If your old gutters have started to come apart, you want to protect your house from costly water damage. Besides making your home visually appealing, gutter replacements protect your house and its foundation from possible damage. However, a gutter replacement is not as simple as it may sound.
First, you need to decide whether to repair or replace your gutters. It is also a good idea to determine if there are any other aspects of your home that may need fixing, like your roof or fascia. If you need help with your gutters, the professionals at Advantage Construction have the experience and tools to finish the job.
Signs You Should Replace Your Gutters
Gutters often signal when they require a replacement. If you see any of the following signs happening with your gutters, it is probably time to install new seamless gutters.
Damaged Centralized Sections
One way to tell if your gutters are old is to look for damaged sections. Cracks, holes, and sagging are all sure signs that your gutters are too old and will need replacing soon.
Leaking Joints
A leaking joint is another sign that you need to replace your gutters. If you see any water stains on your fascia boards or soffits, it’s probably because your gutter joints are leaking.
Loose Hangers
Gutters are held in place by hangers. If you see that these hangers are loose or falling off, then it means that your gutters are no longer stable.
Drooping Slope
Your gutters should have a slight slope so water can easily flow towards the downspouts. If you see that your gutters are drooping, then it means that they are not draining properly.
Splitting or Peeling Paint
Splitting or peeling paint means water seeping through your gutters and causing damage.
Stains on Siding
Water stains on your siding are probably the result of improper gutter drainage. If you notice these signs, it’s time to replace your gutters.
Clogged Gutters
If your gutters are constantly getting clogged, it’s time to get new ones. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, damaging your house.
Benefits of Gutter Replacement
Getting a gutter replacement can help your house withstand damage and hazardous conditions. New seamless gutters will not only keep your home looking nice, but they will also keep you and your home safe.
Protects Your House From Water Damage
Gutters protect your house from water damage. If they’re not in good condition, they can no longer do their job properly. If the gutters are in bad shape, they may overflow or leak water which may flood around the house, damaging the foundation. Also, water touching your siding causes an unpleasant appearance or other hidden damages that become costly in the long run.
Prevents Dangers and Accidents
Walking around a house with damaged gutters is dangerous. Sharp edges of gutters may cause injuries to small children and pets. Also, if the installers do not put in the seamless gutters correctly, they may fall off and cause injuries. Damaged gutters can also cause ice dams, another serious hazard.
Improves Your Home Appearance
Damaged gutters are unsightly, and so are rusty and out-of-shape gutters. They can be an ugly feature that mars the general exterior of the home. If a damaged gutter allows water to go to the side of the house, it can also cause the paint to peel and the wood to rot. Rotten wood is not only an eyesore but is also a source of disease-causing organisms.
Reduce Maintenance Costs
Gutter repair is costly as it takes a lot to redo their shape and condition. Gutters are also tedious to maintain on your own. Replacement makes it easy as you no longer have to worry about leaking and overflow.
Help Keep Your Foundation and Landscaping Intact
The primary purpose of installing gutters is to protect the house’s foundation and landscaping. Water can cause severe erosion damage if not controlled and destroy the home exteriors.
Gutters channel the water away from the house. If they are not in good shape, the water may damage your foundation or landscaping.
Details to Consider When Replacing Your Gutters
So, you’ve decided that you need to replace your gutters. But, there are still some decisions that you need to make before starting the process.
What Size Gutters Do You Need?
You need to consider the gutter size that perfectly suits your gutter needs. Many homes install the 5″ primarily houses with roof areas within 2500 Sq Ft and below. A 5″ more often can’t withstand heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
If your house’s roof falls between 2500 – 3840 square feet, consider the 6″ gutters to prevent overflow. If your area experiences heavy rains, invest in 7″ or 8″ gutters to avoid water spillover.
Do You Want Seamless Gutters?
Seamless gutters are fast becoming popular due to their several benefits. These gutters are a single piece of aluminum, which means there are no seams that can leak. They are also more durable and require less maintenance than traditional gutters.
Do You Want Gutter Covers? If So, What Type?
To decide whether you want gutter covers, you must have decided to gutter your home and protect your property from water damage. Do you want more protection? If so, gutter covers are the way to go. These covers prevent clogging of the gutters by blocking the debris from flowing into the gutter. You also need to know which type of cover best suits your house.
- Mesh: Mesh with holes will sift out debris. The smaller the holes, the better.
- Reverse Curve: A tiny slit that directs water into your gutter, leaving the residue to fall to the ground.
- Nylon: Best for areas that experience snowfall during winter. It prevents ice and snow from accumulating on the gutters.
- Bottlebrush: Blocks birds and other wildlife from settling on the gutters. The bristle also attracts debris as water flows through the gutters.
- Non-Gutter Guards: Thin louvers that redirect water off the roof and away from your home.
Fascia and Roof Condition
It is essential to assess the condition of the fascia and the roof before gutter installation. Fascia helps to keep your gutters stable, and you should replace these first if they show any signs of deterioration, stains, warping, or peeling paint.
It is also critical to inspect the roof before replacing the gutters. If your roof is old, you might want to replace it before installing new gutters.
Contact Advantage Construction for Your New Gutters
Installing gutters is a significant decision that you have to make for your home. Consider the size, type, and design of the gutter you want before making any decisions. Also, make sure to inspect your fascia and roof to ensure that they are in good condition. Once you have decided on a gutter replacement, you can proceed with the installation process. Contact Advantage Construction today for a free estimate on your new gutters!
