Don't Ignore These Warning Signs!
5 Signs You Need New Gutters
When it comes to shielding your home from the elements, gutters play a vital role. While roofs shield your living space from above, gutters diligently collect water runoff and divert it away from the foundation, ensuring your comfort and preserving your home’s structural integrity. Regular maintenance, including gutter cleaning, is essential, but sometimes it’s necessary to go a step further and invest in new gutters. In this article, we’ll explore five signs that indicate it’s time for an upgrade, so you can safeguard your home and enjoy the benefits of high-quality gutter systems.
Cleaning your gutters regularly (at least twice annually) will help improve their functionality and lifespan, but there comes a time when upgrading them becomes necessary. If you’re worried about winter snowfall wreaking havoc on your gutters and causing unsightly bends, innovative heating elements can be installed on your roof’s edges to quickly melt snow and prevent ice dams. And if you hate cleaning your gutters (and honestly, who doesn’t? Those decaying leaves can be really nasty!), gutter guards might be your new best friend! Shielding your gutters from debris, gutter guards ensure your gutters remain unclogged and ready for action, making cleaning hassle-free!
Thankfully, achieving optimal gutter performance doesn’t require extravagant measures. However, settling for subpar gutters can accelerate the wear and tear on your home. So let’s dive into the five telltale signs that indicate it’s time to invest in new gutters.
1. Gutters that pull away from the house or sag.
If the gutters are pulled away from the house, they aren’t catching and relocating the water, meaning they aren’t doing anything for your home anymore. This is usually caused by one of two things. Firstly, the brackets holding your gutters to the roof are too old and no longer attached or able to hold weight, or, secondly, the gutter has been bent by damaging branches or ice and snow. These are normal occurrences, which is why you should always check your roof and gutters after storms and winter weather.
Sagging can also be a contributor to your gutters being pulled away. When the gutter sags, water, snow, or debris gets caught, heavy, and makes it all worse. When they sag, they are going to create more problems. If you have either of these, it’s time to replace them.
2. Gutters that are clogged or overflowing.
When gutters get clogged they can build with dirt, decaying leaves, residue, and anything else that may have come off of your roof. Sometimes they can be cleaned out and sprayed down, but sometimes it just won’t cut it. If the gutters are too old, and you can’t clean them out nicely, this grime will only build and worsen. Replace them before it becomes an issue and you have things growing in them.
3. Gutters that are rusted.
It makes sense that a metal accessory to a home would eventually rust when it is constantly being met with water and damp plants. While there are things you can do, such as cleaning your gutters, to delay rust damage, at some point, it is bound to happen and there is nothing you can do about it. Now, a little rust is alright. But when large areas or seams become rusted, you’ll have to replace them. Ignoring large rust spots can lead to further deterioration and leaks. Don’t take chances with water damage – invest in new gutters to maintain the integrity of your home.
4. Gutters that are leaking.
When gutters get clogged they can build with dirt, decaying leaves, residue, and anything else that may have come off of your roof. Sometimes they can be cleaned out and sprayed down, but sometimes it just won’t cut it. If the gutters are too old, and you can’t clean them out nicely, this grime will only build and worsen. Replace them before it becomes an issue and you have things growing in them.
5. Gutters that are missing.
It may seem obvious, but missing gutters require immediate attention! Even the absence of a single downspout can disrupt water control and flow. Once the water has made it through the downspouts, ramps or relocating tubes at the bottom can move water further away from the foundation of your home. If you don’t like the look of downspouts, consider a rain chain. Rain chains still control the water and guide it, while having a much more aesthetically pleasing look.
Investing in new gutters.
New gutters are an investment that pays off in the long run by safeguarding your home and preventing water damage. Like every other part of a home, they need to be cared for, fixed, and sometimes, replaced. By recognizing the signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement – such as gutters pulling away, clogs or overflow, rust, leaks, or missing gutters – you can take proactive steps to protect your home. If you have any gutter or roofing needs, call Clayton Hoover and Sons to get your roof inspected and a free quote! We’d be happy to offer suggestions on how we can upgrade your gutter system and enjoy a secure and well-maintained home for years to come. Contact us at ClaytonHoover.com/gutters or give us a call at 574-288-8630 to get started!
