No homeowner likes to hear that something needs to be replaced, but your gutters perform an important job directing the rain and water away from your home. When it comes time for gutter replacement, you don’t want to wait, because the types of problems that affect gutters tend to get worse over time, leading to more and expensive repair work. Watch for these signs that you need new gutters to know when the time for gutter replacement is getting near.

Cracks and Splits

When it’s time for your regular gutter cleaning, take the time to examine the gutters for cracks or splits. While small cracks may not look like much, remember that they can grow over time, particularly if you live in a freeze/thaw climate where water turning to ice will expand inside the crack and cause it to split open wider. Larger cracks and splits should be dealt with right away to help keep your gutters functioning normally.

Peeling Paint

While peeling paint isn’t the most attractive thing in the world, most people don’t realize that it can indicate a more serious problem on some types of gutters. Galvanized steel gutters are coated to help protect them from the water or moisture that could cause them to rust. This paint beginning to peel off could indicate that moisture damage has already begun to occur on the gutters themselves.

Orange Areas or Rust

Not all types of gutters rust, but those made of galvanized steel may do so if their protective coating has come off. If you notice what looks like orange coloring around some areas of the gutters or where the gutters join the house, or if you find signs of rust, it’s an indication that your gutters need to be replaced.

Water and Mildew around the Foundation

One of the ways your gutters help protect your home is by channeling the water away from your home’s foundation. So if you start to notice signs of water there, such as pools and puddles of water or mildew and algae growth, this could be a sign that your gutters are not functioning properly, and that they may need to be replaced.

Water Damage around or beneath the Gutters

When it’s time for your regular gutter cleaning, make sure you wait for a sunny day before beginning. This way you can also see the telltale signs of water damage around and beneath your gutters. This may look like rotting fascia, water stains, mildew, or puddles as well as peeling paint on your home’s exterior. Any of these signs could be an indication that it’s time for gutter replacement.

Sagging Gutters

If your gutters have begun to sag and pull away from the rest of the house, this can also be a sign that it’s time to replace them. Gutters usually only sag when they become too heavy – or too full of water to remain in their correct position. So if they’re sagging it means they aren’t functioning properly, and they should probably be replaced.

Take Care of Your Home

Functioning gutters are crucial to your home’s good condition. Be sure to take notice of the signs that your need gutter replacement and know that your home will continue to be in the best condition possible.