Do you think your gutters might need to be replaced? Knowing if you need simple gutter maintenance, extensive repairs, or an entire gutter replacement can be difficult for an average homeowner. First, it's essential to consider factors that help determine gutter longevity and condition. According to Angi, the three most essential factors to determine this are whether you have gutter protection, how extreme your seasonal weather cycles are, and whether you have trees around your roof. If your gutters are at risk of needing an early replacement, review the visible signs of gutter damage below to evaluate their condition. If you find that your gutters are in bad shape, contact roofing contractors near you today to schedule a replacement.

Peeling Paint

Your gutter's paint layer is a weather-resistant coating. When peeling begins, this indicates that your gutters don't have adequate protection from weather elements such as hail, snow, and rain. Peeling paint on your gutters can occur simply due to old age or be caused by a leak. If you don't address this issue quickly, your home's exterior paint could also begin peeling. This deterioration is due to the initial gutter leak dripping onto your home and causing moisture damage.

Cracking

Cracking typically occurs at the weakest point of the gutter system, typically where two gutter sections connect. Gutters typically crack due to ordinary wear and tear. It's essential to contact professionals when you can see cracking because the damage will continue to grow with time. Additionally, it's important to note that these cracks will grow most rapidly in the colder months since ice formation will cause the gutters to expand. Large cracks can result in improper drainage and costly water damage.

Pooling Water

Pooling water caused by a damaged gutter system is typically in two places: near the downspout and on the edge of your home foundation. The culprit of this standing water is sometimes a blockage of natural debris in your gutter system. Alleviate this problem swiftly with professional gutter cleaning services. If you can't find a gutter blockage, a bigger issue, like a downspout malfunction, might be the cause. In this case, a gutter replacement is needed. Get this replacement done by calling roofing contractors as soon as possible since the pooling water can cause severe issues like basement flooding and foundation cracks.

Sagging

If your gutter is pulling away from your home and bowing or sagging, it may need to be replaced. This circumstance is a telltale sign that your gutter system brackets are loose or that water is pooling in your gutters. In some cases, homeowners can tighten the gutter brackets and restore the system to full functionality. However, if the gutters have been damaged due to prolonged sagging, they may need to be replaced by professional roofing contractors.

Mildew and Mold Growth

A dysfunctional gutter system can result in water damage and mildew and mold growth. This fungus growth is from excessive moisture accumulation around your home due to inadequate draining. On the outside of your home, this mildew and mold growth will have the appearance of black spots and will decrease curb appeal drastically. Similarly, interior mildew and mold growth will likely be black and may grow in your basement or attic. Not only will interior fungus growth cause decreased aesthetics, but it can also present serious health concerns for those living in your home. According to the CDC, these effects include symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, irritated eyes, sneezing, headaches, and more. With this in mind, it's essential to contact professionals after spotting this fungus growth to fix the root of the problem.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion will make your landscape appear thin and sparsely grown. This damage is from excessive precipitation flowing through your yard space. Concerning your gutters, soil erosion occurs when the system lets water freely flow through your yard without any downspout restriction. In addition to decreasing your curb appeal, soil erosion can damage the environment and cause increased pollution in the nearby ecosystem, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. A fully functional gutter system should divert water away from your home without eroding the soil around it.

If you notice any issues with your home's gutter system, it's important to get them resolved quickly. At Rembrandt Roofing & Restoration, our experienced roofing contractors can help you repair or replace aluminum, copper, and steel gutter systems. We also install gutter guards and offer gutter cleaning services. If you have any concerns about your gutters, give us a call today for a free quote.