Gutters are an essential component of your home. They direct damaging water away from the most vulnerable parts of your house including the doors, windows, siding, foundations, and masonry walls. An effective gutter system will ensure that none of these areas are exposed to water buildup and prevent the need for large repair costs down the road. Pools of water can lead to severe damage over time.
Our gutters quite often are neglected because it can be difficult to remember to maintain them—out of sight, out of mind. They are on top of the roof, and when we go out to the car we might notice a flower bed that needs weeding or a car that needs waxing, but one of the more important things sits forgotten for many years.
If you’ve had the same gutter system for a number of years, how do you know when it’s appropriate to repair or replace it? How do you determine if repairs will suffice or replacement is a necessity? Well, you carry out maintenance on your gutter regularly and inspect it, that’s how. Yes, but if there is damage to your gutter system, how extensive does it have to be to warrant repair? These kinds of queries are common for many homeowners who want to ensure their guttering system maintains its functionality.
Here are five signs that it’s time to replace your gutters. The time for repair and the time for replacement will be discussed intermittently throughout:
Cracks
One of the warning signs that you need new gutters are cracks or splits. Small cracks soon develop into much bigger ones that will cause big problems for your water drainage. A small crack can do enough damage if water trickles down and into vulnerable areas. Address any cracks immediately by consulting a professional.
Peeling Paint
It is a bad sign if there is paint peeling on or around your gutters. Peeling paint is a sign that water is gathering in the area. The fact that water is allowed to hang around long enough to make the paint peel from excess moisture strongly suggests your gutters are not in peak condition.
Orange Flecks
Orange flecks in or around the guttering or close to any metal area near it is a sign that it’s time to replace your gutters. The orange flecks are a product from the chemical reaction that causes rust. Rust only occurs if there is water present for a long period of time. The idea that water has the time to contribute to rust signifies that your gutter system is not draining it away effectively.
Pools of Water
If there are pools of water right by your doors, windows, or entryways after it rains, you should seriously consider having a new gutter system installed. Check your gutters first, because if you never bother cleaning them you could get lucky and just have a clog caused by leaves and debris.
Sagging
Many homeowners neglect their gutters for a long time and never think to inspect them. It’s time to start doing occasional maintenance checks, because you can keep an eye out for all of these signs. Sagging is one of the most obvious ways of determining the condition of your gutter systems. If you gutters are sagging or pulling away from your house, it’s clear there is a serious problem. This appearance means they are filling with water and need replaced as soon as possible.
DIY Gutter Repair
Some minor gutter repairs can be done yourself. As a general rule, anything that involves replacing even a single part of the gutter should be left to the experts. Your DIY gutter repair is really more about maintenance. Cleaning your gutters regularly and conducting occasional inspections are the best ways you as a homeowner can take care of your gutters.
Professional Gutter Repair
In most cases, repairing a gutter is best left to a professional. This is because gutter contractors have special tools that you simply don’t have at home. For example, many have portable gutter making machines which produce perfectly edged gutters. This machinery allows for a seamless effect when the gutters are installed. If you try to do it yourself, there are common mistakes you can make while repairing your own gutters.
Installing a gutter isn’t as easy as it looks. If you attempt to go it alone, you will inevitably face a learning curve. Many things can go wrong, including installing a gutter at the wrong pitch, incorrect hangar spacing, and using the wrong type of gutter. Installing gutters right the first time by hiring a professional will save you a lot of money down the road, so it is a wise long term investment.
Gutter Trends
The latest trends in roof and gutters include solar shingles, heated gutters, green roofing, aluminium gutters, and gutter guards. Ask your contractor about them when you’re getting a new gutter system.
The Benefits of Having a New Gutter System Installed
If you’ve considered the advice and noted the signs that it’s time to replace your gutters, you now know if your gutters need replaced. If you find that yes, it’s time to replace your gutters, how do you actually go about doing so?
The first thing you should do is hire a gutter replacement contractor. Beyond Exteriors specializes in the repair, maintenance, and installation of all types of gutter systems. If you’re considering having a new system installed, we offer a selection of high-quality materials and accessories that will ensure your new system is second to none.
Whether it’s our traditional half round copper gutters paired with round downspouts, K-style paired with box downspouts, or a range of aluminium designs, we can customize your gutter system and offer virtually any configuration. This means that you will be the proud owner of a new system that has been designed with the specific layout of your home in mind. A tailored design strategy results in a more effective system that will flush all water away from your home efficiently.
Our accessories include a range of leaf protection systems. These systems are an additional safety measure for homes as they protect the gutter system from leaves and debris, thereby extending its shelf life and functionality. Plus, a gutter with protection is a gutter that needs cleaned less often, so that you can spend less time spraying your gutters and more time doing the important things like spending time with family and friends.