When it comes to your home, building it is just half of the job – maintaining it is another story altogether. Keeping your home presentable and in working condition takes a lot of work. And sometimes this work isn’t always obvious.
One of the most important areas of the home is the roof and guttering system. When the roof and gutters are working well, they keep everything (and everyone) inside protected from the sun, rain, snow and basically every other weather element.
While your gutters and roof play such an important role, they are also some of the most overlooked areas of the home. When they work properly it can be easy to forget that they are even there. But your home’s roof and gutters are also some of the most overworked and exposed areas of your home. All day, every day, your guttering system (and roof) is subjected to all sorts of weather elements, and as you can imagine, this can take its toll – especially if your gutters aren’t maintained properly.
All too often people won’t realise there is a problem with their gutters until it’s too late. And while it can be hard to spot some issues unless you’re a guttering specialist, there are some signs you can keep an eye out for to keep your gutters healthy.
Today, we’re going to tell you a little bit about why gutters are so important for your home, as well as some of the ways you can tell whether your gutters might need to be replaced.
Importance of Gutters – Why do we need them?
Gutters are actually part of your water management system. Gutters work hand in hand with your roof, and when one isn’t working well, it can greatly affect the performance of the other. Gutters help to prevent rust, material rot, and other sorts of damage from happening not just to your roof but to your home as well.
Imagine a storm happening right this very moment. Rain, leaves, and other debris hit your roof. The force of gravity naturally pulls them down — this is where your gutter comes in handy. It directs the fall of water and debris to a designated part of your property.
You might be wondering, “Does it matter where the water falls?”
The answer is a big resounding YES.
When water keeps falling near or around the foundation of your home, it can seep through, and negatively affect the foundation of the structure over time. Well working gutters help stop this from happening!
Signs Your Need to Replace Your Gutter
Inevitably, over time, all gutters will need to be replaced. Natural wear and tear, constant exposure to weather conditions and everyday use mean that your gutters are working hard all of the time. Of course, without proper care and maintenance, the lifespan of your gutters will be shortened, and they may will need to be replaced sooner than those that undergo a regular gutter maintenance schedule.
We’ve put together some information on the ways you can tell if your gutters may need to be replaced.
1. Gaps, cracks, or fractures
Easily one of the most obvious ways to check if your gutters need replacing is when there are gaps, cracks or fractures.
Small cracks here and there aren’t exactly a cause for concern as they can be repaired and usually won’t require your gutters to be replaced. However, large gaps, fractures, and cracks are a definite sign of gutters that need replacement.
The next time it rains at your home, do a quick lap around the house to see if you can notice any leaks or cracks!
2. Pools of water around your home
After a good pour, go outside and check your home’s surrounding area. If there are pools of water, there is a chance that there’s a leak in your gutter where more water has escaped, or there may be a blockage, which might cause your gutters to overflow.
When there are leakages or blockages, it means that your gutters aren’t working as efficiently as they should and may be a sign that areas may need to be replaced, or that perhaps additional downpipes may need to be installed.
If water pools around the home too much, this can cause damage to your home’s foundation and your yard’s landscaping.
3. The gutters are sagging or warped
Gutters are built close to the roof. It follows a straight line. Up close it may not look like there is sagging or pulling but if you walk back a little bit, you’d be able to gauge whether the gutter is still aligned with the roof.
A sagging or warped gutter is hazardous; most of the time it is caused by a broken bracket. Have that section of your gutter system or the possibly broken bracket replaced before any accidents happen.
4. There are signs of wear and tear underneath
Just like any item, when its outer layer begins to chip away or rust, it is almost always a sign that it needs replacing. If rust, chips, holes or cracks are starting to become obvious, chances are there is a bigger problem lurking in the background. Make sure you inspect your gutters regularly and perhaps consider taking photos for reference.
5. Mildew and mould
Look around the base of your home to see if there are any signs of mould, mildew or water staining. This can be a sign that your gutters are not working properly. Water may be pooling or flowing in places that are not as easy to see.
Also keep an eye on top of the exterior walls of your home, near fascias and barge boards, as well at your interior walls as well. If your guttering system is not working properly, you may notice signs of mould or rotting materials in these areas, and this might mean it’s time to replace the gutters.
6. Leaking or damaged downpipes
Downpipes are one of the vital parts of your guttering and water management system. They help to direct the water from your gutters to the drainage system. Some homes may not have enough downpipes to manage the flow of water efficiently, which can cause your gutters to overflow; sometimes they may be damaged due to extreme weather conditions and not flow correctly, and sometimes the connections between your gutters and downpipes may come loose.
When the connection is loose this can cause leaking which may damage your walls, your fascias, and the garden. And often when they become loose, it’s due to improper installation. Replacing your downpipes or your gutters (or both) may be required to remedy this.
7. Soil erosion
You don’t need a green thumb to determine whether the soil around your home has become less dense. Eroded soil is a clear sign that too much dirt gets washed away during wet weather and that your gutter isn’t doing its job. This might be because of a blockage, or another inefficiency of your guttering system. Either way, it’s a clear sign that you need a professional to check out your gutters.
Gutterline to the Rescue
When it comes to the maintenance of your guttering system in Sydney, you can’t go past the experts at Gutterline. We’ve been looking after the gutters of sydney for more than 20 years! Our high-quality craftsmanship, guttering expertise and affordable prices have made us a favourite for Sydneysiders. So if you need professional advice and service for your home’s gutters, you can’t go past Gutterline.
Contact us today to organise an inspection. We offer a free, no-obligation quoting service for all gutter repairs and replacements.
Call us on 02 8677 3373 or fill in the form below to get in touch with us today!
