Your gutters are an essential part of your roofing system, but eventually, they’ll need to be replaced.
When it comes to preventing roof leaks, almost no other parts of your roof are more essential than the gutters. The gutters and downspouts give rain water, melted snow and any other excess moisture a safe way to leave your roof, which helps to reduce the risk of leaks and other roofing issues. Your gutters are incredibly important, but over time, they can wear out or break completely, and it’s important to get them replaced as soon as possible. Here are a few signs that your gutters should be replaced:
#1. Your gutters sag.
Are there areas in your gutters that have started to sag? Not only do sagging gutters look bad; they are also much less effective. Rainwater can’t always escape properly when your gutters are sagging, and this can often lead to water damage in or around your home.
#2. Your gutters are pulling away from your roof.
If your gutters have started pulling away from your home, try securing them with fasteners. If the problem persists, then there’s a good chance that the fascia board has started to rot. No amount of fasteners will hold your gutters in place if the fascia board has rotted, and it will get replaced when you replace your gutters.
#3. You’re regularly finding screws and nails on the ground under the gutters.
The nails and screws that hold the gutters to the fascia board can become loose and fall out over time. As we mentioned above, you can also refasten your gutters, but if you are finding screws and nuts on the ground regularly, it’s probably a sign that the fascia board has begun to rot and will need to be replaced entirely.
#4. Your gutters are separating.
Your gutters can only do their job if they remain fastened tightly together to form one, continuous channel. You can certainly fasten your gutters back together when they begin separating, but if the problem persists, you’d probably be better off simply having them replaced.
#5. Your gutters have cracks and holes.
As you’ve probably already guessed, holes and cracks in gutters make them a lot less effective than they used to be, and while you can use flashing and sealant to temporarily fix one or two holes and cracks, if your gutters have more than a few, it’s time to get them replaced.
#6. Your gutters have rust spots.
Have you noticed rust forming in certain areas of your gutters? Many gutters are made with galvanized steel, and when pool water sits for too long, it can cause the steel to rust. Not only can the rust eat away at the gutters, making them ineffective, but it’s also a sign that the water isn’t flowing through the gutters properly. If you’ve noticed any rust spots on your gutters, it’s time to consider replacing them.
#7. Your gutters constantly overflow.
Do your gutters keep overflowing no matter how many times you clean them out? If so, the clogs could be from damage to your gutters rather than from leaves, twigs and other debris building up inside of them. Damaged gutters can easily overflow, even with little to no debris building up inside.
Gutters are made to last anywhere from 20 to 40 years with little maintenance or upkeep, but there are many issues that can cause them to wear out prematurely. Keep an eye on your gutters to ensure they are in good working order, and if you notice any signs of trouble, turn to the roofing professionals at Sargeant’s Roofing in Edmonton. We offer a variety of roofing services, and we specialize in asphalt and cedar roofs. Schedule your appointment today!