I bet that you didn’t know that gutters are one of the most important structures in your home. They don’t just look nice, they catch the rain from the roof and prevent it from sinking into the foundation of your house. Without them, you can experience structural problems and water damage. They also do even more than that.
Gutters also prevent ditches, and pooling water, and protect vegetation. Without them controlling where your roof’s runoff goes, you can experience all these problems and more. So you can see just how important it is to have them working correctly.
Gutters, just as all things, can stop functioning properly and need to be replaced. But how do you know you need a gutter replacement for your home? Here are some obvious signs that your gutters are past their prime.
Your gutters are sagging
If you notice your gutters drooping or sagging, then that means the structural parts of the gutter can’t take the weight of the rain anymore. Once this begins, gutters have a harder time collecting as much rainwater as they should, leaving it to fall towards the foundation of the house. Water can also become trapped inside the gutter itself because it can’t travel unobstructed any longer. This opens you up to things like mold or insects.
It’s stopped holding water
This is a sure sign that your gutters are on their last leg. If you’ve cleaned your gutters and made them free of debris and they still overflow with water, that indicates that your gutters aren’t able to work properly.
As gutters age and need replacement, they stop being able to hold the same amount of water as they used to, which causes the excess to spill over the top instead of stream down to where it’s supposed to go. There may not even be anything physically wrong with the gutters themselves, it may just be the fact that they’re not large enough to hold the amount of rain your area is receiving.
You’re seeing rust
Rust corrodes metal and it can break down the integrity of your gutters with ease. While rust is usually caused by moisture, it’s unusual to see it in gutters. However, if you have other problems with your gutter like it’s clogged or sunken in so it impedes the flow of water, then water sits for a while and can cause rusting to occur. This can also happen if you suddenly go through a significant period of rain or humidity that causes the pain of your house to chip.
The material you choose for your next gutters can cut down the risk of rust in the future. If you want to know what kind of gutter you should choose next, click here.
You’re finding part of your gutter on the ground
If you’re inspecting your gutter, and you find pieces of it on the floor or missing, then something is wrong. Gutters are meant to withstand heavy wind and rain. If it’s falling apart then that could indicate that it’s reached its breaking point.
A good indication of this is finding metal screws or handles on the ground near your house. This indicates that your gutters are no longer capable of holding rainwater and are weakening due to the added weight.
The gutter is over 20 years old
Believe it or not, gutters – like all things- have a shelf life. At some point, your gutters are going to fail you whether you like it or not. It’s a fact of life.
Gutters usually last about 20 – 30 years on average but might be able to last longer if you’ve been taking proper care of them. That being said, if they’re 20 years old and you’ve noticed that they aren’t working as well as they used to, then it’s probably time for them to retire and get updated.
The siding of your house is peeling
I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen pain peel, but it makes the room or siding look older than it is or worn down. Paint peels when it’s wet so if you notice your house’s siding is peeling, then you can bet your money that the gutters aren’t working properly.
If it’s unable to collect the rainwater and move it through its system quickly, then the water can build up in areas it’s not meant to be in. This can cause added moisture to form around your house and start tearing away at your siding’s paint job. So if you see this happening to you, get your gutters evaluated.
You’re seeing mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are other indicators that your gutters can’t do their job. Mold loves moisture so if your gutters are holding excess water instead of guiding it away from the house, mold can start to grow along with your house or in your gutters.
It’s important that you fix the issue right away. Mold can cause health issues for you and your family if not dealt with right away. They can also cause rot and can slowly tear away at your siding. This can be expensive to fix so don’t ignore the problem when you see it. Call someone who can come out and inspect the area. They’ll be able to give you an idea if your gutters are causing the mold or not.
Gutters play an important role in your house’s protection plan. They guide the rainwater away from your foundation and prevent flooding and ditches. Without them, your house and yard would be a complete mess!
Make sure your gutters are doing their job and are protecting your house. Most places offer free estimates or inspections so definitely call an expert to come out to take a look at the problem. Gutter replacement can be expensive but it’s a worthy investment so you don’t have to pay more for preventable issues.
