Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Gutters

by Legend Roofs OK Roofing contractor Norman OK

When you first look at your home's gutters, they might appear to be in great shape. Have you ever climbed a ladder to examine them closely? Most people fail to check their gutters carefully, so obvious signs of damage are missing. The gutters on your roof play a key role in protecting your home.

Wear and Tear

Gutter components that receive the most sun and wind exposure suffer the most wear and tear from the weather elements. There are several signs of wear and tear that should not be ignored, including cracks, rusty spots, and holes. These issues will cause water to leak through the guttering system if your gutters have any of these problems.

Why is this a big deal? As you can see, gutters direct water away from the foundation and toward the downspouts. During heavy rainstorms, broken gutters can leak water, causing water to pool around your foundation. It can result in leaky basements and slab foundations due to foundation problems. In some cases, gutter systems do not need to be replaced completely.

Broken Fasteners and Separated Gutters

It is only by fastening your gutters together, creating a seamless system, that they can do their jobs. Repair broken fasteners as soon as you notice them by contacting your local roofing company. Homeowners can sometimes fail to realize that their fasteners are missing or broken. A build-up of debris in the gutters or heavy rain is all that is required in this case to cause separation.

Peeling Exterior Paint

Have you noticed that the paint around your gutters is peeling? If your paint job looks bad due to leaking water from damaged gutters, it's a sign that water is leaking from the gutters. Paint your house instead of just repainting it. Ensure that your gutters aren't damaged by calling a roofing company in AL nearby.

Stop the Rot

A malfunctioning gutter might be the least of your concerns if rain cascades over your home unchecked. The weather cannot be kept out by exterior wood trim such as windowsills or door jambs if allowed to rot. Insufficient storm drainage may cause a seemingly isolated problem, like water-damaged drywall. Gutter replacement is probably a good idea if your gutters cause you such headaches now and then.

Dirt Channels or Pooling Water

Look at the ground below your gutters. What does it look like? When you notice big empty channels along the edge of your house, near the foundation, or if there is water pooling around your foundation, it's probably time to replace your gutters.

How Often Should I Check My Gutters?

Visual inspections should be conducted once a season at a minimum. In addition, if there has been heavy rainfall or a storm recently, you might want to conduct a more thorough inspection. A ladder is not for everyone, and not everyone feels comfortable inspecting their gutters from it. Some roof pitches or slopes prevent the average homeowner from doing this. Your gutters need to be inspected by a professional roofer because of this.

Watkins Construction and Roofing can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.