Rain Gutters may not seem that important compared to the larger components of your home, but they play a crucial role. The main purpose of a rain gutter is to funnel water off of the roof and away from the home. Without gutters to keep water away from the foundation, rainwater will gradually erode the soil compromising the integrity of the home’s foundation and causing extensive damage to the basement. As most people pay no attention to their rain gutters, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of needed repair. Here are a few key ways to tell if you need gutter repair for your home.

1. Leaks

While gutters are fairly resistant, most are just made from plastic which is prone to cracks and other types of damage. Sharp branches can fall and puncture your gutters causing water to leak out and down the house. Over time, caulk holding the joints of the gutters can also deteriorate, causing water to leak. Leaking can become a major issue that should be repaired by professional Northern Virginia gutter repair contractors as soon as possible.

2. Broken Fasteners

Fasteners are the same pieces of metal that keep your gutters securely fastened to the roof of your home. They are also responsible for keeping the gutters levels which prevents water from seeping out the sides. When one or more fasteners break, the rain gutters are no longer as strong and level. While you may not notice any problems at first, signs of damage will usually become more apparent the longer you leave the gutters untouched. Call in the professionals to replace the broken fasteners and safely reattach the gutters to your roof.

3. Rust or Peeling Paint

Sometimes the signs that indicate the need for gutter replacement are more subtle. For example, you may not pay attention to paint peeling off of your gutters or spots of orange rust forming. While this can certainly appear with age, peeling paint and rust formation is often contributed to standing water. Water sitting inside the gutters can cause the paint to peel over time, eventually reaching the base causing rust spots to develop. This often means that the rain gutters are not working as they should and are holding water instead of channeling it away from the home.

4. Pooling Water

If you go outdoors after a heavy rainfall and see water pooling around your foundation, your rain gutters are not doing their job. This type of problem is usually associated with the downspouts. The downspouts may not be long enough to effectively move the water away from the home. In some cases, the downspouts may not be angled properly which is usually an easy fix. If you are not sure what the problem is, it may be a good idea to have Northern Virginia gutter repair contractors look at your gutter system and make the necessary repairs.

5. Eroded Landscape

It can be frustrating to step out into your lawn to find the soil waterlogged due to rain pouring onto the ground from your gutters. It can be even more frustrating if you have been trying to enhance your landscaping or have spent money to increase your home’s outdoor appeal. Instead of spending the money to continually fix your yard, make the investment for a gutter replacement. Northern Virginia gutter repair contractors can remove your old rain gutter system and replace it with a new gutter system that is more efficient. New rain gutters can last 20 up to 50 or more years depending on the material.

6. Sagging

Many times you can tell if your home is in need of gutter repair by simply looking up at the rain gutters. If the gutters seem to be sagging in certain spots or look like they are pulling away from the house, then repairs are likely needed. Sagging can occur when water sits in the gutters rather than flowing down the length of the gutters and away from the home. Water can pool in the gutters for a wide range of reasons, such as clogs that develop due to leaves, twigs, and other debris.

7. Basement Flooding

When rain water is continuously pooling around your foundation you are bound to have water in your basement. At first you may simply notice that areas of your basement floor become damp when it rains. Over time, you may notice that the moisture is causing extensive water damage to your home’s structure. This type of structural damage can be very expensive and go far beyond the cost of a simple gutter replacement. If the rain gutters are causing damage in your basement, it is a more cost-effective option to replace the gutters.

Effects of Rain Gutter Problems

Problematic rain gutters can result in a number of costly problems for your home. One of the biggest and most expensive issues that can arise concerns your foundation. Over time, water can cause cracks to form in your foundation which allows water to seep in and your home to potentially shift. If the foundation happens to stay put, the water can still lead to mold growth. Damaged gutters can also cause problems with the fascia boards that hold the gutter system in place. Over time, moisture from the failing gutters can cause the boards to deteriorate and experience wood rot.

Contact Gutter Repair Experts Today

Sometimes the problem with your rain gutters is simple and a task that you can complete yourself. However, due to the height of the gutters and the complex nature of a rain gutter system, it is often best to leave the project in the hands of experienced, qualified, licensed, and insured Northern Virginia gutter repair contractors. From extensive roof damage and landscape erosion to mold growth and wood rot, there are many issues that you are likely to experience if you fail to have your gutters repaired early on. For more information or to schedule an inspection of your gutters, call a contractor near you.

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