Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage and maintaining structural integrity. But like any component of your house, they don’t last forever. Over time, gutters age and can cause significant damage to your property. Discover the ways your old gutters could be wreaking havoc on your home in this post by local roof replacement expert Ganser Company.
Common Home Damages Caused by Old Gutters
The problems caused by old gutters can range from minor issues like water stains to major issues like structural defects, pest infestations and even reduced property value. Some of the common damages can include:
Standing Water
Old gutters can cause standing water to form on your roof, which can not only damage your roofing materials but also compromise the foundation of your home. Standing water can be of particular concern due to the risk of attracting pests such as mosquitoes, as well as the potential for mold and bacteria growth, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Furthermore, the water weight can eventually weaken the gutters and necessitate gutter and roof replacement after causing damage.
Water Damage
Leaky or clogged gutters can cause water to seep into your home and damage both your interior and exterior walls. Poor drainage can even lead to a leaking roof, further increasing repair costs. Old gutters have a higher risk of staining your siding due to overflow, too.
Roof and Foundation Damage
When rainwater pools around your home, it can lead to roof and foundation damage, making exterior home improvement crucial to preserve its lifespan. The water can seep into and degrade the foundation, compromising its stability. Mildew and mold can also grow, contaminating the air in your house. Left unchecked, this can be dangerous for your health.
Property Flooding
When your gutters are blocked, they will fail to collect rainwater and may cause it to flood onto your property. Flooding can lead to water seeping through foundation walls and causing structural damage. It can also damage landscaping and potentially cause flooding in your basement. Flooding can be a huge inconvenience and costly to repair.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is one of the most common damages caused by old gutters. When gutters are blocked, it can lead to rot in the wooden portions of the gutters. It will also affect other parts of your house, such as window sills, eaves and foundation. Rotting wood can also cause weakened supports, unwanted openings and water seepage that can compromise the structural integrity of your home, and require the help of an exterior home improvement contractor to fix.
Why Regular Gutter Maintenance and Replacement Is Crucial
Now that you understand the risks associated with old gutters, it’s clear why regular maintenance is necessary. You should clean and inspect your gutters at least twice a year or more, depending on the amount of foliage nearby. This will prevent buildup, ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of damage. Of course, even well-maintained gutters will need to be replaced over time.
Should you decide to sell your home, all damages from your old, non-functioning gutters will be reflected in your home valuation report. Any exterior home improvement is an essential consideration for prospective homebuyers. A property with a worn-out gutter system will likely have a lower market value due to potential and existing damages.
When to Consider Gutter Replacement?
It’s important to regularly inspect your home’s gutters to make sure they are in good working condition. If you suspect your gutters are faulty or outdated, it’s best to schedule an inspection by professional roofing contractors. Here are some common signs that it’s time for gutter replacement:
-
If you notice water pooling around your house. This means your gutters are wet and clogged, unable to channel water away from your home, leaving it vulnerable to water damage.
-
If your gutters are sagging or pulling away from the house. Sagging or pulled-away gutters can prevent them from properly collecting water, leading to water pooling near your home and damaging the roof and foundation.
-
If your gutters appear to be loose or misaligned. Loose or misaligned gutters can lead to water seeping through the gutters and dripping onto the side of your house, leading to water and structural damage.
-
If your gutters are cracked or have holes. Cracked or holed gutters can cause water to accumulate around the base of your home and damage the roof and foundation, as well as create an inviting environment for pests.
-
If your downspouts are clogged. Clogged downspouts can prevent water from draining away from your home, which can lead to water pooling. Roofing contractors can always unclog them, but if they keep unclogging them frequently, you might need a new gutter system.
-
If you notice mold or mildew. Mold and mildew are common problems caused by old gutters, as they can form when standing water accumulates in and around the gutter system. Not only can this lead to respiratory issues, but it can also be corrosive to your home’s body and siding.
-
If you notice a pest infestation. Old gutters are a breeding ground for pests due to the standing water they can cause, creating an inviting environment for insects and other critters. Not only can this be an inconvenience, but it can also damage the structural integrity of your home and lead to further damage.
-
If you are experiencing frequent roof repairs. Frequent roof repairs can be a symptom of an underlying problem such as old gutters, which can cause water to pool and leak onto the roof, causing damage and necessitating repairs, and sometimes even a roof replacement.
Ganser Company Is Here to Help!
Recognizing the damage old gutters can wreak on your home is crucial in maintaining its structural integrity, well-being and value. Regular maintenance is essential and cannot be understated. If you’re a homeowner and you need help with your gutters, don’t hesitate to call us at Ganser Company. Protect your home today by giving us a call at (608) 222-1243 or filling out this contact form to schedule an appointment.