How To Know If Gutters Need Replacing
Maintaining your gutters is one of the most important things you can do to prevent damage to your home and yard. This is especially true for the winter months, as snowfall runoff, winter storms, and ice are especially dangerous to unprepared homes. If you detect that your gutters need replacing, now is the time to do it. If your gutters have any of the issues below, you may need to have them replaced.
Cracks in Gutters and Downspouts
Cracks in gutters and downspouts are a sure sign that your home exterior and foundation are in danger of being damaged if they haven’t been already. Even the tiniest cracks and punctures can cause leaks. You may be able to temporarily fix a minor crack with a strong sealant, but if there are multiple cracks, you need your gutters replaced.
Gutters Are Separating From the House and From Each Other at Seams
If your gutters are literally falling apart at the seams, it’s time for some new ones. Gutters that separate from the house and each other are not only unsightly, but they are also opening your home exterior up to water damage. Seam stress is common in older gutters and gutters that are susceptible to collecting large amounts of debris. When too much pressure is put on the seams, they tend to separate and result in leaks.
If your gutters are separating from your house, it usually means they are under more pressure than they have the capacity to hold — and it’s time for some new gutters.
Gutters Are Sagging or Bowing
If your gutters are sagging or bowing, it means they’ve been overburdened by debris and water and are getting weighed down. Not only does this make the house look old or broken-down, but it’s also indicative of improperly functioning gutters. If your gutters are succumbing to gravity, it probably means that they are no longer able to filter water properly, and it’s time you need to replace them.
Leaking Gutters and Water Damage: Mildew Around Foundation, Damaged Landscaping
If you see mildew around your foundation or damaged landscaping, the most likely culprit is leaking gutters. When gutters leak, they release water onto the exterior of your house and foundation. If that water gets trapped and sits there for too long, especially in the warmer months, you can have mold and mildew problems. The worst part is that mildew will travel into crawl spaces and basements if not taken care of, causing allergies and home damage.
The best way to prevent further water damage is to have your gutters replaced. This will prevent excess water from doing any more damage to your property.
Peeling Paint
Peeling paint is usually a sign of excess moisture in an area of the house. If you see peeling paint around your gutters or downspouts, chances are good there’s a leak somewhere. In this case, you’d only be wasting time and money by repainting the affected areas. You need to go to the source of peeling paint and replace the part of the gutter that is nearest to that paint.
If you see paint peeling in multiple areas of the house, it’s probably an indication that your entire gutter system needs replacing.
Rotted Fascia and Soffit
Rotting fascia and soffit are signs that you probably need to replace your gutter system. Fascia boards are the boards underneath the edge of the roof that span the roof’s perimeter, and soffit is the wood that underlies the fascia. Both are very close to the gutter, so if one or the other is rotting, you know you have a problem.
In many cases, you will need to replace the moldy portions of the fascia and/or soffit. But if these boards are rotted, you will almost always need to completely replace the gutter to stop the source of the rot.
Call Your Local Gutter Professionals for Help
If you think you need your gutters replaced, All Season Gutters is here to help! We offer excellent gutter repair and replacement services to homes in central PA along with competitive pricing. Don’t go about gutter repair without a professional — contact us for more information on our products and services.