Anyone who owns a house knows very well how important a part of it is the roof, which fulfills many essential functions. The most important of these is, of course, protection from external factors, i.e. the changing weather – heavy rain, hailstorms or strong winds. However, no roof can do its job properly without gutters, which are responsible for draining water from its surface. Their role is very important, which is why they should always be in really good condition. Therefore, in today’s article we will look at when and why you should opt for new gutters.
1. Breaks at the seams
As is well known, gutters form the perimeter of the entire roof, allowing them to freely collect the water that runs off it. However, because every roof is different, gutters have to be constructed from smaller pieces that are connected by seams that hold them together. However, these seams are often quite delicate and, compared to the guttering itself, wear out quite quickly, so that the gutters usually start to leak at these very points. Therefore, if you notice water leaking out in unwanted places and leaking through the seams, you should opt for new gutters as soon as possible.
2. Cracks
According to the experts at Gutter replacement Evanston II, the most commonly chosen gutters are those made of aluminum. This material has many advantages – it is lightweight, relatively strong and quite cheap. However, no gutter is indestructible. A common problem with aluminum gutters, as with any other gutters, is that they start to crack after long use. This is quite a serious fault, which means that the gutters practically cease to fulfill their most important function, so new gutters are definitely necessary in such situations.
3. Peeling paint
It is natural that the paint on the gutters starts to come off over time, after all, they are constantly exposed to water which washes it away. In such situations, new gutters are unlikely to be necessary, as simply repainting them is sufficient. However, it is worth keeping an eye on whether the water running down the gutters is carrying large chunks of paint with it. If this is the case, it is likely that the gutters are faulty and ineffective in draining the water that is lingering in them and damaging the paint. Therefore, as soon as you notice large chunks of paint in the water running down the gutters, you should definitely opt for new gutters.
4. Water damage around the gutters
Correctly installed and well-functioning gutters are responsible for carrying water away from the roof surface. However, sometimes the gutters do not perform this function properly, resulting in dampness in the vicinity, which damages the roof. It is therefore very important to check the condition of the house elements that are in the immediate vicinity of the gutters. If you notice mould, rotting wood or dirt in the vicinity, it is a bad sign. In such situations, we should opt for new gutters as soon as possible in order to prevent larger defects.
5. Rust
As we have already mentioned, gutters are usually made of various metals and therefore rust can appear on them over time. If we react early enough, we can get rid of it and prevent it from occurring. However, if the gutters become rapidly and expansively corroded, we have no choice but to install new gutters.
6. Sagging or pulling
Another sign that gutters need replacing is when they start to pull dangerously away from the roof, sagging or bending. In these situations, the gutters can fall off at any time, which can be really dangerous. Therefore, if you notice that your gutters are starting to lose their original condition and shape, you should opt for new gutters.
