Gutters can last for decades, which means that most often, the homeowners who replace them aren’t the same homeowners who installed them. And because homeowners often don’t know when their gutters were installed, or what sort of abuse they’ve endured over the years, it can be difficult to know when to replace them. There are some signs your gutters, or your home might be sent to let you know when it’s time for a gutter replacement.
Cracked or Separating Gutters
Cracks in the gutters, or separation at gutter seams, are an obvious sign that gutters are failing and need to be replaced. When gutters are cracked, water leaks easily through them and gathers around your home, where it can cause damage. While there are ways to repair cracked gutters, it most often isn’t worth the time, energy or money. If your gutters are cracked or pulling apart at the seams, it’s likely time to replace your gutters.
Peeling Paint or Rotting Wood
Your gutters are one of your home’s primary defense mechanisms from water damage. If you notice water damage on the exterior of your home, it can almost always be traced back to failing gutters. Paint peeling from your home’s siding or woodwork, or rotting on your home’s fascia, is a good indication that your gutters are due for replacement.
Sagging Gutters
Cold winters and debris gathering in the gutters put stress on your gutter system. Over time, that stress causes your gutter supports to fail. Your gutters will begin to pull away from your roofline. If gutters aren’t flush with the roofline, they’ll no longer be in a position to collect rainwater as it pours down your roof. If your gutters are sagging away from the roofline, it might be a sign that your gutters are due to be replaced.
Mold, Mildew or Moisture in Your Basement
Believe it or not, failing or faulty gutter systems are often to blame for moisture in your basement. That’s because it’s the job of your gutters to gather water from your roof and deposit it safely away from your home and your home’s foundation. Replacing your gutters can reduce moisture and flooding in your basement and save your home from serious water and foundation damage.
Damaged Landscaping
If your landscape is washing away, you need to look upward toward your gutters. If gutters are failing, they will overflow or fail to hold water, which can send rainwater cascading down onto your landscaping, washing it away. Don’t ignore water-damaged landscaping; inspect the gutters above to make sure that your gutters aren’t in need of replacement.
If your gutters are telling you that they need to be replaced, call The Gutterman of TN! The Gutterman can outfit your home with replacement gutters that will keep your home safe from water damage for decades to come.