Welcome to Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

When to Replace Your Gutters

In most cities across the United States, equipping a home with rain gutters is a necessary step when it comes to protecting the home from water damage.  Without gutters, water will eventually wreak havoc on the structure of a home, causing everything from leaks, cracks, and foundational instability over time.  For homeowners, gutter maintenance should be a regular component of home improvement.

Knowing your home needs a rain gutter system is one thing, but knowing when it’s time to replace old gutters with new gutters is another thing entirely.  Many homeowners will likely try to continuously patch up existing gutters with caulk and other methods of DIY gutter repair rather than replace them.  This is often a decision made in the name of saving money but can lead to severe and costly damage to a home’s foundation, roofing, and landscaping down the line.

Signs it’s Time for Gutter Replacement 

While the patch it up and move along method works for a while, there are a few sure signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to replace gutters and start over fresh.  In fact, waiting too long to replace your gutter system can result in unforeseen damages that end up costing more than a new system ever would.

Knowing when to replace gutters begins with taking note of points of weakness along the gutter line that can potentially lead to bigger problems.  Even high-quality gutters can break down over time depending on their materials and the weather they endure year after year.

There Are Cracks in the Gutters, Or Noticeable Stress Along The Seams

No matter what type of gutters your home is equipped with, the most vulnerable area of the system occurs at the seams.  You can confidently know it’s time to replace gutters when visible separation occurs at the seam of two gutters and leaks become a regular occurrence.  To avoid this type of damage going forward, it may be worth your while to consider the benefits of seamless gutters.  This style of gutter is far less prone to separation and acts as one singular track for rainwater to flow through.

Cracked drainage systems are perhaps the most obvious sign that it’s time to replace gutters.  Far beyond a small hole, a cracked gutter can no longer carry water efficiently and will likely be more expensive to repair than to replace.  A cracked gutter allows water to drain out and defeats the purpose of a drainage system.  A small crack or two is something that could be repaired individually, but it could also be the early sign of a larger problem.  Several or serious cracks are telltale signs that a gutter replacement is necessary.

There’s Rot and Mildew Along the  Fascia Boards, Siding, and Trim

Gutters are responsible for keeping rainwater away from the foundation of a home.  Faulty systems that need to be replaced fail at this and the results can be disastrous.  If you notice rotting around the fascia boards, window frames, or siding it’s definitely time to replace the gutters.  Similarly, if homeowners begin to notice mildew creeping up basement walls that were previously dry; faulty gutters are frequently the root of the issue.

In addition to being costly to repair, mildew has the potential to cause you and your family health problems.  When mildew shows up, replacing your gutters is also a step towards ensuring you and your family live in a home where healthy air quality is a priority.

You See that Surrounding Paint is Peeling

The appearance of cracked or peeling paint on the side of a home can help homeowners know when to replace gutters.  Gutters that suffer from leaks allow excess moisture to run down the side of the house, causing damage along the way.  While a little bit of peeling in a single area could point to a single and patchable leak in a gutter, excessive peeling means there are multiple cracks within the gutter and replacement is often a good option.

Rust

A few spots of rusts isn’t the end of the world.  Gutters are built to move water, after all, and minimal rust damage can be repaired.  However, if you notice more than a couple patches, or any large impact areas, this could be the sign of a bigger issue that might require a more extensive project.  Be sure to connect with a professional sooner rather than later to see if the rust on your gutter system requires a replacement.

Leaky or separated seals

Gutters are most vulnerable at the seams where different sections are attached.  Inspect these areas closely for leaks, separations, or sags to ensure the seals aren’t compromised.  Remember, a properly functioning gutter system will funnel water towards downspouts.  Water should not spill through the gutters near the roof.  Check your gutters during a rainstorm to see if gutters are properly funneling water downwards and away from the base of your home.  If your gutters are leaky or clogged and you do not address this issue promptly, it could result in water seeping into your home and causing damage.

Paint damage

Paint bubbles or peeling on your siding is likely the result of water damage, which is often caused by a faulty gutter system.  If you notice an area with damaged paint, inspect the condition of the nearest gutter and attempt to detect any damage.  If you are unsure whether the gutters are causing siding damage, be sure to get in touch with a professional to get an expert’s opinion.

Roof separation

Your gutters and roof should be properly attached to maximize effectiveness.  Occasionally, fasteners connecting the two will become loose or damaged and require a simple replacement.  But if the problem persists, the fascia boards which connect the gutter and roof may be rotting. If this is the case, a gutter replacement is likely to be necessary.

Sagging

If sections of your gutters are sagging, water pooling can occur.  This results in spill-overs and possibly cracks or separation.  Sagging gutters may also be the culprit if you notice any unexpected landscaping damage after rain or unusual flooding.

Flooded basements

When water accumulates in areas it’s not supposed to, it can cause extensive damage to your basement, or even foundation, if allowed to continue.  This is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately upon discovery.

Avoiding Gutter Damage

It is worth noting that gutter replacement projects are typically much more affordable compared to fixing the damage that occurs when they are neglected. However, all of this can be avoided by being proactive and caring for your gutters routinely.  Cleaning gutters isn’t the most exciting task for homeowners, but it can help alleviate future problems.  Thorough cleaning and maintenance about twice per year should help you maintain a properly working gutter system and allow you to identify any issues that might require repair or a full gutter replacement.

Next Steps

If you notice any of the above signs of gutter damage, or have an aging system, you’ll want to speak with a professional to help you determine the best course of action to remedy the situation.  The good news is that a new gutter system can last for decades if properly maintained in most conditions.  Gutter installations are affordable projects and you have an assortment of options for a project that best fits your budget.

Gutter Installation Tips 

Repair Rot and Damage Before Moving Forward with Installation

Knowing how to replace gutters is important, but just as essential is dealing with damage and rot on the exterior prior to putting up a new gutter system.  Before brackets are ever installed or gutters placed, it’s imperative to make sure the structure is stable and secure to work as a foundation for efficient gutters.

Consider Adding Gutter Guards To your New Gutter System

To prevent the water damage that can come from clogged gutters full of leaves, sticks, and other debris, gutter guards might be a wise investment.  Clogs can compromise the water capacity of gutters during rainstorms, leading to uncontrolled runoff that can damage the roofing, foundation, and landscaping of a home.

Gutter guards come in various screen, mesh, and surface tension options that cover your gutters to keep debris out.  If you live in areas with heavy winds, rain, or lots of trees, gutter guards will help keep your gutters effective and operational.