Gutters will last for decades if they’re well cared for, and when your gutters are performing well, it’s easy to forget about them. However, eventually, your gutters will break down, putting your home at risk for serious water damage. To prevent this, it’s important to keep tabs on the health of your gutter. Chances are your gutters will let you know when they need to be replaced with the following signs.
Cracks
Cracks in your gutters are a sure sign that it’s time to consider gutter replacement. They allow water to flow down and out of the gutters, depositing water next to your home’s foundation or allowing water to run down the sides of your home. The best way to spot cracks in your gutters is to inspect your gutters on a rainy day. Take a walk around your home in the rain to look for water running through cracks, holes or separations in your gutter system.
Sagging Gutters
As gutters age, they can begin to pull away from the sides of your home. Not only do sagging gutters look unsightly, but they allow water to run off of the roof between the gutter and the roofline, potentially damaging your home. If your gutters are sagging, it’s time to consider new gutters to protect your home from water damage and improve your home’s curb appeal.
Peeling Paint or Rust Stains
If your gutters aren’t containing water runoff from your roof, the sides of your home might be letting you know. Look for peeling paint, warped siding or rust stains down the sides of your home. Just fixing the damaged siding won’t save your home; the only way to fix the problem is with new gutters.
Rotten Woodwork
Just like the sides of your home’s siding might be showing signs that your gutters are due to be replaced, your home’s woodwork might reveal that gutters are letting water damage your home. Check the wooden fascia under your roofs overhang, as well as wooden frames around doors or windows for signs of rot. Your gutters should keep water away from the sides and structure of your home to protect the wood.
Mildew or Mold
Take a walk around the outside of your home. Do you notice mildew or mold stains around the foundation of your home, on the siding or underneath the roof overhangs? That means water’s accessing your home, and your gutters aren’t doing their job.
Damp or Flooded Basement
The primary function of your gutters is to deposit water away from the foundation of your home to prevent foundation damage. If your basement gets moist, floods, when it rains, smells like mildew or shows signs of mold on the walls, your gutters are allowing water to enter your home at its base. Replace the gutters before water does serious damage to your foundation.
Take a walk around your home this spring. Do you see signs that your gutters are failing? It might be time to replace your gutters. Call The Gutterman of TN to have your gutters inspected and hear your options for replacing your failing gutter system.