Your gutters are your home’s best defense against rain damaging your roof and foundation. It’s important for every homeowner to know when their gutters need to be repaired or replaced.
1. Uneven or Sagging Gutters
If your gutter looks even the slightest bit uneven, then you should have it repaired. Any part that’s lower than the rest will lead to water pooling and weight being added to the section. This, in turn, will lead to your gutter sagging and pulling away from your house. If it’s already sagging heavily, then you will need to have it replaced.
2. Peeling Paint or Rust
This is especially important if you have galvanized steel gutters. These types of gutters have a protective coating on them to prevent rust. If you see paint peeling from the gutter, that means the coating is coming off and needs to be dealt with soon. If you already see rust somewhere, that means that you already have a leak. Leaks can be patched if they’re addressed quickly. If you leave them untreated for too long, however, you’ll need to replace the gutter.
3. Signs of Water Inside Your House
The most obvious sign is an actual puddle of standing water in your attic or basement. Even if you don’t see water, however, you should check your attic to see if there’s any staining or mildew odor present. If you see any mold on the wood underneath your eaves, that’s a sign that a professional should come in. You should also look at getting repairs or replacements if there are signs of mold or algae growth on your foundation. The experts will decide what to do.
4. Visible Cracks or Splits
If you live in colder climates, cracks or splits are more likely to occur as water freezes into ice and melts again in the spring. Smaller cracks can be patched, but your gutters will have to replaced if they get too big.
5. Gutter Hardware Appears on the Ground
If you see screws or fastening equipment on the ground, then your gutters aren’t securely in place. This means that they can blow right off the roof in a strong storm or even a good breeze. If you’re currently experiencing any of these issues, then contact a Residential Gutter Replacement Business portland or today to have a professional take a look at your gutters.