The gutters on your home’s roof have an important job. They’re responsible for catching and diverting rainwater away from your property.
While this may not seem like a big deal, it has a lot to do with the condition of the exterior of your house. Keeping worn out gutters on your roof can lead to a number of serious and expensive issues.
But how do you know when it’s time for a gutter replacement? Even though it may seem like they’re still doing their job, they may have reached their life expectancy.
That’s why we’re going over some common signs it’s time to invest in replacements.
Water Overflow
Do your gutters overflow during a storm but water is still coming out of the downspout? If so, it’s probably time for a replacement.
It’s important to note that clogged gutters will cause an overflow. However, if this is the case, you won’t see much water coming from the downspout and getting directed away from your home.
Go ahead and check for a buildup of dead leaves and other debris. If you don’t find any, your gutters are probably worn out and no longer doing their job.
You may also notice standing water at the base of your foundation after heavy rains. This is an indication water was spilling over the edge. Standing water will lead to erosion, which is horrible for your home’s foundation.
Cracking and Splitting
Cracks in your gutters are a bad sign. Even small ones eventually get bigger, allowing more and more water to escape. This can lead to damage to the fascia boards and cause a buildup of water around your foundation.
Ignore cracks long enough and you’ll have large splits in your gutters. At this point, they’re no longer serving a purpose. It’s time for a replacement.
Keep in mind your gutters stay exposed to the elements all year. Over time, cracking is inevitable.
Make sure you have an inspection on a regular basis. Small cracks are hard to spot, so you’ll need to watch your gutters while it rains to see if water is leaking.
Peeling Paint
If you notice paint cracking and peeling on the exterior wood or siding, bad gutters may be the culprit. You may also see the paint bubbling as well.
Gutters work by keeping water away from the side of your home. If they’re not doing their job, eventually your paint will start to deteriorate.
If you notice cracking or peeling, check the gutters in the vicinity. Odds are you’ll find damage.
Even though most exterior paint can withstand the elements for quite some time, bad gutters mean the exterior is taking on excessive water during storms. This drastically decreases the lifespan of the paint.
If you only notice peeling paint in a small area, you may just need a repair. However, if the problem is widespread, it’s time for a replacement.
Sagging Gutters
One of the easiest ways to tell if your gutters have reached their life expectancy is sagging. If you notice them bowing or pulling away from your home, it’s time for a replacement.
Gutters sag because they’re not draining well and the weight of water during hard rains puts stress on them. They also sag because debris is constantly building up.
Sagging could also mean the brackets that hold the gutters on have come loose. It’s important you take care of this right away, as it could lead to further damage to your home.
Repairing sagging gutters is possible, but if the problem spans a large section of the roof, a replacement is the better route.
Wood Rot
We talked about water causing the paint on your home to peel and bubble. If this goes on for too long, moisture will start to cause the wood on your home to rot.
This is a major problem, as rotting wood could eventually allow water to enter your home. The worse the damage becomes, the more expensive it’ll be to fix.
Look for rotting areas along window sills. These areas often take on water when gutters don’t drain effectively.
If you’re dealing with rot, go ahead and replace your gutters first and make sure they keep water away from your home. You can then repair the rotting areas.
Foundation Issues
Are you experiencing foundation problems but can’t seem to figure out the cause? Bad gutters could be the problem.
When too much water builds up around the perimeter of your home during storms, the soil becomes vulnerable. Eventually, it starts to erode, making the foundation of your home less stable.
Inspect around the outside of your home where it meets the soil. If you see areas where the soil has started to pull away from the foundation, it may be time for a gutter replacement.
You may also notice cracks in walkways or patios. This is an indication that poor drainage has caused the soil to become uneven.
Foundation problems are very damaging and costly. Make sure you replace your gutters at the first sign of a problem.
Mildew Around the Foundation
While checking your home’s foundation, you should also keep your eye out for mildew or mold. It can start to form on the base of your foundation if water is always pooling up during storms.
You may also want to check your basement or crawl spaces for moisture or mildew. Excess water may enter these spaces if your drainage system is out of whack.
If mold has infiltrated your basement, you need to address the situation immediately. It can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Walk around your home right after it rains and look for areas of pooling water. You may need to replace your gutters so this water doesn’t become a problem.
Don’t Neglect Gutter Replacement If You Notice an Issue
As a homeowner, the last thing you want is a minor problem wreaking havoc on other parts of your home. If your gutters are in bad shape, have them replaced right away.
Check for the items discussed above and have professional gutter replacement performed if you notice an issue.
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