Maintaining your gutters is important for protecting your home from problems like roof leaks and flooding. When gutters are clogged by leaves, branches, or other debris, water can't get through as it should which means it can’t drain properly. This causes problems with the roof and increases the likelihood of some major issues for your entire house down the road. But how do you know when it's time to call a professional? Here are five signs indicating that your gutters need professional help.
Your Gutters Are Pulling Away or Sagging
If your gutters are beginning to pull away from the roofline, it could be a serious sign of trouble. In most cases, it's caused by excessive weight on the gutters or a leak that’s worn down the gutter. When the gutter is full of leaves and other materials, it can't hold up to the pressure exerted on it by heavy snow or rain. Eventually, it will sag or pull away from the roof's edge. If you notice this, call a roofing contractor, someone like Pelican Roofing, to fix the issue.
Your Home's Foundation Has Water Pools
When gutters are clogged, and water isn't draining properly, you could wind up with water pooling around the house's foundation. If this happens, it can cause problems with the foundation itself because it will compromise its stability. Your home might begin to sink or crack. It could also mean that moisture is causing damage to the interior of your property, which will be noticeable in your basement or walls.
There are Water Marks Beneath the Gutters
You'll also notice water marks under your gutters. When leaves, branches, snow, and other debris are left to sit on the gutter for too long, it can cause damage to the metal. Eventually, it can bend and water pool in your gutter's bottom. This process increases the likelihood that you'll need to replace them altogether. If you see this happening, call a professional to fix the issue before it worsens.
Cracks and Visible Drips
When water pooling in your gutters, it can eventually cause cracks. These cracks can expand, allowing water to escape into the surrounding area. If you notice this occurring and it's visible, you should call a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.
Rust or Peeling Paint
When leaves, shingle granules, debris, nests, and other things accumulate in the gutters, it can cause the gutters to rust thanks to all the standing water that gets trapped with nowhere to go. Even if your gutters are clear, if you live in a humid area there’s a chance your gutters will just rust on their own given enough time. This leads to serious problems once you have other issues like cracks or rust flakes on your walls or flooring. The best action to combat this is to take your gutters down and professionally clean them from top to bottom. If you do this before potential problems increase, you'll be able to save a lot of money on work that needs to be done.
Cleaning your gutters is the easiest way to prevent any potential issues and to ensure they last for as long as possible. If you notice signs of wear and tear, or damage, it’s best to act quickly to save them. Things like the gutters pulling away from the house, the foundation having a lot of puddles around it, water marks beneath the gutters, and cracks and drips are all obvious signs that something’s wrong, and it's best to call a professional for help as soon as possible.
