Your roof’s rain gutter system is designed to protect your home by channeling runoff water into downspouts and directing it away from the house. Over time, however, this function can be impeded by damage and general wear. Here’s a list of five signs that indicate your gutters’ functionality has been compromised and you should replace them soon.

Replace Your Gutters If You Notice These 5 Issues

1. Rust

The metal used for these fixtures is generally designed not to rust, but with constant exposure to water, rust can start to form over time. This can create holes that will allow moisture to seep into your house—if you notice any signs of rust, perform repairs and replacement immediately.

2. Foundation Damage

When runoff water isn’t being properly channeled away from the walls, it can sink into the soil beneath the house, causing cracking, shifting, and other damage to the foundation. Prevent this by keeping your rain gutters in good repair.

3. Visible Sagging or Pulling

If the metal has started to pull away from the edge of the roof or is sagging at any point along it, you’ll need to schedule repairs. As the screws pull out from their surfaces, they create holes that are entry points for moisture into the attic, resulting in more damage.

4. Pooling or Overflowing Water

When the gutters are doing their job correctly, water should be unimpeded as it flows through them. If you notice it start to pool or overflow the edges, then there may be either an obstruction or damage. Either way, you’ll need to fix the issue quickly, since it may cause major problems during the next big rainfall.

5. General Water Damage

Signs of water damage in a home include mold growth (particularly in the attic), peeling paint, stained walls, rot, and sagging ceiling tiles. These may occur when the water is not being properly channeled away from the roof. If there are no other apparent causes of the damage, check to see if the gutter is at fault.

Seeking assistance with gutters, vinyl siding, window replacement, and other services related to home maintenance? First Class Roofing Inc. can help. They serve clients in Guilford and Randolph counties in North Carolina with work that focuses on quality over volume. Their dedication to excellence is why they provide estimates and consultations in addition to all their other work. To get in touch with this family- owned and -operated company, visit them online or call (336) 880-8720.