Although many people underestimate the importance of their home’s gutters, they have a huge role in keeping your roof and foundation in good condition.
The main function of gutters is to drain water from your roof. If they aren’t doing their job, your roof may leak or end up with costly damage. Even if they drain the water, if your gutters don’t direct it away from your home, you may see foundation damage or experience flooding in your basement.
Getting new gutters can be expensive. Even if you choose vinyl, which is the cheapest option, you’re looking at $3 to $8 per foot. More luxurious options, such as copper, can cost up to $ per foot, which adds up real quick if you have a large home.
It’s best to see if you can repair your gutters by assessing the damage. To do this, you’ll need to identify the warning signs of faulty gutters. Below you will find four of these signs, so keep reading!
1. Cracking
Tiny cracks in your gutters aren’t a huge deal as long as you repair them promptly. As they worsen, water will seep out of the cracks and cause damage to the fascia boards, which are behind the gutters. Even worse, it can affect the shingles and even the foundation.
Your best bet is to hire a gutter repair professional as soon as you notice any cracks.
2. Rust
Rust is a clear sign that the metal in your home gutters is eroding. Large rust spots compromise their strength, which means it’s time to replace them.
As with small cracks, you can repair minor spots with rust. If you aren’t sure whether your gutter’s rust is too serious to repair, call a professional to inspect the damage.
3. Bending
Failure to clean out your gutters leads to trapped pine needles and leaves. Over time, the weight of this debris can cause your gutters to sag or bend, compromising the integrity of the entire system. If your gutters aren’t to this point yet, make time to clear your gutters every year, especially before winter.
On the other hand, if your gutters are starting to look like they’re being weighed down and may fall off, you should contact a roofing company, such as these expert roofers. They can replace gutters when needed, which prevents damage to your roof or foundation.
4. Peeling Paint
The paint on your gutters is meant to endure the seasons, including humidity and debris. If the paint starts peeling, it may be a sign that water is pooling inside them.
If your gutters don’t remove water properly, you’ll eventually see cracks or sagging. This will require a new gutter installation.
Your best bet is to get to the bottom of the peeling paint and fix your damaged gutters before they worsen!
Don’t Wait to Get New Gutters!
Failure to clean and maintain your gutters can lead to serious damage (and costs!). Instead of letting the problem get out of hand, hire a roofing company to clean out your gutters annually.
Of course, if you’ve waited too long or live in an old house, it may be best to get entirely new gutters. After all, it’s an investment that will protect your home from water damage!
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