When it comes to home maintenance one of the most important things that you should be thinking about is your guttering. However, their importance is often overlooked.
When your gutter catches rainwater coming off of your roof and deposits it somewhere more appropriate around your house, it is keeping that water away from the structurally important parts of your home and preventing them from rotting and rusting. It is potentially saving you a lot of headaches and money.
You probably know to clean your gutters out every so often and make sure no debris is clogging them, but there are also times when they should be replaced altogether. This short guide will explain how to know when that time comes and how to find a good gutter installation service to do the work.
Signs to replace your gutters
Modern gutters are pretty durable. They can often last 20 years or more, but they are subject to wear and tear as they age, just like the roof or anything else in your house. The following are the signs that it’s time to call in a rain gutter installation service:
- Cracks: Cracks and splits will only get bigger over time, causing the gutter to break apart completely if you wait too long.
- Peeling and rust: These go hand in hand as it is the paint that protects gutters from rusting. Rust spots can quickly turn into holes.
- Sagging: If you clean and maintain your gutters and have made sure that they’re emptying properly, but they are still pulling away from the roof, it is time to replace them. Either the fasteners that keep them attached to the roof have worn out, or the fascia on your roof is rotting.
- Spilling over: If you notice water pooling on the ground next to the outside of your house, this means the gutter is not doing its job of directing water away properly. This can cause real problems like damaging your home’s foundations or flooding the basement.
Finding a good gutter installation company
Good gutter installation services will check your roof and home for any damage and repair it before installing new guttering. Be wary of any who don’t because any gutter they install may not last long.
The best way to find a reliable and professional service locally is by word of mouth. Somebody nearby has likely had work done on their gutters and will be able to make a recommendation.
Failing that, Facebook groups and review sites can be really helpful places to look. Once you have found a service you like, you will want to make sure that they are licensed and insured. Then ask them for an estimate in writing. It is also important to check with them whether your roof warranty may be affected.
Conclusion
To prevent adding a gutter collapse to the risks of bad weather, it is wise to replace your gutters when you see any of the above signs. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, be sure to find a reputable gutter installation service to do the work for you to make sure your property can handle heavy rain well when it comes.
