Gutter Replacement—When is it Time?
When purchasing a home, the cost extends far beyond the mortgage. Obviously, even with the best craftsmanship, a house is made of physical materials and part which wear down over time. Some of the bigger items you may be familiar with. Most people know, for example, that a roof will need to be replaced at some point during the life of the home. Gutter replacement, however, is an often overlooked repair. Read on below for the signs it may be time to get new gutters!
Overlooked but Crucial
A properly functioning gutter goes a long way to improving your house’s (especially the roof’s) longevity. As long as the gutter system is not clogged and draining properly, it will prevent water damage and water-related wear. Water damage can be a huge problem if left unchecked, and may lead to an entire roof replacement. Gutters help funnel water down and away from the house and prevent the water collecting.
Without further ado, here are some signs it’s time for a gutter replacement!
Peeling Siding
If gutters are doing their job, they should be directing the water away from your house. So, if you begin to notice spots of peeling siding on your house, investigate the gutters! It could be that a crack, hole, or some other sort of malfunction has been causing water to peel the siding.
While the siding peeling isn’t necessarily a gutter problem, it can be a strong indicator. What’s more, you’ll likely see peeling siding before you noice damage to the actual gutter.
Rot
There can be numerous reasons for wood rotting on the outside of your home, but, like the peeling mentioned above, it can be an indicator of a gutter malfunction. If you notice wood rotting, or mildew growing, it doesn’t hurt to check the surrounding area of your home’s exterior, including the gutter.
Cracks
This one should be pretty self-explanatory. A gutter with cracks in it is like trying to bail out a flooded boat with a hole-filled bucket. This one may be a little tougher to notice if you aren’t looking for it, which is why conducting semi-regular inspections of your roof and gutter system is a great idea. You can prevent your gutter from being clogged, notice any trouble spots, or determine it is the time for a gutter replacement.
Pulling Apart at the Seams
In most older gutters, there are seams or joints where sections meet. Unsurprisingly, these areas are hot points for cracking, pulling, and separation. If you are conducting your regular roof inspections, keep an eye out for any issues at the seams. Clear obstructions from the gutters as quickly as possible. Alternatively, many people are opting for seamless gutters to avoid these weak spots. if it’s time for a gutter replacement, this may be an option to consider.
Call in the Pros!
If you’ve noticed signs of malfunctioning gutters, or if you just want to get ahead of the curve, reach out to a professional and proven company to handle the replacement!
