Eventually, nearly everything on your home needs to be replaced. From roofs to appliances and everything in between, there’s always a project for a homeowner to tackle to improve their home’s safety and value.
Replacing or upgrading the gutter system is one component of home maintenance that tends to get overlooked. Unfortunately, neglect can lead to a whole slew of issues and dangers such as wood rot, basement leaks, foundation damage, and more.
But how do you know when it’s time to replace the gutters? Here’s what to look for:
1. Sagging 
If the gutters appear to be hanging lower or there’s a dip in the levelness, they need replacing as soon as possible. Sagging gutters aren’t uncommon, especially in Central VA where we experience all sorts of weather conditions that can wreak havoc on a traditional half-round gutter system with seams.
If a gutter doesn’t have the support it needs, it will inevitably sag. The job of a gutter is to collect and carry water from the roof to the gutter flowing into the downspout, where it’s directed away from the home’s foundation. Without proper bolts and screws holding it in place, storm water or melt water will put weight on the gutter, forcing it to sag. A sagging gutter can cause extreme structural damage to your home.
2. Overflow 
When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? If it’s been a while or you’ve never cleaned them, your gutters may be overflowing. Overflowing gutters is a big threat that should be addressed swiftly.
Gutters overflow due to a blockage or clog. Clogs form when leaves and other debris from trees land inside the gutter and are left to sit and collect over time. The leaves, pine needles, and other debris will form a blockage or clog and impede water flow. When water can’t flow freely throughout the gutter, it’ll spill over the sides. Overflowing gutters can cause issues like flooded basements and foundation damage and ruin landscaping, entryways, or patios.
3. Storm Damage 
Central VA experiences all four seasons and plenty of interesting weather. Heavy rains, snow and ice storms, and severe thunderstorms are all familiar to us. Our weather is often unpredictable; sudden snow storms in the winter and flash floods in the summer all mean we need high-capacity, durable gutters.
These weather patterns have the potential to damage our homes, often leaving us with claims to file. Gutters are one of the most common components of a home to file a claim on with homeowner’s insurance due to hail damage. Sometimes storm damage that isn’t covered by homeowners insurance can worsen over time. We recommend having your gutter system evaluated by a professional if you suspect storm damage.
4. Basement Flooding 
Basement flooding is a nightmare to deal with and the help of a professional is almost always required to resolve the damage. Personal belongings and keepsakes can become destroyed and water damage and mold can occur resulting in costly repairs.
Basements flood due to any number of things. A faulty gutter system that forces water to flow over the sides, leaking gutters that trickle water from the gutter down the side of the home and ultimately to the foundation where it clogs and can wreak havoc. This excess water will land near the basement, eventually forming a trench around the foundation and allowing water to seep into the basement walls.
5. Cracks & Rust 
Gutters are a relatively prominent component of a home and one of the first things potential homebuyers see. Therefore, they should add to the beauty of your home. Unfortunately, not all gutter systems do that; some show wear and tear and start to crack and rust.
Cracked and rusty gutters are an eyesore, deterring potential homebuyers and displeasing the neighbors. Despite their cosmetic imperfections, cracked and rusty gutters can indicate a faulty gutter system. Water can’t flow freely throughout a system with cracks; instead it allows water to trickle through and possibly damage a home’s siding or roof.
If your gutter system has one or more f these issues, replace them as soon as possible. With winter around the corner, the last thing you want to deal with is foundation damage or basement flooding.
Home Evolutions VA can help with all your home improvement needs. We’re here to help every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation!
