7 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Replace Your Gutters

Replacing the gutters isn’t something most of us get excited about, but it is something that needs to be done to keep water directed away from your home. Although cleaning your gutters a few times a year may increase their lifespan, eventually, they’ll need to be completely replaced. Sometimes just a minor repair is in order, but how do you know when it’s time to tear them down and install a new system? Look for these warning signs:

• Cracks or splits. Even small cracks in your gutters will eventually (and often, quickly) turn into larger ones. Cracks lead to water leakage and damage to the shingles above them and foundation below.
• Peeling paint/flecks of orange. Peeling paint and flecks of orange (the beginning stages of rust) on your gutters are signs that water has been continuously present. This means that water is not being properly removed by the gutter, which will lead to further damage.
• Pooling water. Water that pools near your home’s foundation is a sign that it’s not being moved away from the home, which is exactly what gutters are designed to do. This could be caused by a clog and/or mean that the gutter system is damaged and needs to be replaced.
• Gutters that pull away. Gutters pull away from the roof when they become heavy and full of debris. A space between the roofline and the gutters (especially if you have tried tightening the fasteners before) is an indication of serious clogging issues or rotting fascia boards. Both usually require total gutter replacement.
• Flooded basements. This one is hard to miss. Malfunctioning gutters allow water to flow right up next to your foundation and seep into your basement. Even if your basement doesn’t completely flood, check for mold, which is another sign of the presence of moisture.
• Nails or screws on the ground. If you are repeatedly finding nails and screws on the ground near your gutters, it could mean that they aren’t holding to the supports the way they should be due to rotting or other factors.
• Rotted shingles. Damaged gutters cause water to back up and actually seep upwards into your roof’s shingles. This can cause the shingles at the edge of your roof to rot, warp, or curl.

Remember that water is the number one source of home exterior problems, and gutters are one of your home’s primary defenses against it. If you notice any of these warning signs, get your gutters checked right away, as small problems can quickly turn into major issues. At Blackstone Exteriors, we offer a full-color line of seamless gutter systems as well as affordable gutter covering systems (leaf guards, screens, etc.) For more information, contact us HERE!