How often do you pay attention to your gutters? If you’re like most Americans, your answer is probably “not much.” Depending on the material used to manufacture the gutters, they can last from a decade to half a century! In that time, however, problems can occur that damage your gutters and keep them from performing at their peak efficiency. Small blemishes from ladder use aren’t usually cause for concern, but tree limbs and branches can fall and damage your gutters quite easily without warning. Here are a few common ways to tell if your gutters need replacing:

1. Cracks

Cracks in gutters and downspouts, whether big or small, are common culprits of faulty gutters. Large cracks may be easy to detect with the naked eye, but small cracks may be more difficult to notice unless you are monitoring them up close or during a storm. If the cracks are small and few, they may be able to be repaired. However, when large or multiple cracks are present, it is best to replace the gutters to ensure that no leaking occurs.

2. Mildew or Rust

If you notice mildew in or around your gutters, this could be a sign of a clog or other fault in your system. Mildew and rust are usually good indicators that water is sitting for long periods of time in your gutter system, rather than flowing naturally out of it. Regularly cleaning the gutter system can help reduce mildew and rust, but to fully prevent rust and mildew, the gutters should be replaced by a professional.

3. Uneven or Loose

A big problem that is easy to notice just by looking at your roof is gutters that are uneven, sagging, or pulling away from your roof completely. This can be caused by a few things: slips/screws coming undone, water pooling, or fallen objects. If your home is surrounded by tall trees, your gutters can be in danger of damage due to limbs or branches falling during times of storm or strong wind. Water can be heavy when it pools as well, altering the shape and position of your gutters and causing them to slouch or pull away from your roof.

4. Water Marks or Peeling Paint

When you see paint peeling or water marks on the outside of your home, this is a good sign that your gutter system is malfunctioning. These unsightly problems occur because of water leaking from or overflowing out of your gutters. This could also indicate that water is seeping down between the gutters and your roof and seeping down the walls. This can cause further damage and even mold if left uncorrected.

Alternative Roofing, Inc. is a Maryland roofing contractor located in Baltimore. We happily service customers all throughout the state. Our experienced technicians are consistently focused on quality and customer service, and are available at any time to help you with roof repair, replacement, and maintenance. We understand no roofing system is complete without functional gutters, and we are thoroughly trained in gutter maintenance and installation as well. If you fear your gutters need replacing, contact us for more information or to set up an appointment today!

< Back to Blog