Do Your Gutters Need a Check-up?

Do you hear strange noises coming from your gutters? Is your roof leaking despite the fact that it looks fine? If these signs of a potential gutter problem sound familiar, then read on! Hoover Roofing can help you identify common signs that your gutters may need to be repaired or replaced, so read on to find out more.

Improve Gutter Seam Stress

Gutter seam stress can be an indication of worn-out gutters. We’ll diagnose the problem, by looking for separations and leakage at the point where your gutters come together. If there are localized sections of damage, we may be able to repair the damage by patching up the affected areas. However, if the damage is more extensive, we may need to replace your gutters entirely. It is recommended to replace your gutters every 20 years as a preventative measure, but if you look after them properly, they can last much longer.

Watch Out for Cracks and Fractures

A sure sign that your gutters may need to be repaired or replaced is if you notice any cracks or fractures. Cracks, no matter their size, can cause water to flow away from the gutter system and defeat its purpose. Small cracks are sometimes repairable, however, if the damage is extensive, it is likely that the gutter system will need to be replaced. Additionally, gaps or separations in your gutters can cause serious problems and should be looked into immediately. Re-hanging, caulking, or re-aligning gutters may address these issues, but if the damage is too great, a new gutter system may be necessary.

Check for Standing Water

When inspecting your gutters, one of the main signs that they may need to be repaired or replaced is standing water. This is usually a result of a blocked gutter due to debris such as leaves and twigs, or a broken downspout. If you notice pooling water around the perimeter of your home after it rains, it’s a sign that your gutters are not working properly. Standing water can also create an ideal environment for mold, moss and mildew to grow, so it’s important to address the issue quickly before the problem gets out of hand.

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Look Out for Peeling Paint or Orange Flecks

If you’re wondering if your gutters may need to be repaired or replaced, it’s important to check for peeling paint or orange flecks. Peeling paint or orange flecks (indicating rust) usually indicate that water does not get drained adequately and remains stagnant. If you find such signs, you should inspect your gutters more closely, as they may not be draining properly. Orange flecks in or around the guttering or close to any metal area near it is a sign that it’s time to replace your gutters. Not sure if your home’s gutters need repaired or replaced? If you are starting to see peeling paint or even orange flecks, you likely need to replace them.

Spot Broken Fasteners

When gutters begin to corrode and gaping holes and tears appear, the damage is too much to repair, and you’ll want to consult a professional like Hoover Roofing. It’s also important to check your gutters for broken fasteners. Over time, the fasteners that connect your gutters to your home can wear out, so it’s needed to check for any signs of wear or breakage. Additionally, if you’re finding nails or broken fasteners on the ground, this could be a sign that your current gutters may need to be replaced.

Check Gutters are Level and Not Sagging

When checking the gutters of your home to see if they need to be repaired or replaced, it’s necessary to check that the gutters are level and not sagging. Sagging gutters will prevent water from flowing properly, leading to a buildup of debris and water in the gutter system. To check for sagging gutters, we can use a bubble level across the gutter and make sure it’s level from back to front. If it isn’t, we may need to repair or replace sections of the gutter system. We’ll also to make sure the hangers that secure the gutters to the fascia are in good condition and not deteriorated or broken.

Look for Holes, Cracks and Rust

It’s important to keep an eye out for holes, cracks, and rust when looking at your gutters. If the gutters have any cracks, holes, or splits in them, that’s a sign that they may need to be repaired or replaced. Rust is also a sign that your gutters may need to be replaced. Check plastic bases for cracks and metal bases for broken seams.

Check for Leaky Roofs

In addition to checking your gutters, you should also check for other sources of water damage on the roof. Look out for signs of leaking such as discoloration or staining of the roof tiles, or any signs of damp in the attic or ceiling space. If you spot any of these signs, it could suggest that your gutters are not doing their job properly and may need to be replaced.

Examine the Exterior of your Home for Damage

Remember to pay attention to the exterior of your home for signs of damage. Slight discolorations on the exteriors of your home, fascia, or downspouts can indicate moisture damage. If there is any discoloration, get your gutters inspected and cleaned before they become a bigger issue. You should also watch out for signs of moisture damage, such as a rotting fascia board (the long wooden board the gutters are attached to). If you see peeled paint or orange flecks near the gutters, that’s a sign that water is leaking from the gutter system. If you find cracks and corrosion on some parts of your gutters, it usually means you have water leaking and causing damage. Corrosion can spread quickly and cause more damage if not taken care of promptly.

Consider the Age of the Gutter System

When it comes to the age of your gutter system, it’s important to consider the material that the gutters are made from. Galvanized steel or aluminum gutters have an average lifespan of 20 years, while copper gutters can last up to 50 years. If your gutter system is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan, it may need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to hire a professional roofing company like Hoover Roofing to take care of the installation process to ensure that it is done correctly, as poor installation can reduce a gutter system’s longevity.