Every house, whether newer or older, requires components to be maintained or replaced to keep the rest of the home safe. One essential component of a home that shouldn’t be neglected if it’s malfunctioning or is older and needs replacing is the home’s gutter system.
Unless gutters have suffered damage and are visibly leaking, the average homeowner doesn’t often know when they need replacing. No worries – we’re here to discuss 4 signs you need new gutters so you can keep your home protected from drainage issues and, as a result, keep the rest of your home better protected.
1. The Gutters are Overflowing
One of the telltale signs that you need new gutters is when they start to overflow. Ideally, a fully functioning gutter system would collect stormwater and meltwater from the roof, carry it to the downspouts, then the downspouts would direct the water away from the home. Unfortunately, traditional half-round gutter systems are prone to overflowing and need replacing to fix the issue.
Overflowing gutters are caused by a clog or a blockage inside of the gutters or downspouts. Traditional half-round gutter systems collect debris like leaves, pine needles, and twigs inside the gutter. When debris is left to sit inside the gutter, it forms a clog, making it impossible for water to make its way to the downspouts. Therefore, water that has collected inside the gutter is left to spill over the side, resulting in overflowing gutters.
Overflowing gutters are a danger to the rest of your house. Water that spills over the side of the gutter can cause damage to your home’s exterior and interior and cause flooding. They can also cause injuries like slips and falls.
2. The Gutters are Sagging
Are your gutters sagging? If you’re unsure, take a quick walk around your home’s perimeter, and if you notice the gutters have some spots where they’re lower or hanging down or are disconnected with missing bolts and screws, you have sagging gutters that may have caused extensive damage to your home.
Sagging gutters are caused by a few things: incorrect installation of the gutter system, damage from a storm or wear and tear, or clogs that have built up, causing excess weight on the gutters. Whatever the reason, when gutters sag, it puts an overabundance of weight on the gutter system, forcing it to hang or tear away from the home.
If you notice your gutters are sagging, don’t sleep on getting them replaced. Sagging gutters can harm your home extensively, potentially causing foundation damage and other structural damage. Foundation damage is a nightmare no homeowner wants to deal with; it’s costly and can be a nuisance during repairs. Depending on how it was installed, sagging gutters can ruin roof shingles and even the home’s soffit and fascia board.
3. The Basement Floods
Picture this: you’re taking a trip down to the basement, and as you reach the floor, you step into a puddle and realize it’s flooded. Basement floods are no fun to deal with; they cause water damage and can ruin your belongings stored in the basement.
A faulty gutter system can have sagging or overflowing gutters that force stormwater and meltwater to flow over the sides, creating a trench around the foundation. When water is left to collect around the foundation, it’ll eventually seep into the basement wall or floors. Water in a basement is often due to a faulty gutter system. Therefore, if you notice water in your basement, it’s probably time to replace your gutters.
4. The Gutters are Damaged
Living in Columbus and its surrounding communities means we experience all seasons and weather patterns, from snowy winters to humid summers. Heavy snowstorms or severe thunderstorms that bring strong winds and hail can cause damage to a gutter system. Traditional half-round gutter systems can get dents from hail, sag from heavy snow and ice dams, and corrode due to heavy precipitation and high humidity.
Damaged gutters won’t protect your home from stormwater and meltwater and will cause drainage issues instead of preventing them. If you notice that your gutters are damaged in any way, it’s time to install a new gutter system before old man winter arrives.
Does your current gutter system have any of the warning signs above? If so, now is the time to get it replaced. K-Guard® of Central Ohio installs the premier gutter system for homeowners in and around the Columbus area – the K-Guard® Leaf Free Gutter System. Why K-Guard®?
K-Guard® is a complete system with a curved hood that keeps all debris like leaves, pine needles, and pests out of the gutters, preventing clogs from forming. You’ll never need to clean your gutters again or even replace them! We also offer warranties that other gutter installation companies in Columbus and its surrounding communities can’t.
Book your free estimate today. We’ll assess your current gutter system and provide a detailed estimate for installing our K-Guard®™ Leaf Free Gutter System. We look forward to helping you protect your home from drainage issues!