As the weather warms up, one thing you can be sure of is the return of spring and summer storms. To ensure your home is ready to handle all the rainwater that comes from those storms, it’s important to determine if your gutters and downspouts are in need of replacement. Here are a few things to look for that indicate your gutters and downspouts might be on their last legs.

On the Rain Gutters and Downspouts Themselves

Some signs your gutters need replacing can be seen on the gutter itself. With most of these symptoms, it’s all about the severity of the issues that will determine if the gutters can be repaired or if they need to be replaced.

gutters and downspouts

1. Leaks: If you notice water leaking from your gutter, it’s time to take a look at them. Leaks can result from a variety of different problems, including holes in the gutters, improper gutter pitch, clogged gutters, and missing nails and screws. Of course, if your gutters are leaking because they’re plugged, fixing them is as simple as cleaning your gutters out. When it comes to the other issues, though, it’s important to let a professional take a look at them to determine if the problem is serious enough to require replacement.

2. Misshapen Gutters: If you glance up at your gutters and notice they aren’t the same shape they used to be, you could be facing some problems. Gutters can lose their shape if they are clogged, if fasteners are loose or missing, or if screws have come loose from the fascia board. If gutters are clogged, the extra weight of the debris and pooling water can cause gutters to become misshapen. Loose or missing fasteners will allow a specific part of the gutter to sag, leading to pooling water and further distortion.

What Your Rain Gutters and Downspouts Do

Another way to determine if your gutters are having problems is to look at the areas around your gutters to check for damage. If the problems with the gutters are small, they may be harder to spot. However, the cumulative effects of these small problems will become clearly visible over time in your landscaping, roof, and basement or foundation.

1. Exterior Problems: If you notice peeling paint or bowed wood on your home’s exterior, it may be due to a problem with your gutters. Leaks or overflows can cause water to run down the side of your home, and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the issues you notice with the siding. Additionally, if you notice trenches forming in the mulch or dirt underneath the gutters, it’s a sure sign that there’s an issue that needs to be corrected.

2. Interior Problems: Sometimes, problems with your gutters first surface in problems with your basement or foundation. If gutters aren’t draining properly, they could end up draining the water down the base of your home, instead. This will result in water seeping into your basement, leading to potential damage to your home’s foundation. If you notice water stains, wet carpet, scents of mold and mildew, or see wet drywall, it’s time to call foundation experts and gutter experts to get all your problems addressed.

Whether you notice a small issue or a big problem, Gutt R Done is glad to assist you and let you know exactly what needs to be done. We don’t want your home to suffer any unnecessary damage, so we’ll take a close look at your gutters specific situation before making any recommendations. We’ll do everything we can do deliver top-notch service and outstanding results.