Although the roof does an excellent job of directing water down, gutters do the actual heavy lifting. The water from the rain and snow pours down from the top and into the gutter lines. This water is channeled through the downspout and into the drain. Now gutters last for a long time and aren’t typically an item on the regular replacement or repair list. The typical gutter system can keep disposing of the water for as long as two decades to an entire lifetime. With that said, just like everything else, they do wear out over time. And when they do, they can be more than troublesome. Every homeowner must know when to inspect, repair, or fully replace their gutter system. Here, we have shared the 5 most important signs that a gutter replacement is in order. After you have that down, you can check them against your house’s gutter system. In the end, you will also find a few maintenance tips. They will inform you how to make your gutter system last longer and what to have in mind before replacing it.
What happens if you don’t replace your gutter?
As long-lasting as they are, do not ignore them. Gutters are not one of those things around the house that you can leave and attend to only when their life is over. At best, a defective gutter system can cause ugly stains on the exterior walls. Under different circumstances, an uninspected and clogged gutter can cause or worsen an ice dam situation. In the worst case, an old and worn-out channel will fall and damage your house, along with whoever is unlucky to walk by.
5 Signs You Need a Gutter Replacement
1) If the gutter pipes are pulling away
If you notice a gap between the gutter lines and the roof, your gutter is sagging. The cause for a sagged channel is most likely the piled-up debris inside the pipes. When the drain is clogged, more rain and snow water will sit inside the tubes for longer. This extra weight can loosen the brackets and pull the lines away from the roof’s edge. This is the worst problem that can happen to a gutter system. A sagging gutter defeats its purpose of channeling the water and will let it pour right down. On top of that, the gutter pipes are likely to fall and damage something underneath.
2) If you can spot cracks and crevices
Cracks cause leaks. Continual leaks can do expensive water damage. Additionally, flowing water will expand small cracks over time and worsen the leak. Small cracks might be able to be sealed and caulked for a fix. But large cracks can hardly be fixed, and ask for a gutter replacement. While inspecting your gutter system for damages, grab a bucket or an extended hose and pour some water into it. This will help you spot the minor fractures not visible to the eyes.
3) If there are water damage marks, mold, and mildew on the wall
A defect in your gutter means a leak. If a gutter system is not working as it is supposed to, it can’t channel water correctly and fully. If rainwater spills or leaks from the gutter system, it can stain the walls with mildew and mold. This is an eyesore and a health hazard for you and your family.
4) If rust has formed and some paint is worn out
Gutters, being fully exposed to the elements and the weather extremes, go through much wear and tear, and rust forming is inevitable. It might be time for a new gutter system if you notice some brown and orange rust spots here and a few worn-out paint spots. These are a sign of water having destroyed and penetrated the protective coding of the gutter. It will eventually break if you don’t replace a badly rusted gutter pipe.
5) If you see water puddles under the exterior walls after a rainy day
A broken, cracked, rusted, or in any way the defective gutter system will have leaks and spills. Water can accumulate in small puddles under the wall to cause that.
How to increase your gutter’s lifespan
1) Inspect your gutter system every six months
Check the pipes for cracks and collect debris twice a year. Unclog any blocking and run some water through it to see the shots. This will keep your gutters functioning correctly. Besides, you can seal and fix minor fractures before they’re too expanded.
2) Installing gutter guards can help
Gutter guards will stop debris from entering the pipes. If leaves and trash are a big problem for you, guard away! That said, gutter guards add a bit to the maintenance work. You’ll occasionally need to remove and clean them. They also do not go great with snow as they can make ice dams harder to deal with.
3) Get the correct quote
The cost for a gutter installation depends on more factors than the mere square footage of your house. So, it’s not relatively easy to come up with an accurate estimate for a gutter installation service. Many factors affect the cost of this service. The main ones are the number of stories, the steepness of your roof (which makes it more laborious for the installer), the number of corners (certain materials are used to join pipes at each corner and will increase the cost of the service), and whether or not there’s an existing gutter structure that needs to be removed. While getting an estimate, try a few contractors before hiring one.
4) Establish home maintenance as a necessity
It is essential to know that regular inspections and maintenance are necessary for good house upkeep as a homeowner. An annual checklist will go a long way in keeping your house functioning at its best and preventing unanticipated costs.
The gutter system plays a role in protecting its exterior from all types of water damage. Especially if you’re living in a heavy rain climate, it’s important to inspect, repair, and replace your gutter when necessary to avoid unnecessary costs.
