Rainwater and melting snow and ice are kept away from a building by gutters, which are placed such that the building is less likely to flood. Guardian Roofing will do regular checks of the outside of your home to look for signs of water damage, such as leaks, sagging, overflow, and pools of water. If you don’t take care of these problems, water damage could happen to your property and your house’s foundation. There is more more to maintaining gutters than just cleaning them and putting guards on them. Do Your Old Gutters Need Repair? Old is a relative term, but it’s a good indication your gutters are old if they are:
Installed with spike and ferrule
Showing significant exterior color fade
Have broken seams along the run of the gutter
Often times we arrive to do an inspection and we realize the client is in need of gutter installation. If your gutters are leaking at the seams, it may be time to upgrade to seamless gutters. If your gutters were installed with spike and ferrule, this means they are likely 20 years old and you could also potentially have rotting fascia. Bottom of Form
Early detection of gutter concerns might help you avoid costly damage. If you see water overflowing from your gutters after a rainstorm, or if you notice obvious rust and corrosion, it’s good sign that your gutters are deteriorating and need gutter repair. Sagging or uneven gutters, which are frequently caused by debris accumulation or retained water, are additional warning signs. Check your home’s exterior for peeling paint or water stains, which might indicate that water is leaking from the gutters. Regular gutter maintenance and repair may extend the life of your gutters and safeguard your house. Obvious Warning Signs of Failing Gutters:
Gutter hanging off the home – may need a gutter replacement
Downspout disconnected from gutter or home
Water in basement
Water in home
Seams leaking or dripping
Overflowing gutters – may just need a gutter cleaning
Subtle Warning Signs of Failing Gutters:
Spike & ferrules pulling away from the gutter where you can see the nail head popping out
Lines in your landscape below the gutter
Mold in areas below where gutters are, or should be
Rotting deck boards, windowsills, garage doors, and regular doors below where gutters are, or should be
Erosion in landscape or mulch beds
Cracking or upheaval of sidewalks, patios, driveways and stairs
Paint flaking or peeling prematurely in areas near the base of the home
Dips or back pitch in gutters
A gutter system that is properly installed and maintained by regular gutter cleanings and maintenance last up to 30 years. Gutters that have not been properly maintained usually fail between 10 and 15 years.