The demand for new rain gutters is never likely to end. It’s no surprise the US rain gutter market was worth $1,027.95 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.34%, reaching $1,293.09 million by 2027.
Replace your rain gutter as soon as possible because it protects your house from water damage. Rain gutter helps the water to flow into the drainage. But when this system fails, the rainwater can enter other parts of your house, such as walls, ceiling, and insulation, causing irrecoverable damage. It can also flood into your basement and damage the foundation.
Call a rain gutter company to inspect and replace your damaged system as soon as possible. The question is, when should you call a gutter installation company?
Signs You Need Rain Gutter Installation/Replacement
Rain gutters tend to last long, around 15 to 20 years. However, they do need regular maintenance and care. Check your rain gutters for the following signs at least once every month.
1. Visible Cracks and Holes
Sure, you can fix a few cracks or holes here and there using a good-quality sealant. However, if you see a large number of cracks, say more than half a dozen, call your rain gutter company immediately. After a thorough inspection, your roofing expert will likely ask you to replace the rain gutter.
2. Multiple Damaged Fasteners
Fasteners are small metal pieces that hold your rain gutter to your roof. Fasteners also help keep the rain gutters at the level. It is possible to repair a couple of fasteners if they are the issue.
In many cases, however, the rain gutter is the issue and causes multiple fasteners to come loose. If that happens, you should call your rain gutter installation company. They will help you take the next step.
3. Standing Water or Dirt Around Your House
Another easy-to-identify sign is standing water or dirt around your house. When your rain gutter system isn’t working, you will see standing water or dirt channels around your property. This is a sign that the water isn’t draining correctly, causing pools around the house.
You should immediately call an experienced rain gutter company. They can help you find the leakage/damage and determine if you need immediate gutter replacement.
4. Nails and Screws Coming Lose
Sometimes, you will see the nails and screws holding your rain gutter against the wall come loose by themselves. The more weight your gutter system has to carry, the higher the chances of nails and screws coming loose. But vibrations and the temperature difference can also cause them to loosen.
Usually, you can replace a nail or screw to fix this problem. But if the issue persists, you will need to replace the rain gutter. It’s best to have a professional look at your system. After a thorough investigation, your rain gutter company will decide whether you need to replace the entire gutter or only a part of it.
5. Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters are also a surefire sign of weather damage and clogging. When your gutter is full of debris and dirt, it becomes heavy. The heavy rain gutter starts sagging due to weight. Sagging gutters start pulling away from your roof. If not fixed, sagging gutters can break loose and fall on someone.
6. Separated Gutters
As you may already know, gutters are fastened together to form a continuous channel. If they start separating from one another, they will not function properly. Sometimes, a temporary fix can put them together. However, if the issue persists, call a rain gutter company. They will most likely advise you to replace the gutter system.
7. Mold and Mildew
This is also a sign that your rain gutter may be damaged. A damaged rain gutter often leaks moisture, facilitating the growth of mold and mildew. It can quickly spread to the surrounding areas of your house, such as insulation, ceiling, and exterior and interior walls.
Moreover, mold and mildew are serious health hazards. Continuous exposure to a large number of mold spores often triggers allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, and fatigue. The sensitivity keeps increasing if the exposure continues unchecked.
The best way to get rid of mold is to fix your rain gutter. Call a rain gutter company to identify the problem and fix it. They will most probably recommend complete gutter replacement. If not, the mold might grow again, causing more health problems for your loved ones.
8. Peeling Paint
As mentioned before, the main goal of a gutter is to protect your house. But when the gutter pulls away from your house, the rainwater fails to drain. It starts to seep over the edge and down the siding. That, in turn, leads to peeling paint.
Unfortunately, peeling paint means this has been happening for quite a while. In other words, the problem may be more serious than it looks. This means you will probably need to replace your rain gutter immediately. Before making any decision, call your rain gutter installation company for a quick inspection.
9. Rust Spots
Rust spots or orange discoloration is usually a sign of metal degradation. Although rain gutters are durable, continuous exposure to weather elements such as sun, moisture, and wind can cause the metal to erode. Eroded gutters become weak, making them more susceptible to damage. Plus, the rust will soon spread across the gutter system.
The best solution, in this case, is to replace the entire gutter. Call a reliable rain gutter installation company as early as possible.
10. Foundation Issues
A damaged rain gutter can lead to issues such as shifting or cracked foundations. It allows water to seep into the ground in large quantities. This can cause the soil to expand and shift, putting excessive pressure on your foundation.
The water trapped in the cracks in your foundation can freeze and expand during the winter. That will damage your foundation to a great extent. On the other hand, a well-maintained rain gutter will divert the water away from your foundation. Make sure to call a rain gutter company and get it replaced or repaired immediately.
11. Flooded Basement
A flooded basement is also a sign you need gutter replacement. This can be caused by sloping, incorrectly placed, or damaged gutters. Call a rain gutter installation company to check your gutter system and get it replaced if necessary.
In Conclusion
If you detect any of these gutter problems, you need to call the experts. When left unchecked, these issues can cause serious damage to your house. You will need to act quickly. That’s where Ace Gutter comes in. Our experts can help you with everything from rain gutter installation to siding and soffit repair.
For a quick read, check out our short and interesting web story on signs when you need a gutter replacement.
Do you need gutter replacement? Call us at (801) 676-1048 or fill out our secure online contact form to schedule an appointment today!