13 Mar
When Do You Need a Gutter Replacement?
When correctly installed and functioning, gutters are an integral feature for protecting your home from water damage. They minimise water buildup on your roof by funneling rainwater away and protect your walls, windows, and even the foundation from water damage by channeling rainwater toward spouts and drains.
While gutters can last for decades, they do need to be replaced every so often. Our team of experts has compiled a list of some common signs that your home needs a gutter replacement.
The experienced team at O’Boyles Roof Plumbing can provide a full range of guttering services across Melbourne, from repairs and maintenance to complete gutter replacement. If you’re unsure about the condition of your gutters, give us a call today.
Sign #1: Cracks or Holes
Cracks, holes, and splits can occur for many reasons, including age, extreme weather, and impact from debris. Whenever this sort of damage appears in your gutters, you can expect leaks to occur.
Remember that running water is a powerful force – minor leaks can quickly become major leaks if ignored. And leaks won’t just further degrade your gutters, they can cause damage to your walls, awnings, and even the foundation of your home.
Sign #2: Sagging or Pulling Away
There are a few causes for gutters that sag or pull away from the house. In some cases, debris can build up to the point your gutters can no longer carry the weight and the support brackets start to give way. In others, it could be a sign of a poor installation job, that the fascia board is starting to rot away, or that the gutter system is inappropriate for your home.
No matter the cause, the result is the same – the functionality of the gutter is compromised and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Sign #3: Visible Water Damage
If you have noticed that your ceilings, exterior walls, or roof are discoloured or have watermarks, this could be a sign that your gutters aren’t channelling water off the roof fast enough, that they’re overflowing due to a clog or unsuitability to the amount of rainfall, or that there’s a leak.
This sort of water damage can cause problems for your fascia board and soffit, as well as promote mould growth.
Sign #4: Frequent Clogs or Overflows
When gutters are clogged with debris, like leaves and sticks, water can overflow and cause damage to the roof, siding, and foundation.
If you find that you’re constantly dealing with clogged and overflowing gutters, it might be time to look into a replacement that will better handle the water flow your home experiences when it rains.
Sign #5: Mould or Mildew
Excessive moisture caused by faulty gutters can create an environment where mould and mildew will flourish. Not only do these lead to unsightly dark spots, they can harm the health of your family (particularly if they are asthma or allergy sufferers).
If you spot mould or mildew growth on the exterior walls or even inside your home, this can be an indication that your gutters aren’t working.
Sign #6: Rust or Corrosion
Large patches of rust on your gutters or noticing rust flakes on the ground underneath could be a sign that they need to be replaced. Although rusty gutters will still function okay for a time, this erosion will eventually break through, leading to leaks.
If your gutters are relatively new and are already showing signs of corrosion, having a professional inspect them can pinpoint potential causes for this issue so they can be rectified in the future.
Sign #7: Pooling Water
Take a look outside after it’s rained – if you notice water pooling near your foundation, this is a sign that something is wrong with your gutters (such as a clog, improper installation, they’re too narrow, or some other defect).
Gutters are meant to direct rainwater away from essential structural components, like your home’s foundation, so any presence of pooled water in these areas is cause for concern.
Time for Gutter Replacement? Contact O’Boyles Roof Plumbing
If you have noticed any of these signs, it might be time to have your home’s gutters replaced. You mustn’t ignore them or the potential issues they may be evidence of; water damage can be incredibly costly, after all.
Contact the expert team at O’Boyles Roofing today – we’ll send out one of our licensed roof plumbers to inspect your gutters and advise whether a replacement is necessary. Plus, we can handle the replacement for you, as well as repair roof damage that may have been caused as a result.
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