Signs That Your House Needs New Gutters
Posted on: 6 December 2016
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Downspouts and gutters are the unsung heroes of your house. When they are functioning properly, they effectively protect against rain. Gutters also prevent an array of potentially extensive and expensive moisture-related problems. And gutters do all these things while remaining largely out of your sight and mind.
While they might be well maintained, top-quality gutters certainly do not last forever.
The following are some of the signs that indicate it's time to replace your gutters.
Peeling
Malfunctioning gutters ruin an excellent paint job. You need to check the exterior siding for peeled-away or bubbled-up paint that has been caused by excess moisture. If you find an area of compromised paint, ensure you check the nearest gutter's condition. Leaks are the most likely causes of the peeling of painted gutters. In cases where the peeling of paint extends beyond one or two areas, replacement is the best solution, not repairs.
Seam Stress
Average gutters are susceptible at the seams where two horizontal segments meet. Here, separation and leaks are common. Though you can mend gutter seams, a good number of homeowners put the hassle behind them. Instead, they opt for seamless gutters.
Cracks
Cracked gutters leak water to your house. When inspecting your downspouts and gutters, you must be aware that while larger cracks are visible on clear and dry days, smaller ones might only be visible in a storm. Regardless of their size, cracks defeat the use of drainage systems and warrant serious appraisal. A professional can repair individual cracks. However, extensive ones need immediate replacement.
Rot
Faulty gutters let rain pour over your home. If left unchecked, this can cause rotting. Exterior wood-trim elements such as doorjambs and windowsills become unable to keep the weather out. Inadequate storm drainage might cause a seemingly isolated problem, like water-damaged drywall. If you continue experiencing such headaches, you'll know it's time to replace your gutters.
Mildew
Downspouts terminate roughly six feet away from your home. Moisture accumulation close to the foundation finds its way to the basement. Eventually, this causes unhealthy, unsightly, and smelly mildew growth. The most likely cause is damaged gutters. If such problems persist after repair attempts, then gutter replacement is certainly the logical thing to do.
Daily, your downspouts and gutters are constantly on call to channel destructive storm water from the house. Every gutter installation brings with it an expiration date. Are you uncertain whether it's time for replacement? If yes, then be on the lookout for the above top five signs.