Gutters aren’t exactly a glamorous feature to your home. Very few homeowners are going to brag about how pretty their new gutters are. Despite their lack of aesthetic, they do perform a vital function in your home’s protection and well being. It is essential to understand their function, and know when they need to be replaced.
Because looking into your gutters isn’t exactly on the top of most people’s chore list, we have composed an easy list of signs and observations that can help you discern when it is time to replace the gutters on your home.
Drips – When water is dripping from a seam, center of the bottom of your gutters, or a corner. Thankfully, this is a pretty clear sign that something is wrong. Water dripping is one of the most common tell tales that a gutter needs replacement. However, some drips aren’t exactly a blinking neon sign that they need replaced. It may sound weird, but not all drips are created equal. Some may simply come from condensation or rainfall.
If the water is dripping from a seam, corner, or center of the bottom, this is a good sign that it is time for replacement. Though a spot of weakness here or there can be repaired, it is a good sign that your gutters are aging and will need replacement sooner rather than later.
Overflow – the gutters are clean, yet there is still overflow. Overflow, just like dripping, doesn’t immediately mean it’s time for replacement. But it means it’s time to take a look and see what may be hindering its performance. This will likely require you to look inside. If you see sludge or debris, then it’s time to clean them out!
However, if they are still overflowing despite being relatively clean, then this is a sign that they are weakening and pulling away from the rafters. Like with drips, it can be easy to simply repair the spot of weakness. But if it is widespread, it’s time for new gutters.
Dents – Large dents can often be the final straw in a gutter’s death. Dented gutters are pretty easy to identify. It doesn’t require much investigation at all. Small dents can just be aesthetically displeasing without restricting its functionality. Water will still flow to the downspout and properly evacuate.
Large dents however, can be the end of a gutter. Large tree limbs falling, delivery trucks backing into them, or any other odd incident can cause extensive damage. These become obvious spots where overflow, drips, and bottom holes can develop. Sometimes, whatever caused the dent could have also caused damage to the roof, eave, or siding. In such cases gutter replacement may also be joined by other repairs.
Rust – The final visual observation you can make is looking for rust. Just like the previous signs, the extensiveness of rust can be a clear sign of impending replacement. A single spot can be an indicator of an isolated issue. Possibly a scratch or small dent that allowed for the rust to spread. But if you find several extensive spots, specifically in various gutter runs, the chances are the rust is more widespread than meets the eye. Gently scraping the spot with a screwdriver or butter knife can determine whether you have caught the rust in time to treat it.
If you have observed any of these signs, or you’re not sure if you need replacement or not, contact us today! We are ready to consult and give advice, as well as assist in the process should you decide to replace your gutters and downspouts.
