When Do You Need New Gutters?

How often do you think about your gutters? More often than not, you probably pay attention to them only when they are overflowing with debris and need to be cleaned out. However, if your gutter system fails, and your home floods, you will likely be spending a lot more time thinking about your gutters. Instead of waiting for your gutters to fail, pay more attention to the signs that it is time for them to be replaced:

• Pools of water or mildew around your home's foundation. As you know, gutters keep water flowing away from your home. Any evidence of standing water around your foundation is a clear sign that your gutters aren't doing their job.
• Sagging gutters. Gutters should never be sagging or pulling away from your house. If a gutter is sagging, it is likely full of water or debris—which means it is not draining properly. It is expensive to repair a sagging gutter; the best option is to replace.
• Rust. If your current gutters are made of galvanized steel and are showing signs of rust, such as orange coloring, this is an indication that they should be replaced.
• Cracks or splits. A small crack may not seem like a big deal, particularly if your gutters are several years old. However, a small crack can expand into a large crack—and a large problem. In Northeast Ohio, water turning to ice can expand and cause the split to grow wider. If you notice any cracks or splits, it is best to take action sooner rather than later.

Is it time to replace your home's gutters? If you live in the Northeast Ohio area, give the team at RJK Construction a call to learn more about available gutter systems.