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A Guide to Gutters: When It’s Time to Repair or Replace

Posted on October 4, 2021
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guide to gutters

Okay, it’s probably not your favorite fall chore–but it is an important one. Inspecting–and yes, cleaning–your gutters can mean the difference between a sale and a pass. Not to mention, it can prevent a safety hazard in the making. Not sure where to start, or when to or repair or replace? Check out our handy guide to gutters.

Inspecting your gutters

Before we get into our guide to gutters, let’s go through a quick safety reminder. When inspecting your gutters, you should make sure you ladder is on a sturdy foundation. Test it for wobbling!

Additionally, don’t be afraid to use binoculars or the zoom-in tool on your phone camera if you can’t get in as close as you want to. You should avoid climbing onto your roof, or clinging onto your gutters, as this may cause a slip and fall.

We also want to stress: Don’t do this task alone! Have someone with you, in case you need them. Alternatively, you could hire a professional to handle this entire process from start to finish.

Signs you should repair your gutters

So, your gutters don’t look too good. But, you might not actually have to replace them. If you notice these signs, then the verdict leans more towards a repair job:

  • Small sections of peeling The damage here likely hasn’t spread. That means you just need a small repair job—though you should talk to a professional for a second opinion in case you’ve missed something.
  • Disconnected joints. Is one part of your gutter a tiny bit loose? You may be able to—carefully—reconnect it.
  • Loose hangers. Think small for this one. When only one or two hangers seem to be loose, then a repair could be just the ticket. Get out your drill and screw them in—but keep an eye out in case there’s any further damage.
  • Little cracks. This one is especially true for costly copper gutters! Tiny cracks may just need simple repairs.
  • Miniscule leaks. If you notice miniscule leaks from a single area, you may just need to repair and seal. Again, it’s always good to get a second opinion—so ask for one before embarking on a repair.

Signs you should replace your gutters

Okay, you’re looking at your gutters, and they don’t seem to be in their best shape. How do you know for sure if you should replace them? These signs provide all the evidence you may need:

  • Yuck! You don’t want to have to deal with the damage wood rot brings. Instead, replace your gutters. Not sure how to recognize it? Look for stains outside and on your home.
  • Separated seams. You need your gutters to stay connected, so that the water doesn’t seep through. When the seams separate, that task becomes impossible. As a pro tip, considered getting seamless gutters next time.
  • Mold and mildew. It’s not just gross—it’s a health hazard. Pervasive mold and mildew merit immediate action—and replacement!
  • Multiple large and visible cracks. If these span through your gutters, they cannot operate properly. Instead, they likely mean you need to replace your gutters entirely.
  • Flooding of any kind. At the bottom of your gutters. Around your house. In your basement. Flooding means malfunctioning gutters—which means you need a replacement, fast. Otherwise, the damage could really pile up. Not only are mosquitoes attracted to standing water, but it may affect your house’s foundation too.

Local recommendation

Live in the Lee County area and in need of gutter repairs or replacements? Contact Gutter Pro in Opelika for expert installation and service! Call them at (334) 332-5903 or visit gutterprollcal.com. Check out our Helpful Contacts page for more local recommendations!

Summary

Good news: when it comes to one of the most dreaded fall chores, you now know where to start. We hope our guide to gutters makes home maintenance a little easier this time around. Happy autumn, everyone!

We don’t just have guides to gutters. We also have guides on home inspections, home negotiations, home staging, and so much more. Check out our blog for details! And, if you ever need some help navigating the market, Ryan Roberts can assist with that too. Contact him here to begin!