Gutters are an often overlooked but integral part of any home, ensuring the structure is well-protected from damage due to rain or snow. However, as with most things around the house, gutters don’t last forever and need replacing after a certain amount of time. It’s important that you know when to replace your gutters so your home stays safe from potential water damage. Here are some signs to watch out for.
Cracking
Cracked gutters are about as pointless as a bucket with a hole on the bottom. To inspect your gutters and downspouts, be aware that while larger cracks are plainly visible on dry, clear days—at least with the aid of binoculars—smaller cracks may only reveal themselves in a storm. No matter their size, cracks defeat the purpose of a drainage system and warrant serious appraisal. Individual cracks may be repaired, but extensive cracking is a reason to consider replacement. Source: BobVila
Water pooling
Keeping your gutter and downspouts clean play a key role in preventing your gutters from aging prematurely and failing to drain properly. Gutters should keep water flowing away from your home’s foundation. If you notice pools of water or mildew near the foundation, it can indicate that the gutters are not working as intended. This issue could be caused by something as simple as a clog or something as complex as a defect in the system from incorrect gutter installation.
It’s important to diagnose this problem quickly as water in your gutters can easily cause foundation damage, leading to costly, time-consuming repairs. If you have an older home with 4-inch gutters, and you decide to replace them, you should opt for 5-inch gutters to help with water flow. Source: Angi
Peeling paint
Peeling paint and rust spots around your gutters could be a sign of moisture damage. These blemishes often develop in old gutter systems due to normal wear and tear, but development in new gutters points to a problem. It likely means your gutters aren’t disposing of collected water properly or quickly enough, causing excess moisture buildup in and around the troughs.
Gutters are designed to transport water regularly, so they’re extremely durable against moisture damage. If moisture lingers long enough to cause visible damage to the system, it’s probably time for a replacement. You may want to replace the rusty, crumbling system regardless to improve your home’s appearance and curb appeal. Source: TodaysHomeowner
If you notice any warping, sagging, or water splashing over the roofline after heavy rain, call us! You can trust us to fix any gutter problem so that you can prevent further damage to your home.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
