When your gutters are properly functioning, they help protect your home and your belongings against rain. Gutters prevent a lot of potentially expensive moisture-related issues, all while staying out of sight and out of mind. Well-maintained, high-quality gutters are expected to last many years, but none last forever. How do you know when it’s time to replace your gutters? Here are some signs that it might be time to get new gutters:
- Cracked gutters: if your gutters are cracked, they have been rendered pointless. They can’t do their job anymore. When you inspect your gutters and downspouts, be aware that sometimes smaller cracks won’t be visible until a storm. Individual cracks may be repaired, but extensive cracking is grounds for replacement.
- Seam stress: most gutters are the most vulnerable at the seams, where the two horizontal sections meet. Leaks and separations are common at the seams, and both types of failure lead to many undesirable outcomes. Gutter seams can sometimes be mended, but most homeowners opt for seamless gutters so they don’t have to worry about this problem.
- Peeling: bad gutters can ruin a good paint job on your house. Check the exterior siding of your home for any paint that has bubbled up or peeled away due to extra moisture. Wherever you find a section of compromised paint, make sure to check the nearest gutter. Check also to see if your painted gutters are peeling, because that’s likely another sign of a leak.
- Rotting: if your gutters are malfunctioning, peeling paint may be the least of your problems. Exterior wood trim elements like window sills and door jambs may begin to rot because of bad gutters, and this creates a problem inside your home. So a seemingly isolated problem, such as water-damaged drywall, might actually be caused by inadequate gutters.
- Mildew: when moisture accumulates near the foundation of your home because of a problem with your downspouts, this can create mold. Mold or mildew can creep into the basement, which causes unsightly, unhealthy, and sometimes smelly growth. Damaged gutters are most likely the cause. If you’ve attempted to repair your gutters but you’re still noticing mold or mildew, replace your gutters.
Tired of cleaning out your gutters every year? You’re not alone. But since typical gutters must be maintained in order to function correctly, and since so many people forget or delay their maintenance duties, smaller and more manageable issues inevitably develop into larger, costly affairs. We always recommend hiring a professional when it comes to your gutter needs, and we’re happy to help if your home is in or around Greensboro, High Point, or Burlington, NC. Contact Alamance Insulation and Gutters today to get started!