4 Gutter Warning Signs
Gutters are easy to overlook. Unless your gutters are completely covered from head-to-toe in rust, you probably don’t think about needing to replace them. However, neglecting your gutters when they need to be replaced can cause severe damage to your home.
Water that is not properly channeled by your gutters can damage your ceilings, walls, and basement, among other things. Water takes whatever the path of least resistance is and can damage your home in a myriad of ways once it’s allowed to enter. So, how do you stop the water in its tracks and know when it’s time to get some new gutters?
Here are 4 Gutter Warning Signs to watch out for:
1. Chipped Paint
If the paint on your gutters is beginning to chip, it could be a sign that water is leaking inappropriately. Chipped paint isn’t always a telltale sign of gutter problems, but it’s not something you should ignore. When you see chipped paint, carefully inspect your gutters for any leaks or other issues.
2. Rust
This one’s probably pretty obvious. However, even a few speckles of rust on your gutters can indicate that it’s time to change them out. So, inspect your gutters closely for any signs of rust. Just a little bit of rust on the outside of your gutters could mean a lot of rust on the inside. Rust will literally eat your gutters, causing cracks and water leaks.
3. Clogs
If you notice that your gutters aren’t draining water properly or at all, it could be a sign of serious trouble. Clogs can cause your gutters to burst and cause unwanted water to maliciously enter your home. If you think your gutters might be clogged, you should take action as soon as possible to either unclog them or replace them.
4. Gaps
If there are any gaps between your roof and your gutters, beware. You either need to patch these gaps up or you need to replace your gutters. Gaps can cause water to leak down behind the gutters, which can result in dry rot and the eventual detachment of gutters.
So, make an effort to check up on your gutters every once in a while. And if you notice any of the warning signs above, it’s time to take a closer look at your gutters. Replacing them may cost you a little now but could save you a lot in the future, if you’re able to successfully prevent water damage.
About the Author: Ryan is an online content writer who mostly writes about real estate, home construction, and remodeling. In her spare time, she keeps track of real estate Austin Texas trends.
