Gutters are one of the most important parts of your home. Having proper drainage will keep your home from flooding or other external water damage. Gutters can experience damage from weather, birds, or other external forces, so repairing them quickly is crucial to the integrity of your home.
Homeowners need to recognize the signs of gutter damage so that repairs can be made quickly. Gutter repairs need to be done by a professional in order to keep your home safe. Quality gutters are the best investment you can make for your home.
1- Sagging Gutters
Gutters that are pulling away from the roof or are sagging below the roofline need to be repaired. Gravity plays a big part in drainage, so having gutters installed properly and oriented toward the downspouts will effectively remove moisture from your home. Flooding is inevitable when you have damaged gutters.
2- Cracks, Splits, Or Holes
Cracking and splitting usually occur at the seams or joints of your gutters. Checking for these cracks will help you stop water leakage which can be not only frustrating but lead to water deterioration around your home. Even the smallest openings can expand over time due to long-term exposure to elements and debris build-up. Repairing any cracks in your gutters in a timely manner will prevent damaging long-term effects.
3- Lifting Or Rotting Shingles
Damaged or clogged gutters will also show signs of damage on your roof. When moisture can’t drain from your gutters, it will back up underneath your shingles. Moisture builds up underneath your shingles and causes them to lift or crack which can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your roof fascia.
Keeping your gutters clean will prevent all kinds of damage to the shingles and gutters. Clogged gutters will push the rain or snow under roofing materials and result in mold growth.
4- Separation From The Rest Of The Gutters Or The Roof
As your gutters wear out, they may start to separate from each other or from the roof itself. Gutter separation means that water can leak in between the gutters and the roof causing it to rain down on your porch or walkway. Typically, gutter separation happens when you experience ice dams. Inadequate installation, heavy debris, or heavy snowfall can cause gutters to disconnect. Repairing gutter damage like separation is best done by a professional, especially if you want to avoid this problem from reoccurring again and again.
5- Nesting Animals Or Pests
Nesting animals or bugs may not cause damage to the gutters themselves, but their presence typically means you have excess debris in your gutters. Hornets, squirrels, and other creatures could set up a home that blocks water from escaping your gutters. Which can leak out to cause flooding or freeze on walkways and make them dangerous to walk on during the winter. The excess debris used to build nests and the extra weight of animals could lead to future gutter damage, especially if these animals return year after year.
6- Damage To Your Siding
Moisture running down your home can lead to dark stains on your siding or mold spores. Discoloration or other damage to the siding can be an indicator of gutter damage. Moisture damage shows up in a lot of different ways, but depending on your siding type, moisture runoff could deteriorate it prematurely or change the coloring.
Gutter Repair Options
Depending on the type of damage you are experiencing, there are a few DIY solutions you can implement as a temporary solution. Most gutter damage needs to be remedied with the help of a professional if you want it to last.
Here are some solutions to common gutter problems:
- Install gutter guards: Installing these protective measures can help prevent the build-up of debris. Guards allow water to flow through easily while preventing major blockages from stopping the proper flow. If you are experiencing frequent clogs, try implementing gutter guards.
- Realign gutters: Sagging or pitched gutter sections can be realigned fairly easily. Realigning them will help improve drainage and prevent leaks. Homeowners can use hangers or brackets to help reinforce the gutters.
- Painting or coating: Gutters are prone to rust or corrosion, so painting and coating can help prolong their life. Specialized gutter coatings can help prevent environmental contamination and keep gutters strong.
Gutter Solutions From Premier Roofing And Restoration
Premier Roofing And Restoration offers comprehensive roofing and gutter services for Idaho residents. Our experts have worked on homes of all sizes and in multiple conditions, so there is no project we can’t tackle. Premier Roofing provides new roofing, roofing repairs, roof replacement, and gutter services.
Our services are the most cost-effective option for people in Idaho. We are proud to be your top choice for roofing in East Idaho. We also offer free roof evaluations and inspections to provide you with more peace of mind. Reach out to our team to learn more about your roof and start improving your home today!