Gutters are a crucial part of your home. They help control both rain and groundwater, distributing it away from your home. Without gutters or with damaged gutters, water will pool and seep through the ground and into your home's walls and foundations, causing them to be less sturdy. If your home's foundation is made of wood, this water seepage causes the wood to rot incredibly fast. So, how do you know that your gutters aren't working? Here are 5 signs that your gutters need replacement.
Major Cracks in Your Gutters
Small cracks can be repaired. However, severe damage and large cracks can prevent your gutters from serving their purpose of keeping your home protected from rainwater. Keep in mind that large cracks on your gutters are visible even when the gutters are dry. However, smaller cracks are much easier to detect when it's raining. Cracked gutters allow water to flow into your walls and your foundation. Don't risk structural collapse. Replace your gutters as soon as possible.
Paint Peeling
When your gutters are painted, they can withstand normal wear and tear. However, when the paint starts to peel or you see some orange flecks, this is a sign that the gutters are starting to rust. It means that the gutters are not expelling the water efficiently. If the paint comes into contact with this water due to splits or cracks, it starts to peel. You should address this problem right away to ensure your gutters don't cause damage to your foundation or your walls.
Water Pooling in Your Gutters
While gutters are designed to channel water to the roof and away from your home, the water should not pool at all. If the water remains stagnant, it means that the gutters aren't functioning properly. After some rain, you may find evidence that water is spilling over the gutters. Consider a gutter replacement as soon as possible.
Build up of Mould and Mildew
If you have moisture in your basement or crawlspace, it may be a result of malfunctioning gutters. Similarly, if you find that the wood siding is rotting, the leaking gutters may funnel water directly into these wooden surfaces. Rather than risk the collapse of your entire home, consider gutter replacement as soon as possible.
Gutters Sagging and Coming Apart
If your gutters start to come apart due to wear and tear, it may be because they haven't been cleaned properly. If mending the gutters is done poorly, it may increase the problem significantly. The better solution would be to consider replacing the gutters.
If your gutters are damaged or you notice any of these symptoms, you need to replace them as soon as possible. Failing to do so may risk the structural integrity of your home.
For more information, contact a gutter replacement service today.
