Gutters are one of the most neglected parts of many American homes. This should never be the case because gutters play the important role of keeping water away from your walls, doors and windows, and especially away from your foundation.
The truth is that gutters are not that difficult to maintain. Keeping them in good condition may lengthen their life for years and years. On the other hand, neglecting them can mean having to repair or replace them sooner than you thought.
Gutter installation is one of the services we provide at All States Home Improvement, and we are proud to say that we do it exceptionally well as many of our clients can attest to. Let us share five signs that your home may need new gutters:
1. Gutters Are Sagging or Pulling Away From the House
Simply put, gutters are not supposed to pull away from your home or sag. These can be signs that there is a blockage or improper draining, causing the gutter to be forced down by weight. If improper draining is the problem, the gutter system may not be the right one for your home, so that’s a solid reason to call professionals like All States Home Improvement to replace it.
2. Your Home’s Foundation Is Threatened by Pools of Water
It’s your gutters’ job to take water away from your home. So, if there are pools of water or mildew forming at the foundation, the gutters are not doing their job. Damage to your home’s foundation can be very expensive to repair, so act fast. The most common problem is a clog, but if there is no clog, your gutter system may still need replacement.
3. Peeling Paint and Signs of Rust
Rust is never good news. Observe the water coming out of your gutters. If there are specks of orange or peeling paint, the problem may be with water not draining properly, or perhaps there are cracks. Either way, something is not right, and you will need professional help to remedy it.
4. Racking and Splitting
Cracks and splits make your gutters less capable of protecting your home from water. Damage to fascia boards, shingles, soffit and foundation are all possible when cracks and splits allow water to drip. While using sealants may work for a while, cracks and splits have the tendency to get worse over time, so replacement is still your best bet.
5. Water Damage
If there are signs of water damage underneath gutters or areas near them, which you may observe during sunny weather, your gutters may have a leak or may be overflowing. Most problems with overflow are caused by clogs. You may ask us to install a Gutter Cap to help prevent clogging by leaves and other debris. This addition keeps the water from your roof flowing freely to the gutters while preventing debris from being trapped.
Call All States Home Improvement today at (316) 444-1220, and let’s talk about how a new gutter system can improve your home. We serve homeowners in and around Wichita, KS.
