Although an often overlooked piece of hardware, your gutters serve a surprisingly important role in protecting your home. Gutters redirect rainwater and snow melt away from your home’s exterior, which helps prevent moisture from seeping inside through cracks in the windows or walls.
Poorly maintained gutters can lead to a variety of structural issues that could end up costing you thousands in repairs. In fact, clogged gutters are one of the the top causes of basement water issues and when left unattended can have disastrous effects on your homes foundation.
With proper maintenance and cleaning, high-quality seamless aluminum gutters can protect your home for years to come. To ensure proper functionality and drainage of your gutter system, it is crucial to keep them clear of debris. Inspecting and cleaning them two or three times a year, will greatly extend the life of your gutters.
If you’re like most and want to eliminate the hassle of cleaning your gutters year after year, you’re in luck! There are a variety of gutter guard options, for every budget, that will eliminate the need for cleaning maintenance. Gutter guards can be installed over your current or newly replaced gutters and are made to protect your investment even further. They prevent debris from entering the chassis and provide a homeowner with peace of mind knowing that they are functioning properly.
Unfortunately, even well-maintained gutters don’t last forever. If you notice your gutters exhibiting the following problems, it might be time for a complete replacement:
1. Mildew or Water Around the Foundation
Your gutters are meant to keep water from damaging the foundation of your home. If you notice water pooling within a foot or two of your home’s foundation, your gutter is probably leaking. Mildew can also indicate a moisture issue near the base of the building’s exterior. If you notice either of these issues, first check to see if your gutters are clogged with leaves. If your gutters are clear of debris, but still not redirecting water properly, consider hiring gutter installation experts to replace your gutter system.
2. Cracks in the Tubing
A crack or hole in your gutter pipe is always a problem. Even a small crack that seems inconsequential can grow rapidly, leading to serious siding and foundation damage. Sometimes, a single cracked portion of the gutter can be repaired. However, multiple cracks mean your entire gutter system should be replaced.
3. Sagging
Sagging gutters indicate a blockage or failure in the system. As the gutter fills with water, it becomes heavy, and puts higher amounts of pressure on the brackets that hold the system in place. Over time, this pressure can cause your gutters to pull away from the home, leaving you with low spots and improper drainage. Left unattended, this small problem can cause severe damage to your home. If your gutter has begun to sag or pull away from the house, it needs to be repaired or replaced quickly.
4. Peeling Paint or Rust
Finally, take a moment to observe the outside appearance of your gutters. Is the painted surface peeling, or can you see orange flecks of rust? Both of these blemishes indicate a leak has allowed water to penetrate the metal enough to damage the outer surface. Consider replacing gutters with these symptoms, as they will only get worse with time.
Every now and then, take the time to observe the condition of your gutters. If you notice any of the problems mentioned above, take action to protect the rest of your home. A gutter replacement project might cost a few hundred dollars, but repairing siding or foundation damage will cost significantly more. With a bit of preventative effort, you can protect the rest of your home from devastating water damage.
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