3 Warning signs you need new gutters
For many homeowners, the term replacement has highly negative connotations and invokes images of massive reconstruction. But this is not always the case where gutters are involved since damaged pieces can be changed piecemeal. You should not take gutter repairs or even replacement issues lightly because they perform the critical task of directing rainwater away from your house.
In fact, you should never procrastinate where
gutter replacement is concerned. This issue will only get worse with time and you will require massive renovation as the water seeps into the walls. There are certain tell-tale signs that can easily help you determine if your gutters need immediate repairs or even outright replacement.
Hidden Cracks and Splits
Gutter maintenance is essential and should never be delayed, especially after a harsh winter. When cleaning your gutters, keep an eye out for even the smallest cracks, fissures, and splits. While a tiny crack may seem insignificant, it can worsen over time, especially in regions prone to rapid freeze/thaw cycles. Water entering these cracks can freeze, causing the crack to expand and potentially damage your gutter system.
While gutters channel water away from your home, ice buildup adds weight and stress to cracks. It's crucial to replace any small fissures promptly to prevent moisture from seeping into your home's walls.
Rust and Peeling Paint: Two Tell-Tale Signs of Moisture Damage
Your gutter system is made from solid galvanized steel. Moreover, it is coated with an anti-rust covering to ensure that the external drainage system is well protected from external moisture and/or water damage. If the coating is intact, it will prevent rust and corrosion. However, peeling paint is a tell-tale sign that there is a serious problem in your drainage system. This means that moisture damage has already corroded your gutters from the inside, and now it is attacking the external portion of your gutter line.
As the coating starts to peel, you might notice orange-colored flecks around the joints of the gutter, especially in areas where they are connected to your home. This means that the corrosion level is so high that your house is in imminent danger of seepage. You should take remedial measures as soon as possible.
Sagging Gutters
Your gutters will only start to sag when they are too full of water and the weight is pulling them down. This means that they are not able to function properly and are holding the water rather than letting it run into the ground. Eventually, this will mean seepage issues. These can easily be avoided if you were to replace these sagging gutters immediately.
Related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOQTkP_k0WI
