Woohoo! Spring weather is on its way in the Twin Cities! And we all know what that means: spring cleaning and outdoor maintenance.
As winter weather slowly recedes, you know how important it is to examine your home’s exterior for signs of weather-related deterioration and damage. One thing homeowners tend to overlook, though, is the health of their gutters. So, while you’re conducting your exterior inspection, make sure you take some time to give your gutters a once over, too.
At Kiser Construction, we’re here to help you maintain a functional, aesthetic home, and we know what a critical role your gutters play in protecting your home from water damage. Though well-maintained gutters can last for years, they won’t last forever. So, if you observe any of these seven signs of deterioration, it’s definitely time to start thinking about anew gutter installation.
1. Cracks & Gaps
If you can clearly see seam gaps or cracks in your gutters, they’re about as useless as a water bottle with a hole in the bottom.
But, even if you cannot readily observe signs of deterioration or damage, that doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. In many cases, minor cracks won’t reveal themselves unless your gutters are full of water, so if you conduct an inspection on a clear, dry afternoon, you may not get a full picture of what’s going on.
The next time it rains, head outside to see how your gutters perform. If you can see trickling water emerging from anywhere but the downspout, it’s time to call in the contractors. Your gutters are designed to direct water away from the area around your home’s foundation, so if you allow cracks or gaps to remain unrepaired, you increase your chances of incurring property damage.
2. Standing Water
After a rain shower, grab a ladder and take a peek inside your gutters to check for standing water. If your gutters were properly installed, they should sit at a slight slope to allow water to flow into the downspout. If you can see any standing water, that’s typically an indication that your gutters are not set at the appropriate slope. If that’s the case, pooling water can cause sections of the gutter to sag and deteriorate over time.
In some cases, standing water may also result after winter ice dam formation shifts the normal positioning of your gutters. In any case, you’ll need to contact a gutter contractor for an inspection. You may be able to get away with a quick repositioning, but depending on the overall health of the gutters, you may require replacement materials.
3. Mold & Mildew Proliferation
Can you see mold or mildew growing on the outside of your home? Maybe on the siding or the trim? If so, that’s a solid indication that water is escaping your gutters and leaking onto the exterior of your home. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, so if your gutters are leaking, there’s a high chance they’re contributing to the growth.
Check your gutters’ seams near locations where you find mold or mildew to determine if the seals are compromised. Contact a gutter contractor if you observe areas of deterioration.
4. Rust Development
If you observe any rust on your gutters, it’s most likely due to standing water, which isn’t normal. As mentioned, your gutters are designed to rapidly direct water into the downspout and away from your home, but if they’re improperly set, they can accumulate water.
As rust continues to develop, it can slowly eat away at the structure of the gutter, causing it to develop cracks and leaks. As soon as you locate rust spots, contact a gutter contractor to discuss replacements or repairs, if possible.
5. Water Marks or Damage Below the Gutters
When your gutters are damaged or packed with debris, they will overflow. This leaves a huge mess from mud and debris splashed against your home's walls. The best way to inspect this is to pick a relatively rain-free and sunny day, and if you see marks or damages underneath the gutters and on your home, it's a key indicator there's a bigger problem to address.
6. The System is Sagging or Pulling from the House
Everything breaks down from wear and tear, and one of the easiest ways to tell you need a replacement is when your gutters divert or sag from your house. The breakdown happens for multiple reasons, from being full of debris to a system that isn't the right one for your home, so if the system is not functioning properly, call a professional right away to find the best solution for your home.
7. Seam Breaks
A properly and effectively designed gutter will have an airtight seal along the seams. If the seal is damaged or broken, it is going to leak. While occasional repairs can help slow the deterioration, if you're finding the breaks are more frequent or happening more often, it's recommended for a replacement to help keep your home's exterior protected from the runoff.
Need Gutter Installation? Contact Kiser Construction Today
If winter weather was the final straw for your aging gutters, our team at Kiser Construction is ready to help. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been providing expert remodeling and restoration services to homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro, and we’re ready to get to work on your project, too!
Whether you need a full gutter and downspout installation or just a few simple gutter covers, our expert contractors ensure a job well done. To learn more about how we can help you upgrade your home exterior or to schedule your service appointment, give our team a call at 763-633-2010 or reach out to us on our contact page.
If you’ve recently suffered property damage and require emergency services, please don’t hesitate to phone us on our 24/7 emergency line at 612-518-8852.