Gutters are an essential part of the home because they keep water away from the foundation and prevent premature decay and rot. Harsh weather conditions like we see in Maryland can degrade the gutter system fast. Inspection is critical to determine if a repair is needed or if it’s time to replace the gutters.
Confined gutter problems usually mean the existing gutter can be salvaged and repaired. But if issues are popping up along the gutter system, it may be time to replace it.
Here are six signs you may find that indicate you need to replace your gutters.
Cracks
Large cracks are easy to spot, especially when it’s raining. The gutters’ job is to move water away from the home, and cracks in the gutters ultimately defeat this purpose.
You can repair small cracks, but a large crack could mean your gutters are past their prime, and you need to replace them.
Poor Pitch
When the gutters were initially installed, they should have been sloped down towards the downspouts. This will make sure the water flows where it should.
Suppose you notice water overflowing in a particular area, and there’s no blockage. In that case, the gutter may not be adequately pitched, or it could be sagging. These problems might be repairable, but it could also be a sign that you should replace the gutters.
Stressed Seams
The seams where two gutter pieces are connected can separate due to stress, especially if you don’t clean your gutters out regularly. You can sometimes repair splitting seams if you catch them early enough. But if there are several stressed seams, it might be better to replace the gutters.
Peeling Paint and Rotted Wood
If you notice the paint on your house is peeling or bubbling in a particular area, check the closest gutter for a leak.
The same goes for rotting wood around windows or doorways. Peeling paint or rotted wood in an isolated area means the gutters either need to be repaired or replaced altogether.
Mildew or Mold
It would be best if you positioned downspouts to move water away from the foundation of your home. When water can accumulate around the foundation, you may notice mildew or mold outside or even inside your basement or crawl space.
This usually means there’s a leak somewhere in the gutter or downspout, or you need your yard graded to keep water from pooling near the foundation. If you’ve already repaired the gutters in this area and still have a problem, replacing the gutters is a better option.
Loose Hangers
If the hangers attaching the gutters to the house are loose, you can remedy this by tightening the screws or adding new ones. If the hangers are bent or worn, they may need to be replaced.
If the screws don’t stay tight in the fascia, this could mean there is a problem behind the fascia board. Water could have weakened the wood over time, which usually means it’s best to replace the gutter system and fascia.
Inspection, Repair, and Replace All-in-One
The pros at 888 Mr. Fixit can inspect your gutters to identify any places where you might need a repair. We can help you decide if a replacement is a better option, depending on what we find when we inspect the system. Whether you want your gutters repaired or replaced, 888 Mr. Fixit is here to help.
Call us today for a free estimate on inspection, repairs, or replacement of your existing gutters. Your gutters are part of the defense system your home has to combat the elements, so an annual inspection is a great way to extend your gutters’ lifespan.
