5 Signs Your Gutters Need to be Replaced

If you are a homeowner, it should be noted that when it comes to your gutters, you should take extremely good care of your system.  That means cleaning them regularly and making sure they stay unclogged.  Gutters are an important part of your house, they redirect stormwater away from the foundation of your home.  This prevents water from making its way inside. 

So, when it comes to gutters, you should not hesitate to replace them if they are not working properly.  The types of problems that arise from leaky and broken gutters will lead to very expensive repairs to your house, way more extensive than the cost of replacing them.  Gutters that function are an investment in the protection of your home.  Therefore, it is important to watch for signs to determine if and when your gutters need to be replaced.  ​

5 Signs to determine if your gutters need replacing

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Splits or Cracks in Your Gutters

A homeowner should clean the gutters of their house regularly in order to keep them unclogged and functioning.  Take a moment during these routine cleanings to search for splits or cracks in your gutters.  Tiny cracks may not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to big cracks or splits over time.  These cracks and splits can lead to water damage to your entire home if not taken care of in a timely manner.  Large cracks need to be replaced immediately, or your gutters will not function properly.  

Your Gutters Pull Away From The House or Sag

Sagging gutters could indicate that your gutters need to be replaced.  To determine if your gutters are pulling away from the house or sagging, you only need to examine the exterior of the house.  This is by far the easiest sign to locate because you don’t need to climb a ladder to figure it out.  Gutters that sag or pull away from your house are bad news.  They could be full of water and sagging because of the weight.  This would suggest that the gutters are blocked and not draining properly.  Sagging gutters usually require replacements, and it is important to do it quickly before real damage to the foundation of your house occurs.  

Paint that is Peeling

Not only does peeling paint look unattractive, but it could be a sign that your gutters need replacing.  When the paint to the exterior of your house is peeling away, it could indicate that water damage has already happened with your gutters.  What this means is that water is not being removed and redirected by the gutter, allowing water damage to occur.  It could also indicate cracks in your gutters, which will continue to deepen if left untreated.  ​

Water Damage to Your Gutters

Try checking your gutters on a sunny and dry day for signs of water damage.  If there are water marks underneath the gutters, this could suggest that overflowing water is leaking from the gutter and not functioning properly.  This a surefire sign that your gutters should be replaced. 

Signs of Mildew Around the Foundation

If you happen to spy pools of water or mildew near the foundation of your home, that could indicate that your gutters are not doing their job of moving moisture away from the house.  Therefore, if you notice pools of water or mildew, it would be smart to get your gutters replaced.  

Gutters are such an important part of your home. They prevent water from making its way inside.  So, when it comes to gutters, you should not hesitate to replace them if they are not working properly.