When installed by professionals, rain gutters can work like clockwork with only basic maintenance in between. However, there’s a reason why reliable repair services are such an important resource for homeowners. Rain gutters can still sustain damage and this shouldn’t be a surprise when we consider their main purpose: they are meant to redirect rainwater and withstand different weather changes all year round. Because they’re often custom made to match a building layout, seamless rain gutters have a very long lifespan, but their design also entails a complex process when it’s time to make repairs or replace the guttering system.
How To Deal With A Damaged Gutter?
You can’t leave your rain gutters unattended and expect them to work without a hitch. Among other things, proper maintenance will help you catch cracks, fissures, clogs, and other problems long before they start affecting your gutter’s performance, saving you time and money in the process. When it comes to finding solutions to these problems, the most viable option is either repairing the damage or replacing the gutters with a sturdier rain guttering system. Both options require a monetary investment so it’s normal to ask yourself, “Should I repair or replace the gutters?” before contacting the company of your choice. The answer to this question will ultimately depend on the extent of the damage your gutters have sustained.
Here’s a list of common rain gutter problems. When you catch them in time, most of these problems can usually be fixed with a professional gutter repair service, but in other cases, they might point to deeper gutter damage whereby the gutter will need to be replaced.
Cracks or Holes
Cracks are an obvious problem for a system that’s meant to catch the rainwater before it falls around your foundations. Small cracks will likely allow repairs without having to replace your gutters, but there are instances where fissures can’t be found until it’s grown big enough to leak water whenever it rains. If you find several cracks on your gutters, a replacement would be the most practical solution. Such occurrences usually signal that the gutters are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Clogged Gutters
The best solution for this problem depends on how severe the obstruction and how long has it kept your gutters from working properly. The damage caused by clogs can be easily avoided through regular cleaning and maintenance.
Leaks on Your Gutter’s Joints
As seamless gutters have no joints dividing their structure, this problem is more prevalent for sectioned gutters. Sometimes the sections are not properly assembled and in other cases they aren’t attached tightly enough to keep the water in. In most cases this can be solved with a sealant or by replacing one section of the gutter.
Loose or Fallen Screws
This is also a common occurrence for sectional gutters, but there are cases in which seamless gutters are poorly fastened on the edges to the downspouts. An isolated problem can be easily solved through a professional repair service, or by replacing the screws securing the gutters, but if the incident repeats itself on more than one portion of the guttering system, a full replacement might be the wisest approach.
When Is Gutter Replacement The Best Option?
Parts of Your Gutters Are Visibly Rotten
Rust and corrosion are clear signs of decay, and the best option is to install a brand new guttering system before your current gutters fall apart. Sectional gutters might allow repairs as well as the option to replace the rotted portion without having to take down the whole structure, but once you start finding multiple points of corrosion, you can expect the damage to worsen.
Spillage and Stains on Your Home’s Siding
Your gutters are failing at doing their job if you get water on your walls and soil; replacement is the best way to rectify the problem. When you see strips of water running down your siding or your wall’s painting falling off, it could be water overflowing from behind your gutters and around your house.
Your Gutters are Sagging and Losing Stability
If your gutters aren’t properly in place, or you see parts of them bending at odd angles, the safest option is to invest in a replacement that fits your home’s layout more effectively. Custom made gutters are the best way to ensure that your rain guttering system remains properly attached below your roof while keeping the rain water flowing away from your home.
Mold and Mildew
Faulty rain gutters are not the only cause of mildew forming in different parts of your home, but that doesn’t change the fact that you should start thinking about a new guttering system once you see mold and mildew on your walls or foundation. After all, foundation damage is yet another basic issue that a rain gutter is meant to prevent.
Water Setting on Your Gutters
Even if the overall gutter layout looks fine, when they fail to redirect the water properly to the downspouts and away from your home you might be having a more complex problem on your hands. This could mean that a manufacturing or installation mishap has resulted in a faulty guttering system.
It’s important to note that certain materials are more effective when it comes to withstanding corrosion, tears, and other signs of decay. In addition, your rain gutter contractor can work with you to ensure the most functional approach while measuring the best size and design for your seamless gutters. If you hire a professional installation service to provide the best quality gutters, you’re off to a great start.
So should you repair or replace your gutters? Whatever you decide, you can count on 805 Gutters to provide the most efficient service in the area. We can help you make the best assessment of your current gutters and give our honest opinion on replacement or repair. Our professional team has everything you need to make the right improvements and extend your gutter’s lifespan. You can call (805) 405-8148 or fill out a contact form to schedule an appointment.