Gutters have come to be known as the unsung heroes of the exteriors industry. They aren’t as beautiful as new siding or a fresh, clean roof, and they don’t have the curb appeal of gorgeous new windows. The sad fact is that most people forget about gutters until they stop working. Only then do homeowners realize the important role gutters play in keeping a clean and structurally sound home.
The Importance of Replacing Gutters
When gutters stop functioning, your entire house suffers. Clogged, inefficient and broken gutters can lead to a whole host of problems that include:
- Ice dams during the winter months
- Rotten and stained siding
- Erosion around the house’s foundation
- Flooding in the attic or basement/crawlspaces
- Insect infestations and mold growth
Water is one of the biggest dangers to your home. Proper gutter installation will help direct water exactly where it needs to be: away from your home. New gutters will keep your home clean and healthy all year long. Not bad for a few strips of metal, right?
How to Tell if Your Gutters Need to be Replaced
There are a few signs that your gutters need to be replaced. These can include:
- Cracks, holes or splits in the seams: Even a small hole may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience, but water is a powerful force that can push through even the smallest gutter cracks. It won’t be long before these holes become larger and cause bigger problems for the entire gutter system.
- Sagging or pulling away from the house: Gutters should stay completely attached to the edge of your roof in order to catch any water runoff. When gutters begin to pull away, water will run down the side of your home, ruining your siding and pooling around your foundation.
- Waterfalls: If you see water cascading down like a waterfall out of your gutters, you should have an expert come and take a look at them. They may not be large enough to handle the amount of runoff that comes down your roof. It’s also possible that they are not attached at the proper angle to direct water to the downspout.
- Pooling around the foundation: Water should never be allowed to build up around your foundation. This can cause severe leaks in the basement and even shift the foundation of your home. Water should be properly directed several feet away from your home.
- Peeling paint on your siding: This indicates that a consistent flow of water is running down the side of your house.
Get Your Gutters Checked Before Winter
Even in the winter, when snow starts to accumulate on the roof, your gutters are still working hard. Now is the time to have them inspected to ensure that they are working properly. If you think you need a need gutter system, contact Schmidt Roofing today for a free estimate.
