Many homeowners ponder when certain things need upgrading in the home. Eventually, nearly everything will need replacing at some point in time, especially if you plan to live in your home for life. From roofs to appliances and everything in between, there’s always a project for a homeowner to tackle to improve their home.
Replacing or upgrading the gutter system is one component of home maintenance that’s overlooked. Since it’s outside and above eye level, most homeowners don’t interact with it often, leaving it to sit and do its job for years unattended. Unfortunately, not attending to the gutter system can lead to a whole slew of issues and dangers for the home like wood rot, basement leaks, foundation damage, and more.
But how do you know when it’s time to replace the gutters? Is there a set lifespan for every gutter system? Do they need replacing when you notice damage to other parts of your home? Will they start leaking when it’s time to replace them? Continue reading to learn about the 5 signs that indicate it’s time for new gutters so you can replace them when needed to avoid damage to your home.
1. They’re Sagging
Do you know if your gutters are sagging? If not, quickly walk around your home’s perimeter and pay attention to your gutters. If they appear to be hanging lower than the soffit or there’s a dip in the levelness, they’re sagging and need replacing as soon as possible. Sagging gutters aren’t uncommon, especially in Central Virginia where we experience all sorts of weather conditions that can wreak havoc on a traditional half-round gutter system with seams.
When gutter installation companies install half-round gutters, they fasten the gutters and downspouts with heavy-duty screws and bolts throughout the system to keep them in place. Unfortunately, these bolts and screws will loosen with time from the elements, especially ice dams and strong winds.
If a gutter doesn’t have the support it needs from the bolts and screws, it’ll inevitably sag. The job of a gutter is to collect and carry water from the roof to the gutter flowing into the downspout, where it’s directed away from the home’s foundation. Without proper bolts and screws holding it in place, stormwater or meltwater will put weight on the gutter, forcing it to sag. A sagging gutter can cause extreme structural damage to your home.
2. Overflowing Gutters
When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? If it’s been a while or you’ve never cleaned them, your gutters may be overflowing. Overflowing gutters are a big issue, and homeowners need to correct them as soon as they overflow.
Gutters overflow due to a blockage or a clog. Clogs form when leaves and other debris from trees land inside the gutter and are left to sit and collect over time. The leaves, pine needles, and other debris will form a blockage or clog and impede water flow. When water can’t flow freely throughout the gutter, it’ll spill over the sides. Overflowing gutters can cause issues like flooded basements and foundation damage and ruin landscaping, entryways, or patios.
3. Gutters Have Suffered Storm Damage
Four seasons mean all sorts of weather year-round, from heavy rains to snow/ice storms and severe thunderstorms. Our weather in Lynchburg and surrounding cities is often unpredictable, and we can get severe weather without much warning. Severe storms in the winter bring ice and heavy snow, while severe storms in the summer bring hail and torrential rains.
All these weather patterns have the potential to damage our homes, often leaving us with claims to file. Gutters are one of the most common components of a home to file a claim on with homeowner’s insurance due to hail damage. Sometimes storm damage that isn’t covered by homeowners insurance can worsen over time. We recommend having your gutter system evaluated by a professional if you suspect storm damage.
4. The Basement is Flooding
Have you ever noticed standing water inside your basement? Basement flooding is a nightmare to deal with and the help of a professional is almost always required to resolve the damage. Personal belongings and keepsakes can become destroyed and water damage and mold can occur resulting in costly repairs.
Basements flood due to any number of things. A faulty gutter system that forces water to flow over the sides, leaking gutters that trickle water from the gutter down the side of the home and ultimately to the foundation where it clogs and can wreak havoc. This excess water will land near the basement, eventually forming a trench around the foundation and allowing water to seep into the basement walls.
5. Visual Cracks & Rust
Gutters are a relatively prominent component of a home and one of the first things potential homebuyers see as their eyes trail from the roof to the gutters and over the rest of the house. Therefore, they should add to the beauty of your home. Unfortunately, not all gutter systems do that; some show wear and tear and start to crack and rust.
Cracked and rusty gutters are an eyesore, deterring potential homebuyers and displeasing the neighbors. Despite their cosmetic imperfections, cracked and rusty gutters can indicate a faulty gutter system. Water can’t flow freely throughout a system with cracks; instead it allows water to trickle through and possibly damage a home’s siding or roof.
Do any of the above signs that it’s time to replace your gutters stand out to you? If your gutter system has one or more issues have your gutters replaced as soon as possible. With autumn and winter around the corner, the last thing you want to deal with is foundation damage or basement flooding.
K-Guard/One Stop Home Improvement Shop installs the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System, a complete gutter system that stands against the elements, never clogs, and adds to the beauty of your home. With its curved hood and seamless design, K-Guard keeps water flowing through the system at a rapid pace never impeding water flow due to clogs or leaks. It’ll also look good as new decades down the road, never cracking or rusting.
We also install seamless gutters and gutter guards that ensure a leak-free performance and durability unmatched by other gutter installation companies in Lynchburg. Our Xtreme Mesh Gutter Guard System adds an extra layer of protection that is installed over our seamless half-round gutters to keep all debris out. Whichever gutter system you install, K-Guard/One Stop Home Improvement Shop offers premier gutter systems that others can’t.
K-Guard/One Stop Home Improvement Shop can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation!
