9 Signs You Need to Replace Your Gutters
You may have gutters but if they aren’t in good shape then they aren’t doing any good. How do you know when it’s time to replace your gutters or repair the ones you have? Do you even need gutters? What are the signs that it’s time to give your gutters some TLC? Here are some examples of what to look for that’ll let you know repairs may be on the horizon for you.
Why You Need Gutters in the First Place
You’ve probably heard this plenty of times but if you don’t have gutters, you need them. The most costly structural repairs are caused by water. Any building without gutters is at risk for water damage, rot, erosion, foundation issues, and plenty more. Avoid these problems by making sure that not only you have gutters but that they are in good condition. Finding the right licensed and insured gutter experts is the best place to start if you’re unsure about your current gutter system.
Signs it is Time to Replace Your Gutters
If you already have gutters, how can you tell that it’s time to get them repaired? Maybe you aren’t quite sure if they are still doing what they are supposed to do. Can you remember the last time you had them serviced? Here are a few signs that it is time to get your gutters repaired or replaced.
Leaky Seams
Some gutters have horizontal seams holding the different pieces together. If these aren’t sealed properly, they will begin to leak. If water can get out, it is going to and with gutters, that is the last thing you want. Ideally, your seams are properly sealed allowing water to flow to the downspouts. Next time it rains, take a look at the seams on your gutters. Once the rain stops, stand under the seams and look for signs of leaking. If you see anything that looks out of the ordinary, take photos and start thinking about scheduling a maintenance check.
Sagging or Fallen Gutters
If you happen to notice your gutters are sagging lower than where they usually are, it is time to get someone up there to look at them. This could mean that they are full of debris or that they need to be reattached properly. Whether they are sagging or have completely fallen off, they still need attention.
Rot on Fascia Boards
The fascia board is the horizontal trim board at the edge of your roof. Your gutters are likely attached to this so if these trim boards aren’t in good shape, chances are your gutters need some attention. If you notice any discoloration in the paint on the fascia boards, there could be water damage. If they look like they are starting to rot then it is time to have someone take a look. Making sure your fascia boards are in good shape helps keep your gutters functioning properly.
Damaged or Dented Gutters
If you live in an area that gets storms pretty often, your gutters have likely taken a beating. Damages could be caused by heavy wind, debris like sticks or limbs hitting them, or maybe you’ve had work done to your house or structure lately. Either way, if you are noticing dents or damages, getting your gutters repaired would be helpful. Having them installed is great but if they aren’t functioning properly, they could be doing more harm than good.
Gutters Are Missing Completely
Whether you never got gutters installed on your home or building or you just haven’t had the time to have them put back up after renovations, it is time to make sure they are in place. Gutters are often easy to forget about because they blend in pretty well with the building. If they are working properly, you don’t notice them. If they are missing altogether, you’ve likely noticed water build-up in places that it shouldn’t be or even some early signs of rot to your fascia boards. Go ahead and plan to have gutters installed as soon as possible!
Gaps Between Gutters and Fascia Boards
When you’re looking up at your house, do you notice any gaps between the fascia boards and your gutters? If so, then it is time to have someone come out to do repairs. This gap means that the gutter is no longer properly attached and is likely not serving the function of catching water and keeping it from damaging your home.
Water Overshooting the Roof During Rain
If your gutters are not holding any water when it rains, chances are they are full or blocked. When the rain overshoots the gutter, this means the gutter is likely clogged or they weren’t installed properly. There is a chance they are too far away from the edge of your house or they just don’t have the right slope to be effective. Having someone come out to check their effectiveness is a great place to start!
Mismatched Accessories
While there are different accessories you can add to your gutter system to fit your needs, they still need to be the right kind of accessory to function correctly. Sometimes mismatching your accessories will cause additional damage. Different accessories, or additions, are made to serve different purposes. You want to be sure the ones you’re adding are the right ones for your gutter system and coordinate with what you already have. If you’ve got mismatched accessories, you might want to consider getting them replaced with accessories meant to work together for your gutter system.
Peeling Paint
Depending on the age of your gutters, there will be wear and tear. You shouldn’t expect them to hold up perfectly through weather and time but you also want to be aware of the signs that it is time to replace or repair. Peeling paint is a sign of age and just wear and tear. This could also be a sign of larger issues to come like water damage. If you’re seeing paint chips in the water coming from your gutters, this could mean standing water is causing the paint to start to peel.
You Probably Need Gutter Repairs So What is Next?
Now that you know the signs of potentially needing gutter repairs, what is next? What do you look for when trying to find a trusted partner to help you? What do you even need to ask for? You want to be sure to work with a licensed and insured expert to make sure you’re protected. Whether it is a repair, a cleaning, or maybe even installing gutter guards, you’ll want to take the next step in keeping your home or building safe and in top condition.
HMC Gutters is your Upstate South Carolina gutter experts. From installation to regular maintenance and repairs, we’ve got you covered. If you’re interested in having someone take a look at your gutter system, request a quote, or give us a call today!