How do you know if you need to replace or repair your gutters?

For most of us, our home represents the single biggest purchase we’ll ever make. Protecting your home is of the utmost importance and a well working gutter system is an integral part of that protection. But like most other systems in your home, gutters won’t last forever.

Over time, gutters deteriorate and fail to do the job they were built for. A failing gutter system can damage your roof, the walls of your home, your landscaping, and even the very foundation of your house, so it’s important to know when it’s time to do something about your gutters.

Repair or Replace?

There are some situations with your gutters that can be resolved by repairing them:

• Small areas of damage-if only small areas of your gutters seem to be problematic, you can opt to repair them by replacing small sections.
• Cracks or tears-some small cracks can be patched with sealant
• Leaking joints-you can sometimes repair leaking joints by tightening up any loose screws or replacing the joints entirely
• Loose hangers-damaged hangers can be replaced with new ones

Signals for Replacement

If you see any of these signs, your entire gutter system may need to be replaced:

• Detached gutters-if you see that your gutter sections are becoming detached from each other, it’s probably time to replace them.
• Fallen fasteners or screws-if the screws or fasteners that hold your system together continue to fail, you may not be able to have it repaired
• Rust or holes-gutter systems are designed to weather the elements, so if rust has caused holes to develop, start shopping for new gutters
• Drooping slope-if your gutters start to sag, water can accumulate to the point where the gutter might completely separate from your house.
• Fading paint-this is a sign that water has been leaking over the top of your gutters to the point where replacement is your only option
• Basement flooding-your gutter system is designed to direct water away from your home. If you are experiencing water in your basement, the gutter system could be the culprit and it needs to be replaced sooner than later.
• Stains on your home-if you have peeling or chipping paint or if the wood on your fascia is rotting, it means that your gutter system isn’t working properly.

Final Words

Gutter systems can last for years if properly installed and maintained, but they don’t last forever. Knowing when to repair or replace your gutters can help to protect your biggest investment, your home.

At Gutter Queen, our goal is to meet all your gutter needs. We provide comprehensive gutter services to the Metrowest area and greater Boston residents so that you can get everything you need from one business. In addition to installing and repairing seamless gutters, we install gutter guards, rain barrels, and rain chains. Our team of professionals strives to make your gutter system as flawless as it can be. For more information about the products and services we offer, please visit our website or contact us at 978-293-3771. We look forward to meeting you!