Is it Time to Replace Your Gutters?

When it comes to preventing roof leaks, your gutter systems are one of the most important elements to consider. Gutters and downspouts help direct water, melted snow and excess moisture away from your roof and your home, helping to reduce the risk of leaks and other roofing issues. Over time, your gutters wear out and break down and it is important to ensure they are replaced as soon as possible. We’ve outlined some of the top signs to look out for to know when it’s time to replace your home’s gutters.

Sagging Gutters

Always be on the lookout for any areas where your gutters are sagging. Sagging is generally caused by a blockage in the gutter and excessive water buildup. A sagging gutter prevents water from escaping properly and can lead to water damage in or around your home.

Gutters pulling away from your roof

Over time, your gutters will start to gradually pull away from your roof. Generally, this problem can be rectified quickly and easily by adding some additional fasteners to attach the gutter to your home, however, if the fascia board has started to rot, no amount of additional fasteners will hold it in place. If you notice your fascia boards starting to rot, call a professional and have it replaced along with the gutters.

Mysterious screws and nails on the ground

Over time, the nails and screws used to hold your gutters in place will become loose and fall out. Keep a lookout for any nails and screws on the ground around your gutters and check to see if they can simply be reattached or if the fascia board has started to rot and needs to be replaced.

Cracks and Holes

Cracks and holes in your home’s gutter system make them much less effective as water cannot drain away from your home effectively. While a small crack can be repaired fairly easily, if you notice a number of cracks or holes, it’s best to have your gutter system replaced entirely.

Overflowing Gutters

One of the biggest and most obvious signs that your gutters needs to be replaced is that they are constantly overflowing any time it rains or there is excessive moisture buildup. Often, the gutter system simply needs a good cleaning to ensure that it is free of blockages, but if your gutters are clean then it’s likely that there has been damage to the interior of the gutters from the leaves, twigs and other debris that caused the blockage in the first place. When you have your gutters replaced, be sure to talk to your roofing contractor about options available to ensure your gutters are protected from debris in the future.

Keeping an eye on your gutter systems is a crucial part of homeownership as neglect can lead to serious problems. If you spot any of the issues mentioned above, call one of the experts at In Awe Roofing or contact us for a Free inspection and assessment of your home’s gutter system.