9 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Gutters

With Winter on its way, your Lake of the Ozarks roof isn't the only thing you need to take a look at. Keep an eye on your gutter system as well. You want to make sure that any snow and water that accumulates on your roof can easily drain off when it melts. Gutters play an important part in keeping your home in tip-top condition. They direct water away from your home’s exterior walls, windows, doors, and foundation, preventing that water from getting inside. Look for these signs to help determine if its time to replace your gutter system.

1. Cracks or Splits

Keep in mind that while larger cracks are visible on a clear, dry day, the smaller ones may not reveal themselves until a storm. Even small cracks will eventually turn into big ones. The swinging temperatures in late Autumn can cause small infractions to grow to larger gaps in in a matter of days. If you don't address the cracks, water can not only damage the gutters further, but it can also damage the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles on your roof and the foundation of your home. You may be able to just repair individual cracks, but extensive cracking calls for replacing the entire gutter system.

2. Sagging

One of the easiest ways to tell that you need gutter repairs or gutter replacement is if they're sagging. Gutters should never sag or be pulled away from the home. These signs can indicate that the gutters are full of water and are pulling away from the house due to the weight of that water. A full gutter could mean that the system is not appropriate for that home, it's draining improperly or debris is causing blockage.

3. Separated Seams

Gutters come in sections, with sleeves covering the joints to ensure a seamless path for rain water. The average gutters are most vulnerable at those seams. Both leaks and separations are common and lead to a number of undesirable outcomes. Cracks or splits in the joints may be solved with some minor repairs or the replacement of fittings. However, if more than one or two of the joints are having issues, you'll want to consider just replacing the system.

4. Rust

Orange flecks are an indicator of the beginning stages of rust. Their presence means that water is present on a continuous basis. Possibly the gutters are not removing water properly or there could be leaks. Rust stains are another sign of gutter breakdown, and often show up on the grass or patio around the downspout. This reddish stain indicates corrosion within your gutters. If you're gutters are extremely old, you're probably going to find rust and that means it is time to get them replaced.

5. Water Damage

At least once a year, on a day that's relatively sunny and free from rain, check your gutters for water damage. Water marks underneath the gutter indicate that overflowing water is escaping the gutter or leaking is occurring. This type of water intrusion can also damage your soffit and fascia board. Make sure to have your gutters repaired or replaced before the damage gets any worse.

6. Mildew

Downspouts are made to keep water away from the foundation of your home. Moisture accumulation near the foundation can find its way into the basement, leading to mildew growth. If you notice mildew in a below ground area that was formerly dry and mildew-free, damaged gutters are a likely cause. You should also look for mildew on exterior walls or patios, and around windows, doors and trim. If mildew is present, inspect the closest gutter for clogging and blockage. The result could be from build up in the gutters, which is easily solved or you may need to replace your gutters at the Lake of the Ozarks.

7. Rotting

Keep a close eye on the outer edge of your roof. If your gutter is clogged, rain water can back up onto the roof. This can cause the shingles along the outer edge of your roof to rot. On the other end, leaking water from the gutters can cause exterior wood trim elements such as window sills and door frames to rot. This can make it difficult to keep out the weather. If you find rot, it's probably time to go ahead and replace those gutters.

8. Peeling Paint

The paint on your gutters is designed to withstand normal wear and tear throughout the season. However, extended exposure to water, like when its not draining properly, can cause the paint to start peeling. In addition to the paint on the actual gutters, look at the paint on the siding of your home near the gutter systems. Broken gutters result in spillage and overflow, which rapidly deteriorates the paint below and around that part of the gutter. If your siding is continuously exposed to this leaking water, you may begin to see peeling paint there as well. Without immediate repairs, those areas could start to rot and decay.

9. Standing Water

If water is pooling up near your foundation, your gutter system is not doing its job of directing water flow away from your house. The problem could be something as simple as a clog or something more complex such as a defect in the gutter system. Either way, standing water near the foundation can cause damage, leading to costly, time consuming repairs. Standing water near the base of your downspout can be corrected with the installation of a dry well or by just extending the current system farther beyond that area.

Gutters must be maintained in order to function properly. Small manageable issues can easily turn into larger, more costly affairs if not addressed. Above & Beyond Roofing is more than just a roofing company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we also offer gutter, soffit, fascia and siding services. If you're gutters need replaced, give us a call at 573-302-0354.

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