Gutters are a very important part of a home’s exterior. They work to divert rainwater away from the foundation and keep it from damaging your siding, windows, doors, and other parts of the structure.
Unfortunately, over time they can sustain damage that makes them less effective at their job – which could lead to water seeping through your walls or flooding your basement! You should consider some factors to help you decide if you should repair or replace your gutters, and we will walk you through them.
When Should You Get Your Gutters Repaired?
Even though gutters are durable, they can sustain damage that might make them less effective. Here’s a list of the most typical rain gutter issues. When caught early, you can usually fix most of these problems with gutter repair services, but they might indicate more extensive gutter damage in some situations.
Clogged Gutters:
Gutters get clogged with leaves, twigs, moss, and other debris. The solution for this is to have a professional clean out your gutters regularly. If clog issues persist, you might need new gutters.
Few Holes Or Cracks:
Gutters usually have some holes and cracks in them from being exposed to the elements for many years. While these don’t always mean that your gutters are damaged beyond repair, you might need gutter replacement if you start finding several cracks.
A Leaking Joint:
Gutters are usually connected to the downspout with a gutter hanger or fastener that can wear out after many years of exposure; this might result in leaking joints, which could mean your gutters need repair work.
Loose Hangers Or Screws:
Over time, the hangers or screws that connect your gutters might become loose from exposure to elements; this can result in issues with draining and cause water damage to your exterior walls when they’re not securely attached.
How To Identify If You Need A Gutter Replacement
If your gutters show any issues listed above, you might need to have them replaced by a professional. However, if they’re starting to rust or rot completely away, it’s likely time for replacement too!
Here are other factors that can indicate gutter replacement is necessary:
Sagging:
After many years, gutters might begin to sag and lose their proper shape; this can lead to water pooling at the top of your roof or leaking problems around the sealant. If your gutters aren’t properly positioned, a new gutter that better fits your house’s design is the best solution.
Leaks:
A gutter system with leaks can cause extensive damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and landscaping. If you notice any leaks forming in your shingles after a heavy rainstorm, likely, your current gutters are no longer effective.
Rust:
Over time, your gutters might start to rust in places where they have been heavily exposed to water or severe weather conditions. If this is happening, the metal from which the gutters are made isn’t being protected by paint anymore, and you likely need a gutter replacement.
Mold Growth:
Gutters aren’t the only reason for mildew growth in your house, but it doesn’t change the fact that you should consider replacing your guttering system after seeing mold and mildew on your basement and foundations. After all, foundation damage is another common problem that a rain gutter is designed to avoid.
Choose The Right Contractor For Your Gutter Needs
Once you’ve realized if your gutters need to be repaired or replaced, it’s time for the last step – finding a contractor! You should always hire professionals like us at Gutter Gorilla to ensure you get expert advice and high-quality workmanship every time.
We provide a full range of professional gutter services for Louisville, KY, residents, including installation, repair, guards, and cleaning. We specialize in our own fully enclosed gutter protection system that uses surgical stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guards on new or existing gutters.
