Gutters play an integral role in keeping your home dry and protected from the rain. Unless you are actively looking for signs that your gutters are deteriorating, you may not notice there is an issue until water starts getting into your home. To avoid this, we’ve put together a list of things to look for when determining if it’s time for new gutters or not.
Cracks in guttering
Large cracks can be easy to spot, it’s the hairline cracks in guttering that often go unnoticed because they appear to be intact. If your gutters have cracks of any kind, the water can run off and pool at the foundation, spill onto the house or the garden below. Little cracks might be fixable whereas bigger ones may require the guttering to be replaced altogether. By examining guttering up close or hiring someone to do so, you can get onto any minor issues before they have a chance to become big ones.
Bubbling paint
Flaking paint on your guttering may be due to age, or it could be from cracks in the guttering. A good way to tell if your gutters have cracks is by checking them to see if the paint is bubbling in any areas. The water will typically seep out through the gaps, and it gets trapped behind the paint, as a result, the paint will blister or bubble. Eventually, the bubbles will break open and cause the paint to peel. If your gutters have this, there’s a good chance they aren’t working as they should. If there is an isolated area of guttering that has this, a simple repair may be all that is required. If it is widespread, the only solution may be to get your guttering replaced.
Water not draining out of your gutters
When your gutters are filling up with water rather than draining out, it’s generally because they are clogged with leaf litter and debris such as dirt and sticks. If this is the case, it’s an easy fix, and simply removing them can allow your gutters to function normally. If you have done this and they are still pooling water, there may be a blockage in your downpipes. After clearing your gutters and checking the downpipes the water should flow away nicely, if it doesn’t, there may be something wrong with the way the gutters have been installed, and in this case, it’s a good idea to get advice from a professional as you may need to replace or repair them.
Rust
Rusted-out gutters not only look unsightly, but it is a sign that your guttering system is jeopardised and needs seeing to. Older style gutters were commonly made of steel, and while it’s a strong material, it doesn’t par up to rust overly well. Rust can spread and create holes in the gutters. Smaller areas of rust may be treatable by using a stiff wire brush but if it is extensive, replacing them with a more modern and rust resilient material may be the best option to prevent water damage to your property.
Mildew, moss, or mould
If areas around the outside of your home have moss, mildew, or mould on them, this can be an indication of drainage issues with your gutters. When gutters are too full or they have holes in them, the water inevitably ends up making its way towards the house. Over time, this constant exposure to moisture can not only encourage nasties such as these to grow, but it can cause rotting and structural issues within the home. It may be that your downpipes aren’t far enough away from the home, or your gutters may need attention.
Detached or sagging guttering
It only takes one area of guttering to detach or sag for the whole system to be compromised. It’s common for gutters to do this if they are not cleaned out regularly. The weight of debris and water can cause them to come away from the roof. Depending on the condition of your seems, reattaching them may be all that is needed to fix them however, if the seems are rotted, you may need to replace them before fastening the guttering back into place. Sagging or detached gutters can cause an influx of water to flood the exterior of the home or garden when it rains. It is recommended that your get your gutters repaired as soon as you can to avoid excessive and preventable damage to your home.
Having intact gutters that are clear and free from debris is ideal for keeping your home protected from moisture. Understandably cleaning gutters is a messy job and a chore that most aren’t excited to do regularly that’s why you should hire a professional gutter cleaning company to take care of it for you. They can inspect the quality of your gutters while giving them a superior clean. Booking an annual clean can protect your biggest asset – your home.
If you do decide to tackle your gutter maintenance yourself, you must have the correct equipment to complete the job safely. Working at a height can be dangerous and time-consuming. Why not call us here at Global Vac Gutter Cleaning! We use state-of-the-art gutter cleaning equipment to clear out your gutters in no time, leaving you free to get on with your day. Contact us today for more information.
