Warning Signs That Indicate That You Need Gutter Replacement

Gutters are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting your home from water damage. Gutters guild and lead water away from your home and they help to protect the exterior walls and doors of your home. With time, gutters get damaged after withstanding several harsh weather conditions and if you are not careful, water can easily seep into your walls and cause basement flooding.

It is more expensive to do damage control caused by damaged gutters than it is to repair or replace them. Gutters can last for decades and therefore, homeowners cannot easily tell when it is time to replace their gutters when the need arises. If you are not sure whether your gutters need replacing, these are warning signs that you should look out for.

Decay or separation

It is not easy to notice small separations and decay unless during a large storm. Once in a while you need to monitor your gutters, especially in large storms to detect points of weakness in your gutter. Most people tend to overlook tiny amounts of decay and small separations on their gutters. When they decide to act on the matter, they simply use sealants to manage the problem but this is usually a temporary solution. With time, the problem worsens and it is only a matter of time before they need to replace their gutters.

Unlevelled gutter seams

Also known as gutter joints, gutter seams are sections that join gutters. Over time, gutter seams weaken and they develop gaps which allow water to seep through during a heavy downpour. If you notice gaps on your gutter seams, you need to call in professionals who specialise in repair/replacement of gutters in Toronto.

Paint fading on your gutters

One certain way to tell that your gutters need replacing is when you notice the fading of the paint. Aluminium gutters are painted using baked enamel which makes it hard for them to flake or peel. However, after being exposed to the sun for long, the paint on your gutters fades. Paint plays a vital role in maintaining your gutters because it repels excessive moisture from getting into your gutters. If you notice that your gutters are faded, you have an option to repaint them. You can only do this if you are a 100% sure that there are no underlying issues on your gutters. The best way to handle faded gutters is to replace your gutter system to avoid future complications.

Mildew along the foundation of your home

If you notice mildew or pools of water showing up near your home’s foundation that is not a good sign. Gutters are meant to lead water away from your home and that is why they are fitted with downspouts to ensure water flows a few feet away from your home’s foundation. When water starts to build up near the foundation, it eventually gets into the basement which results in smelly mildew growth. So, if you notice water pooling near the foundation of your home, this is a sign that your downspouts and gutters need replacing.

Sagging gutters

Whether you gutters need replacement or not, you need to ensure that you occasionally maintain fasteners which hold your gutters along your roof’s edge. If you find that you keep re-securing fasteners because your gutters are pulling away from the roof that should be a warning sign that your gutters need replacing. Gutters end up sagging if your fascia boards are rotting, there is stress on gutters brought about by snow damage or your gutters are waterlogged. When this happens, replacing your gutter becomes imminent.

Watermarks

When you notice watermarks underneath your gutters that is a clear indication that they are overflowing or leaking. If left unattended for long, this type of water intrusion causes damage to your fascia and soffit board.