A gutter system functions to collect water from a roof and drain it away from a home’s foundation. Rainwater and meltwater drain from a roof into gutters, down a downspout, and ultimately away from the home if the gutter system is functioning properly.
Unfortunately, gutters that aren’t operating at peak performance can wreak havoc on your home resulting in costly repairs. Older gutter systems, poor quality gutters, and gutters that weren’t installed correctly all lead to issues over time.
Gutters should be working properly, but what if they aren’t? What damage can occur and how do you know when you should replace them? Keep reading to learn about 4 signs it’s time to replace your gutters and the damages that can occur if you fail to replace them.
1. Sagging gutters
Sagging gutters can be a result of several different issues, however, loose screws and bolts are usually the culprits. Gutter installation companies fasten metal gutters with heavy-duty bolts and screws that can either come out or become loose over time due to ice dams, strong winds, and other natural occurrences.
Naturally, when these bolts and screws get loose or fall out, the gutters sag as a result. Living in Colorado means we get a lot of snow and strong winds so there is a high risk for the bolts in your half-round or open-top gutter system to loosen or fall out. Believe it or not, sagging gutters can cause very serious damage to your home including foundation damage and damaged downspouts.
2. Overflowing gutters
When gutters are clogged the water that was collected can’t make its way to the downspouts, therefore, it’s left to spill over the side, resulting in overflowing gutters.
Gutters that overflow can be dangerous to your home’s interior and exterior and can also cause injuries. Once you notice overflowing gutters it’s crucial to get them replaced as soon as possible to ensure your gutter system doesn’t pull away from the home. Overflowing gutters can also lead to flooding depending on how much water is left to accumulate around your front door, basement, and other doors around your home.
3. Flooded basement
Ever go down to your basement to grab something and realize that you stepped in a puddle of water? Flooded basements are a nightmare for every homeowner; water damage can occur, your personal belongings can be ruined, and it can be costly to repair damage caused by basement flooding. If your basement is flooded then it’s probably time to replace your gutter system.
Your gutter system can cause basement flooding as a result of the following: overflowing gutters, sagging gutters, and rain and stormwater creating a trench around the foundation. If you ever notice water in your basement or flooding of any kind, it’s crucial to contact a professional immediately.
4. Cracks, holes, or rust
Like anything made from metal, when you notice your gutter system has developed cracks, holes, or rust, it’s time to say goodbye and get a replacement. If your gutter system is older or if it’s not the best quality then it may not be weatherproof, resulting in rust, cracks, and holes. Paint protects your gutters from rusting, so it’s crucial to replace them when you notice chips in your gutter’s paint.
When the paint on a gutter system chips off then the metal underneath is exposed to the elements, resulting in rusting over time. When metal starts to rust then it will inevitably develop cracks and holes, resulting in water that leaks out of the gutters and downspout. When water leaks out of your gutter system then your home’s siding, soffit, and fascia boards are all prone to water damage.
If you notice that your gutter system is sagging, overflowing, or has developed cracks, holes, or rust, or if your basement has standing water then it’s probably time to replace your gutter system. While your gutters will protect your home for many years, generally speaking, the average gutter system lasts around 20 years. The material or type used and the weather conditions where you live are huge factors that can determine the lifespan of your gutters.
Living in Colorado means we receive more than average snowfall and freezing temperatures. These extreme weather conditions have a major impact on the lifespan of your gutters, shortening them due to ice dams, rapidly melting snow, and heavy snow. Colorado homeowners need a quality gutter system that can withstand extreme weather, handle heavy amounts of precipitation, and is extremely durable.
K-Guard is the premiere gutter company in Colorado, providing a leaf-free gutter solution for homeowners for many years. Not only is our gutter product able to handle a minimum of 23 inches of rain per hour, nothing beats its durability. Constructed of heavy-duty aluminum that will never corrode or rust, the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System keeps dirt, sticks, other debris, and pests out. Our system includes a curved hood to allow leaves and debris to slide off rather than get trapped inside. Plus, our gutter system eliminates the possibility for ice dams to form, a major concern for homeowners in Colorado.
Ready to install your seamless, leaf-free gutter system? Schedule a free in-home estimate today. We proudly install the K-Guard Gutter System across the state of Colorado including, but not limited to, the following locations: Denver, Colorado Springs, Littleton, Centennial, Aurora, Boulder, and Fort Collins.
