4 Signs You Need New Gutters

Gutters may not be as big a part of your exterior as your roof or siding, but they nevertheless are as essential. In fact, your gutters stand between you and severe structural damage caused by unrouted rainwater.

So when you notice these signs, you should start planning for an immediate gutter replacement, perhaps even invest in gutter protection, for maintenance-free gutters.

1. Cracks and splits – Small cracks and splits may look minor, but gutters handle large amounts of rainwater every time it rains. Even the smallest crack or break can grow quickly under this kind of strain. Bigger cracks would then let more water to spill on the landscaping, the fascia boards, and, worse, the house foundations. You can apply a sealant as an emergency fix, but cracks should be professionally fixed, and soon.
2. Sagging gutters – Perhaps the most noticeable symptom of old gutters is sagging, which should otherwise be straight and installed at a slight angle to let the water run smoothly into the downspout. This happens because of the accumulated weight of the water or debris. Prevent this with regular maintenance and cleaning or by installing reliable gutter guards like Gutter Helmet.
3. Peeling paint and/or orange flecks – Gutters are constantly exposed to water, so keeping the protective paint from peeling is important. Old gutters tend to have paint flakes in the runoff, along with orange flecks. The latter indicates rust, which means there would now be areas in the gutter with bare metal exposed. In this case, even a repaint would be too late and it’s better to get new gutters instead.
4. The water around your home’s foundations – Gutters keep water away from your home’s foundations, so if you notice pools of water in the same area, you should prioritize gutter replacement. House foundations are concrete pillars standing on clay and bedrock, supporting a heavy structure. And because concrete is porous, it will crumble if it absorbs too much water. The clay shouldn’t be too wet, either, or it will turn to mud. It could lead to irreparable collapse.

HutchCo Home & Bath serves Spartanburg and Chapin, SC, Tryon, NC, and nearby areas. To know more about our gutter services including superior gutter protection, call us today at 864-303-5955 or 972.427.4418 or fill out our contact form for a free no-obligation quote.