Gutters are a crucial, yet often overlooked part of your home. They are designed to remove water from your roof, while transporting it far away from your home’s foundation. But when gutters are not able to do their job properly, you can end up with quite a few problems on your home. When this happens you’ll need the help of a contractor in Wyandotte Michigan to repair the damage that can be done. If you think that your gutters are not doing their job, or that they may need to be replaced, consider if you have noticed any of these signs.
Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Gutters in Wyandotte Michigan
There are many reasons why a gutter system may fail. Typically, when gutters are properly maintained and cleaned regularly they can last for a long time. However, sometimes problems occur such as falling branches or huge ice storm which can damage the gutters. In any case, if your home’s gutters are not in optimal shape, it’s always best to get them repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. Here are some reasons why your home’s gutters may fail:
Corrosion
Because your gutters are designed to hold and transport water, rust and corrosion are always a possibility. This is especially true if your gutters are a lower quality metal. Once rust and corrosion occurs, you can end up with very weak gutters that can crack and leak. Once you notice any rust or corrosion in your gutters, they will need to be replaced to regain durability and proper drainage.
Holes
Whether from corrosion, or from some kind of impact, once there is a hole in your gutter system it is impossible to get proper drainage. Water will escape through the hole and can end up running down your siding and sitting around your foundation. While holes may be able to be patched for a short term solution, it should only be a last resort until you can get someone out to change your gutters, especially considering holes in gutters are a favorite place for insects to call home.
Sagging and warping
When water or debris that holds moisture like leaves sits for an extended period of time, it can cause your gutters to warp and sag. When warping and sagging occurs, it can make it difficult for moisture to flow out and instead collect in your gutters. This can cause your troughs to overflow and let water sit on your roof and around your foundation. Once the structure of the gutters is compromised, you will have to replace them.
Damaged Siding
Leaking and overflowing gutters can cause water to run down your siding. The exposure to water on your siding can effect the paint by creating stains and causing it to crack and peal. Wood siding can also become warped and rotted, and create a perfect place for mold and mildew to grow.
Water Damage On Roof
When water cannot properly drain off your roof, it can sit and create standing water. This constant exposure to moisture can allow it to eat away at your roof and cause leaks into your roof and attic. Ice dams and mold are also a huge problem when moisture sits for long periods of time.
Interior Leaks
Whether it is from the roof, or from the siding, water can get into your home’s interior and create leaks and damage. Leaks can cause warping and rotting of structural beams, and mold can easily grow and spread through your entire home.
Puddles Around Foundation
When puddles start to form around your foundation it shows that there is too much water to be absorbed normally into the ground. With excess water so close to your home, you can have issues with soil erosion, basement flooding, and even serious issues to your home’s foundation like sinking.
Advanced Age
Gutters are designed to last between 15 and 40 years, depending on the materials used and the overall construction. Once they have reached the end of their lifespan, you will need to replace them before they are able to fall apart.
If your home has gutters that need to be repaired or replaced be sure to call the experts at All Point Construction at (734) 407-7110. They offer free quotes on home improvement projects and are a fully licensed and insured contractor in Wyandotte Michigan.
