Because they protect homes from damaging rainwater, gutters are possibly the most essential component of a house. While gutters can last for decades with some yearly maintenance, there’s still a possibility of failure. Thankfully, knowing when your gutters are failing isn’t a guessing game.
This post will cover the top signs of a gutter needing inspection and subsequent repairs.
Cracks or holes
The most obvious sign that it’s time for a professional gutter inspection and repairs is if you spot cracks, holes or any other flaws in your gutters. You may be able to spot the damage from the ground if it’s bad enough, but most of the time, you won’t notice it until you’re up on the roof cleaning them out. For that reason, you should make a habit of cleaning your gutters each spring and fall.
Sagging
Your gutters may start to sag or pull away from your home as they get older and more worn. We often see this when gutters go for too long without being cleaned and start to accumulate tons of debris. As you can imagine, gutters can’t do their job if they’re not flush against your roof. You might be able to reattach your gutters on your own, but we recommend hiring a professional to ensure the job is done right.
Nails or screws on the ground
Gutters are typically attached to your roof with nails or screws. If these fasteners fall out, your gutters will eventually come down with them. Check the area around your foundation for any fallen nails or screws. If you spot any, it’s a sign of a gutter needing inspection. This issue typically goes hand in hand with sagging or aging gutters.
Overflowing gutters
Water should ideally flow off your roof, into the gutters and then harmlessly onto the ground away from your home. But as they accumulate more debris, the water can start to overflow from the sides of the gutters before it makes its way to the ground. Keep in mind that this can occur even with clean gutters during heavy storms, but if it’s a regular occurrence, it’s time to call a gutter repair specialist.
Plant growth or animals
The leaves and twigs in dirty gutters make a perfect nesting spot for mice, rats, racoons, birds and even bugs. Seeds that fall into unclean gutters can even take root and start to grow! Any animal nests or plant growth are reasons for gutter inspection. Your specialist can clean all that debris and make any repairs to ensure your gutters are clean and fully functional throughout the year.
Do your gutters need some attention?
If you’ve noticed any of these reasons for gutter inspection, it’s time to call our team at L & S Seamless Guttering to perform a full inspection and make any necessary gutter repairs. Along with taking care of repairs, we can install new gutters if yours are significantly damaged. Get in touch with our friendly team today to schedule a consultation and get your estimate.
This post first appeared on https://lsseamlessgutter.com/