Rain gutters have many benefits, but they also require regular maintenance. You may not initially realize your rain gutters are damaged and need a total or partial replacement. Here are the top telltale signs that it’s time to call in the professionals.
1. Cracks, Holes, and Rust Spots beneath Your Gutters
Even if your drains were installed by contractors who understand how to install rain gutters properly, over time, your gutter system can deteriorate due to factors such as rust and wear-and-tear. If you spot cracks, holes, or rust spots beneath your gutters, there’s a high chance that your channels are too old, and you should consider a replacement.
2. Mold and Mildew
Mold or mildew growth is a common problem with older gutters, particularly those that aren’t well-maintained. This occurs when your gutters overflow, sending rainwater into places it doesn’t belong. Water can also get stuck in your drain during rainstorms, leading to algae growth. If your gutters are covered in mold, mildew, or algae, that’s a sign of water damage and an indication that it’s time to replace them.
3. Gutter Guard Damage
Gutter guards play a crucial role in preventing leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters. While they work well on light-duty, frequent gutter use, they may not be in a position to hold larger objects or heavy materials like falling shingles. If you’ve seen signs of damage in your gutter guards, it might be time to replace them before they can do more harm.
4. Deteriorated and Falling Gutters or Downspouts
If your gutters or downspouts are damaged, sagging, deteriorating, or falling apart, it’s time to replace them. Doing so will reduce leaks and keep you from paying for expensive repairs down the road. It would be best to contact a professional rain gutters contractor to inspect the damage and help you decide between repair and total system replacement.
5. Peeling Paint On Your House Siding
Gutters are one of the best exterior drainage solutions that protect the outer wall of your house from rainwater. Without gutters, moisture can seep into your house’s foundation and walls, potentially causing damage to your home. Paint on siding often starts to peel when water pools around damaged gutters and drains or splashes on your exterior walls. You may want to consider replacing old gutters if you notice peeling paint on any part of your home siding.
6. Nails, Screws, and Gutter Fasteners On the Ground
Nails, screws, and gutter fasteners on the ground is a sign you have an issue with your gutters. This is a sure indication that they’re falling off due to the age, deterioration, or improper pitching of your rain gutters, and they need to be replaced.
7. Continuous Repair Work
Since your gutters are exposed to all types of weather elements, they start to suffer damage like rips and tears. You may be able to fix one or two rips yourself, but if you have persistent problems with your rain gutters, it’s time for a replacement.
The constant repair work will cost you more money and resources than installing a new rain gutter system in one shot. The repaired sections will probably not last long as they should since there might be other shattered areas waiting to fail without your knowledge.
Endnote
Rain gutters that are falling apart and need to be replaced are surprisingly common and the most annoying things you can experience in your home. Fortunately, some signs can tip you off when it’s time to replace your rain gutters. If you notice these telltale signs, it may be time to replace your house gutters.
