Most homeowners across America don’t think about their residential gutter systems often unless something is wrong with them. If your gutters aren’t working properly, however, all it takes is one bad storm to bring them to the forefront of your mind! If you think you might need to replace your North Carolina or South Carolina home’s gutters in the near future, you’re in the right place.
Here, we will break down everything you need to know about replacing your gutters when the time is right. Remember, in some cases, gutters can be repaired, but in many cases, it is best to replace the whole system to maintain the structural integrity of your home.
Red flags that your gutters should be replaced.
Cracking – If your gutters have begun to crack, water is inevitably draining out every time it rains or snows, completely defeating the purpose of having a residential gutter system in the first place. If you only see one or two tiny cracks on your gutters, there is a chance they can be repaired, but in most situations, where there is one gutter crack, there are many. An expert can take a look and tell you if it’s time to invest in new gutters.
Rusted areas – Since most gutter systems are made of metal, it is not unusual for small rust spots to develop over time — even if they are most resistant to rusting. However, large sections of rust are a major red flag you should pay serious attention to. Rust can completely eat away at your gutters, leaving large holes where precipitation can leak through, ultimately damaging your Carolina residence.
Separated seals – While many modern American homeowners choose seamless gutters nowadays, your home may still have gutters with seams if it has been awhile since you last replaced them, or if you were on a tight budget at the time. All gutter seams should be sealed to prevent leaks at the time of installation. Over time, however, seals can begin to fail, leading to leaky areas. To check for this, next time it is raining, look at your gutter seams to see if you notice any rainwater seeping through.
Sagging sections – As soon as gutters start sagging, they are no longer structurally sound. They will no longer drain toward your home’s downspouts like they are intended to and could eventually lead to wood rot on window frames and wood siding boards, mold growth on the exterior of your home, and even foundation problems. If you notice saggy gutters, address the issue sooner rather than later to save yourself a lot of headaches down the road!
Remember, if money is a concern, there are plenty of things you can do to save on gutters. Watch for manufacturer rebates and look for sales at home improvement stores in your area. You can also sometimes spend less by asking if your contractor has any discounts available.
If you are ready to talk about getting new gutters, contact the team at Hatch Homes. We are here to help, no matter where you live in North Carolina or South Carolina. Our experts will answer all of your questions and help you every step of the way.