Common Signs Your Gutter Needs to Be Repaired
Is your gutter splitting, leaking water on your head as you walk to your door, or pulling away from the wall and leaving unsightly streaks of water along the exterior of the home?
These are all common signs your gutter needs to be repaired.
If the gutter goes neglected for too long, it could deteriorate further and require a full replacement if the issue gets bad enough. It is always better, both for your home and for your wallet, to stay on top of repairs and maintenance than it is to opt for the replacement once it’s too late.
Water Pooling Around or On Gutters
Do you notice water pooling around or on the gutters? Even worse, water can begin pooling on your roofline, which is a fast-track to a sagging roof and even more expensive repairs.
Your gutter should be repaired immediately to prevent standing water and keep water from pooling in the wrong places. In most cases, this is as simple as a gutter cleaning and downspout flushing, but a gutter guard may help prevent the situation in the future.
Guttering Knocked Off Track
If your guttering comes loose from the brackets that hold it to the wall, you might be about to face problematic water damage problems on the interior of the home. Keep a watchful eye for any signs of water damage in the basement or attic, and be sure to get the gutter repaired immediately before rain comes.
Visible Cracks, Stress or Pulling Away from Wall
The gutter’s channels should always be uniform, form-fitting, and not show any signs of wear, cracks, or stress. If it begins to pull away from the wall, sag, or dry out and crack, then you need to seek the help of a gutter repair specialist immediately. Prompt action could prevent you from having to replace the whole system.
Staining and Mildewing in Attic
Water on the inside of the home may be a problem with the exterior. The gutter’s primary function is to redirect water away from the home.
One of the most common entry points for water that isn’t successfully diverted by the gutters is in the fascia. This paneling is a part of the roof and helps keep your attic ventilated. If you notice water damage in the attic, call a gutter repair specialist before it gets any worse.
Gutters Misshapen from Debris
Misshapen gutter channels often come from years of neglecting to clean the guttering system. In some cases, it may be caused by debris and water expanding and contracting as the weather changes. Depending on the extent of the damage, a gutter repair specialist should inspect the channel to see if it needs replacement or if it can be repaired.
Don’t Wait Too Long for Repair
If your gutter needs repair, it’s important not to wait too long to make the call to a professional.
Same Day Pros can help you find a service in no time, all without the hassle of calling around just to find out you’re not in the company’s service area. We’ll connect you with local gutter repair specialists who are waiting to help you.
By staying vigilant and taking preventative measures to protect your gutter system, you can better prepare your home for the weather. Prompt repair work is a part of this, as the sooner you find a problem, the better chance that damages can be minimized, all before the next rainstorm rolls in.
Why Choose a Professional?
A gutter repair professional is experienced in all kinds of gutter types and can help you make the right choice when it comes to repair timelines and materials.
Choosing a professional also ensures that the quality of work will be held to a certain standard, meaning you can always call them to fix a problem in the event the work was not done properly.
Working with a professional also helps you stay on top of your repairs, as they will use their experience and expertise to keep you up-to-date on your gutter’s condition and a projection of how they expect it to fare in the upcoming seasons.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Repair
It is always recommended to choose a professional for gutter repair services. Not only will you be assured that the quality of work is good, but you can always submit a claim to your homeowner’s insurance under certain circumstances.
Most insurances, however, won’t cover the costs of DIY work, only a professional’s work as their reputable services can be guaranteed or projected in the future.
Furthermore, gutter repair can be a dangerous line of work if you aren’t familiar with working on a ladder or along the roof. Most accidents that happen at home occur on a ladder or from the roof of the house.
Average Gutter Replacement Costs
The average gutter repair cost depends on the linear foot amount of your roof where the gutter will be placed. (1) This cost includes installation of the gutter brackets as well as the setting of a new gutter channel.
“Gutters and downspouts, both necessary components of most homes, cost around $3,000 for the average-sized U.S. home of just under 2,400 square feet when the gutters are professionally installed.”
– Forbes
If you opt for a design that has a gutter guard installed, or have one installed afterwards, this may not be included in the average price quoted by your gutter specialist.
If you are seeing signs that your gutter needs to be repaired, it’s best to do it before it becomes a necessary replacement.
How Do You Know If Gutters Need to Be Replaced?
Typically, gutters need to be replaced if they have sustained any kind of damage that cannot be easily repaired or would cost more to repair than to replace the system.
Gutters do wear out over time, but the problem can be exacerbated if it is not adequately maintained over the years. If you notice the channels sagging, pulling away from the house, or the brackets coming loose from the walls, these are all key indicators that it’s time for a gutter replacement.
Is Water Supposed to Sit in Gutters?
No, water is not supposed to sit in the gutters. If you notice standing water in the gutters, it’s a good indicator that there is a clog somewhere in the channel that should be cleaned immediately. In some cases, this is caused by a blockage or damage to the gutter that needs to be repaired.
The sooner you repair your gutters, the better the chances that you will catch it before it becomes a larger issue. Gutters that go neglected for a long enough time will deteriorate in condition until they no longer need to be repaired, but instead replaced entirely.
How Long Do Gutters Last?
On average, you can expect a new gutter system to last at least 20 years from when it was first installed. Of course, there are other factors that play into that number, as this assumes it will receive prompt repairs if damaged, as well as a minimal recommended amount of maintenance every year.
So long as you treat your gutters well, they will keep your home safe from water damage and other problems that come from clogged debris along the roofline.
Choose Local Gutter Repair Specialists with Same Day Pros
Tired of dealing with broken, sagging gutters and just want a quick solution that lasts for a long time? Same Day Pros can help.
Simply search for the service you are looking for and type in your zip code. Before you know it, you’ll be directed to a listing of the top local gutter repair specialists in your area who are ready to help you.
Often, our professionals are able to book an appointment or schedule a consultation the very same day.
Long gone are the days of relentlessly searching for a reliable professional just to discover they aren’t available until after you need their services.
References:
- Forbes, How Much Does Gutter Installation or Replacement Cost?, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/gutter-installation-replacement-cost/
