If you’re reading this article, you’re curious about your gutters. Perhaps you have been in the market for a few months, or maybe you’ve been putting it off so long that you’re wondering where to start. Regardless of where you are in the process, you naturally have been asking yourself – how do I know when to replace my residential gutters?
Residential gutters are a very important part of any home. They are the primary line of defense to prevent water damage, which we know all too well in the Pacific Northwest, and they can help to prevent havoc on your home.
Yet, how do you know when your gutters need to be replaced? You don’t want to take down gutters that might be able to withstand more time, yet you do not want to have faulty gutters in our climate.
Here are tips to spot early warning signs of potentially damaged residential gutters in your home.
1. You have spotted signs of decay
When doing a perimeter check, look for any amounts of decay on your gutters or small separations. This could also come in the form of moss or mildew growing at corners, or rust if you have steel gutters. While you can sometimes use a sealant to temporarily halt the impact, this is a sign that you may need to start your research on residential gutter replacement.
2. You see downpipes separating at the point of connection to the gutter.
Many older gutter systems used plastic outlets that connect the gutter to the downpipe. Being plastic, these outlets can deteriorate and crack due to sun exposure and temperature changes, allowing the downpipes to become separated from the gutter. We only use aluminum outlets in our new installs, so the outlets will last as long as your gutters.
3. The paint on the side of your house has begun to peel
While this may not seem like an obvious relation to your gutters, they can actually be the cause of peeling paint. Malfunctioning gutters can ruin a great paint job and if left unchecked can cause damage to siding or trim boards, so be sure to check for any exterior paint that is bubbled up or peeled away. If this is the case, you may have a leak above the area.
4. Check the seams of your residential gutters, where the two horizontal sections meet
It is at this point where both leaks and separations are the most vulnerable. While gutter seams can sometimes be mended, if there are leaks at several locations it can turn out to be a costly project and one that is best left to a full replacement of your gutter system.
5. You see gutter pulling away from fascia boards or sagging in areas
Snow and ice buildup over the years may cause gutters to become loose and pull away from the structure. While they may be able to be refastened, if the gutter has sustained damage it will need to be replaced. Keeping your gutters clean and free of debris will help minimize the risk of snow damage.
Remember: Be sure to clean your gutters every year
We’ve written about our cleaning tips, and the importance of cleaning, in a recent article here; however, these tips go to show how essential it is to take care of your home gutters. With the value of homes in the Lower Mainland skyrocketing, taking care of your home is important to not only protect you and your family from potential water damage, but also to ensure you have strong re-sale value when you decide to look for a new home.
If you are curious about the health of your gutters, do not hesitate to contact our team at Advantage Gutters for a consultation here.