Your gutters may not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they play an important part in protecting your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping from water damage. Over time, though, gutters can wear out or get damaged putting your property at risk. So how do you know when it’s time to stop patching them up and go for a full replacement? Nickerson Roofing would like to break down the key signs that it’s time to replace your gutters, and why acting sooner rather than later can save you money and hassle.
Cracks, Holes or Rust Spots
A few small cracks might be repairable with sealant or a patch, but if you notice multiple cracks or rusting throughout the gutter system, it’s a red flag. These issues compromise the gutter’s ability to channel water effectively and can lead to leaks that damage your fascia, soffits, and siding.
Gutters are Sagging or Pulling Away
Sagging gutters are usually caused by too much weight often from water, debris, or even ice in winter. If the fasteners have loosened or the gutter system is pulling away from the house, water won’t flow correctly, leading to potential foundation problems.
Peeling Paint or Water Stains Around Gutters
If you see peeling paint or rust on the outside of your gutters or water stains on your fascia boards, that’s a sign water is spilling over or leaking from your gutters instead of flowing through the downspouts. This may be a sign of an old or inefficient gutters no longer doing their job. The finish on your exterior surfaces is being damaged by moisture potentially leading to rot or mold.
Pooling Water or Erosion Around Your Foundation
One of the most important jobs of your gutter system is directing water away from your home’s foundation. If you notice pooling water, soil erosion, or mildew near the base of your home, your gutters may be failing.
Constant Clogging & Overflowing
Clogs happen especially in fall, but if you’re constantly dealing with overflowing gutters, even after cleaning, there may be a larger issue at play. Outdated or improperly sloped gutters may not be able to handle rainfall effectively.
Visible Seams Separating
Sectional gutters can start to separate at the seams over time. Once the sealant between sections starts to wear out, leaks and water misdirection are common problems. Switching to seamless gutters, which are custom-made to fit your home and eliminate weak points at seams.
Gutter Age
Most gutters have a lifespan of about 20 years, depending on the material. If your system is nearing or has passed that mark, it’s worth having it professionally inspected even if no obvious problems are visible yet.
Roof Repair, Replacement & More in Truckee, Mystic, Tahoe City, Kings Beach & The North Lake Tahoe Basin of California
Your gutter system might not always be top of mind, but it’s one of your home’s first lines of defense against water damage. If you’re noticing any of the signs, it might be time to stop spending money on temporary fixes and invest in a new gutter system. For seamless gutter replacements, contact Nickerson Roofing today.
