Signs You Need Gutter Repairs
Gutters direct water away from your home’s exterior walls, windows, doors, and foundation, preventing water from making its way inside. They are an important part of your home, and although cleaning your gutters several times a year will enhance their longevity, most gutters will need to be repaired or replaced at some point in order to help protect your home. How do you know when your gutters need fixing? We’ve listed some signs to look out for to determine whether your home gutter needs replacing.
When Do I Need Gutter Repairs?
Sagging Gutters
This is one of the easiest ways to determine whether you need gutter repairs or gutter replacement. You don’t even need to be on a ladder to notice it! Gutters should never sag or pull away from the walls or roof of your home. This indicates that the gutters are full of water and have become too heavy to remain in place. A full gutter means that the gutter system may not be appropriate for the home, that it is draining improperly or there debris is causing a blockage.
Pools of Water
Gutters are designed to keep water flowing away from the foundation of your home. If you notice pools of water or mildew near the foundation, it may be an indication that the gutter system is not operating properly. This may be caused by something as simple as a clog or by an issue as complex as a defect in the gutter system. These unwanted pools of water can easily cause foundation damage, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.
Water Marks or Damage
You should check your gutters at least once a year on a sunny day, looking for water damage or marks underneath the gutter. These indicate that leaking or overflowing water is escaping the gutter when and where it shouldn’t be. This type of water intrusion can damage the fascia boards behind the gutters and needs to be repaired.
Cracks or Splits
Small cracks in your gutters may not seem like a big issue, but these small cracks will only get bigger, and it may happen sooner than you think. If you allow cracks to remain in your gutters, water will damage the system further. It will also cause damage to the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below. Neglecting these cracks could end up costing you a lot more than the gutter repair or replacement.
Peeling Paint and/or Orange Flecks
The paint applied to your gutter is designed to withstand typical wear and tear across all seasons. Unless your gutters are extremely old, the presence of peeling paint and/or orange flecks from the beginning stages of rust indicates that water is continually present in the gutter system, instead of draining away. This can be caused by cracks or other damage, which may be present.
Does your gutter need to be repaired or replaced? Contact Black Cat Commercial Roofing in Sydney today for a quote or to speak with an expert.