You want a safe home. You want a warm home. And of course, you want an energy-efficient home. Do you know what can help you achieve all of these goals? Your roof. That's right, if you call up a roofer and tell them about your desires, they can recommend some roofing repairs or materials to help you achieve those desires. They may recommend a metal roof, or they might recommend adding zinc strips to the roof peak. It all depends. One thing we can promise, though, is that learning more about roofing is a good idea. This blog is a good resource, but we recommend looking for other ones, too.
3 Telltale Signs A New Gutter Installation Is Needed
Gutters are a part of the roofing system of homes. They are one of the key components of the roofing system, and they must be intact and free of debris to correctly serve their purpose. Unfortunately, the importance of gutters is overlooked by some homeowners. This can lead to faulty gutters not serving their purpose. It can cause soil erosion and foundation issues. At some point, homeowners need to reasonably expect that they will need to replace their gutters. Some materials last longer than others, and this is something to keep in mind when it is time for new gutters. The following points identify some things that homeowners may notice if it is time to replace their gutters.
Damage to the Finish on Gutters
During the manufacturing process, most standard gutters are painted and a protective coating is applied. Over time, the protective coating will gradually deplete. This will expose the underlying paint on the affected gutters. It may not seem important to have the paint exposed or peeling. However, eventually, the paint will deplete and corrosion will begin. The rust from the corrosion can cause stains to occur, and it can lead to holes in gutters. Gutters with holes cannot effectively drain water.
Cracks
Physical damage to gutters in the form of cracks should be viewed as a definite sign that new gutters are needed. Gutters with physical damage cannot drain correctly. If the issue is not addressed in a timely manner, there are risks of damages occurring to portions of the roofing system such as the fascia and rooftop materials. Roof rot is a potential consequence.
Sagging Gutters
If gutters lose their natural appearance and seem to sag, it is a good indicator that they have reached the end of their lifespan. Sagging is usually a sign that water is trapped inside the gutter system. This can occur when there are clogs present that interfere with drainage. Sometimes, sagging gutters start to pull away from homes. This is a matter that should be addressed as soon as it is noticed. Gutters will pull away from homes due to the weight of the water trapped in them.
A roofer is a good resource to use to determine the condition of your existing gutters. If there are minor repairs needed, you may be able to get those completed and spare some time as you plan your new gutter installation project. There are a number of ways to ensure that your new gutters last as long as possible. Gutter maintenance and investing in accessories such as gutter guards can aid in extending the lifespan of your new gutters.