutters indicate that your gutters are due to be replaced or repaired.
Water damage on your home’s exterior
Your gutters might look like they are in good repair, but your home’s exterior might be showing you signs that gutters aren’t doing their job of keeping water away from your home. Check your soffit, siding, wood trim, paint, doorways and windows for signs of water damage, including bubbling, peeling paint, rotten wood, mildew or discoloration. These are all signs that your gutters are failing and allowing water to damage your home, and waiting to replace gutters can result in serious home damage.
Puddles of water around the home
Take a walk around your home after it rains. Do you see puddles forming around your home’s foundation? Where puddles have formed, look up to see if gutters are leaking, sagging or failing. If gutters are allowing water to access your home’s foundation, your home is at risk of major damage.
Moisture or mildew in the basement
Signs of gutter failure don’t just happen around your home’s exterior; you also should take a look at your basement. If gutters are failing and allowing water to access your home’s foundation, your basement very likely will show you signs of water collecting around its exterior. If your basement is damper than normal, if you see mildew or discoloration along the walls or ceiling or if your basement floods when it rains, it’s time to have your gutters evaluated by a professional.
Don’t let failing gutters allow water to damage your home! If you see signs that your gutters need to be replaced, call The Gutterman of TN to schedule an inspection and consultation today!