When Is it Time to Get New Gutters for Your Home?
Posted on: 5 June 2015
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Gutters and downspouts for your home may be more important than you realise. They direct rain and melted snow away from the sides and foundation of your home, so there is less risk of water damage. When water collects around the foundation of a home, it puts pressure on the concrete and in turn, cracks and leaks can form.
Gutters and downspouts are therefore very important for avoiding repair bills when it comes to your home's foundation and for potential water damage inside the home, including mold cleanup. Note a few signs that it's time to get new gutters and downspouts installed along your home.
1. The gutters constantly overflow
If your home's gutters constantly overflow, the first thing you need to do is ensure they're cleaned out thoroughly and that there is no obstruction in the downspouts. You may want to install screens along the gutters to keep out leaves and debris, if you have tall trees over the gutters. However, if the problem is not a cleanup job, then chances are your gutters are too narrow for the amount of rainfall or snowfall you get every season. Too much rainfall for the width of your gutters or downspouts and water will simply flood over the sides, potentially causing a buildup around your home.
A sagging gutter can also mean that there is a constant overflow or too much rainfall for them to handle. The weight of the water as it builds up in the gutters will pull them away from the home. This too can mean that you simply need wider gutters to accommodate the amount of water they must handle.
2. There is water damage directly under the gutters
Gutters may form cracks or leaks over the years, but you may not notice how these allow water to leak out since it's unlikely you're inspecting your gutters during a rainfall. Instead, you might notice water damage or watermarks on your home directly under the gutters. If so, inspect that area for leaks or cracks and consider having that section replaced by a roof plumber.
3. Pools of water or overly moist soil are near your home
Since gutters and downspouts are supposed to direct water away from your home, having pools of water develop around the foundation or noticing overly moist soil often means that the gutters or downspouts are leaking. Check both in the area of the moisture and look for cracks, poor connectors, or rust spots that have created holes.