Your gutters are an integral part of your home’s structure and upkeep. It’s important to recognize signs of gutter damage and replace them promptly to prevent serious issues like foundation erosion and basement flooding. Signs of gutter problems include functional damage (like a sagging gutter system) and cosmetic damage (like rust spots). If your gutters are leaking or overflowing, they’re time to call in a professional.
Water Damage
Gutters are important in keeping water away from your home, preventing foundation damage and basement flooding. If your gutters are clogged or rusting, it’s time to call in the experts. One of the first signs you have a gutter problem is if your downspouts pull away from the fascia board or are sagging where they hang. A loose gutter usually causes this, and it’s easy to fix by scheduling an appointment forĀ gutter services Dubuque IA.
Another clear sign you’ve got a gutter issue is if there are puddles around your house. It is a big deal because your gutters are supposed to drain water a minimum of 4-6 feet away from the house, protecting your walls, roof and foundation. Standing water and debris can also lead to mildew, mold, rotting wood and pests like mosquitoes and flies. These pests love the damp conditions and can spread diseases to you and your family.
Soil Erosion
If you see soil erosion, especially in areas where water is running off your roof, it’s a sign that your gutter system isn’t working as it should. Your gutters are designed to direct rushing water away from your home’s foundation so that erosion could result in a cracked basement or a damaged foundation. Another obvious indication that your gutters need to be repaired is water stains on the exterior of your house. Your family’s health may be at risk if your gutters have standing water because it can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Clogged gutters can also cause downspouts to become dislodged. It is a problem because it prevents rushing water from flowing down the drainpipe and away from your house. Contact an expert to clean and fix your gutters if you see any of these symptoms. Doing so may help save you thousands in potential damage to your home.
Cracked Foundation
A properly installed gutter system should direct water a minimum of 4-6 feet from the home’s foundation. Two problems that might result from water collecting near the foundation are soil erosion and wall and floor fractures. If you notice a foundation crack that is wider than 1/4 inch, it’s time to call in the professionals. These larger cracks, called stair-step or horizontal cracks, indicate shearing and severe movement in the foundation.
If you see puddles of water pooling around your home’s exterior, it could be a sign that the gutters are clogged or improperly sized for the property. It causes the water to overflow instead of draining away, causing damage to your basement and foundation. You might also notice dark water stains on the siding of your home. It is a clear sign of gutter blockage, which can lead toĀ mildewĀ and mold. A professional can resolve this problem using a kit with injection ports that epoxy the cracks.
Pooling Water
If you see water spilling over the sides of a gutter during heavy rainfall, it indicates that your gutters are clogged. A properly functioning gutter will send the rainwater down through downspouts and away from your home. Clogged gutters leave water to pool in low points of the system and can cause rot to fascia boards, wall studs, and siding. If your gutters are leaking around the corners, this indicates that the gutters need to be replaced. Leaking gutters can lead to wood rot, mold, and other issues that can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Peeling paint, or orange dots in the paint, is another sign that your gutters must be repaired. Gutter systems take on a lot of wear and tear, but the paint isn’t meant to hold up to permanent standing water. Periodically examining your gutters for signs of wear and tear and repairing any localized sections that are damaged or clogged will save you from replacing the entire gutter system.