Have Your Gutters Seen Better Days? 5 Signs You Need New Ones

[caption id="attachment_9669" align="alignleft" width="372"] Gutter Cleaning in Cleveland Heights[/caption]

Your Cleveland Contractors and Home Mechanics Reilly Painting & Contracting know a thing or two about gutters. In fact, gutter cleaning in Cleveland Heights was one of the main services that made this company what it is today. That being said, if you have any problems with gutters in Cleveland, contact us and we will be able to fix them. Here are 5 signs that you need to replace your gutters.

1. Cracks or splits of any kind

While small cracks in your gutters may not seem like a big issue, small cracks will eventually turn into big ones and it may happen sooner than you think. If you allow cracks to remain without, water can not only damage gutters further, it can damage the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below.

2. Paint peeling on or around your gutters and/or flecks of orange

The paint on your gutter is designed to withstand the typical wear and tear throughout the seasons. Unless your gutters are extremely old, peeling paint or orange flecks from the beginning stages of rust are an indicator that water is present on a continuous basis. This could indicate water is not being removed by the gutter or that cracks or other damage may be present.

3. Pools of water or signs of mildew around your home’s foundation

Gutters are designed with the purpose of keeping water flowing away from your home’s foundation. If you notice pools of water or mildew near the foundation, it can indicate that the gutters are not working as intended. This could be caused by something as simple as a clog or by something as complex as a defect in the gutter system. Water can easily damage the foundation, leading to costly, time-consuming repairs.

4. Water damage or water marks directly beneath the gutters

Check your gutters at least once a year on a day that’s relatively sunny and free from rain. Water damage or marks underneath the gutter indicate that water is escaping the gutter. This type of water intrusion can damage your soffit and fascia board.

5. Gutters sag or have begun to pull away from the house

This is one of the easiest ways to tell you need gutter repairs or gutter replacement because you don’t need to be on a ladder to notice it. Gutters should never sag or pull away from the home. This can indicate that the gutters are full of water and pulling away from the house due to the weight. A full gutter means that the gutter system may not be appropriate for the home, its draining improperly or debris is causing blockage.

Courtesy of Angie's List