The gutters and downspouts are one of the hardest working, yet most overlooked, systems on your home. Every day they protect your roof, siding, and foundation from prolonged moisture contact that could result in a leaking roof, peeling paint, rust, rot, and a host of other potential problems. Knowing when to replace this system ensures that your house is never left unprotected. 

How to Tell When to Upgrade Your Gutters

1. Visible Damage

The whole point of a gutter system is to capture water and direct it away from your home. If there are holes and cracks in the metal, they are unable to serve this purpose. While you can detect significant damage on dry days by merely looking, smaller fissures are harder to see. 

During the next rain session, head outside to see if the water is leaking through the gutters or the downspouts. A hairline crack here and there can probably be repaired, but if there are large cracks or holes that allow water to pour through, consider replacing them soon to protect your home from moisture damage.

2. Peeling Paint & Rust

Galvanized steel gutters are covered in a protective coating to shield them from water damage. If you notice that this paint has begun to peel, it’s likely a sign that moisture has penetrated beneath the coating. In some instances, they can be recoated and will continue working for several more years; however, if you see orange flecks on the metal, rust has already set in. Have the damaged pieces or the entire system replaced before the gutters are too weakened. If this happens, they could bend or pull away from your home, potentially damaging the roofline and siding in the process.

3. Moldy Basement

When runoff spills over the edge or leaks out of the sides or bottom of gutters, it builds up near the foundation of the home, eventually causing cracks it then seeps through. Usually, these cracks will lead to a basement or crawlspace. This can cause the space to feel more humid than usual and lead to mold and mildew growth. 

If you notice a musty smell in this space and can see mold, head outside to determine if the ground area is saturated or flooded. If it hasn’t rained in a while, you might notice this spot of grass appears greener than other lawn areas. 

When you want the best gutter replacements for your home, turn to Best Roofing, Remodeling, and Guttering Company in Greensboro, NC. Since 1968, this roofing contractor has provided roof repairs and installation services for all types of roofs in varying conditions. They install K-style, half-round, box style, and rain barrel gutters in various sizes. Call them today at (336) 303-6493 to schedule an evaluation of your home to determine the best style and size. Visit their website to view past work and learn more about their services.