Maintaining a functional Gutter system is important all year round. However, your rain gutters take the brunt of the damage during the winter season. Harsh winds, heavy ice and snow, and frigid temperatures can all contribute to the breakdown of gutters. To ensure that your gutters are prepared for the winter season ahead, it is best to perform any necessary maintenance on your gutter system in the fall. Learn more about gutter replacement and why it may be necessary to call expert gutter installation contractors.

1. Prepare for Winter

As previously mentioned, winter can take its toll on your gutter system. If your gutters have seen better days, you may want to replace them before bad weather strikes. Most modern gutters have an average lifespan of 20 to 40 years, depending on the material chosen and how they were installed. As your gutters age, you can expect them to wear down, crack, and maybe even break in certain areas. Winter elements can cause severe damage to an old or weathered gutter system, and you do not want to wait until it is below zero to have your gutters replaced.

2. Minimize Landscape Erosion

Your landscape plays a crucial role in your home’s curb appeal. Unfortunately, a failing gutter system can completely destroy your landscaping efforts. When your gutters become clogged with debris or are unable to filter water normally, rain can accumulate in the gutters and flood the sides. As the water rushes into your yard, you can expect it to submerge plants and shrubs. Too much water not only puts your plants at risk for drowning, but can also attract a wide range of pests to your yard. Water can also result in soil erosion and create unattractive dips in your yard.

3. Prevent Rotting Fascia

Fascia is the board that runs along the lower edge of your roof. It is fixed to the lower ends of the trusses and plays a major role in supporting the lower edge of tiles. As fascia gives your home’s trim a finished look, it is important to protect it through regular gutter replacement. When gutters do not work as expected, excess water can fall onto the fascia causing it to break down and rot. Protecting the fascia boards can help prevent water from seeping into your home and ward off pests and other rodents that may try to take refuge in your roof or walls.

4. Fix Broken Seams

The seams of a gutter system are the areas in which two sections of gutters meet. Over time, these seams can become damaged and may eventually give way. When a seam breaks, the gutter is separated into two pieces and water begins to pour out of the area where the seam used to be. When you have a broken seam, gutter replacement is usually the best solution. Upgrading to a seamless gutter system can help prevent the problem from occurring in the future.

5. Stop Peeling Paint

While sometimes peeling paint on your home’s exterior can be caused by old age, you do not want to ignore the possibility of water damage. Damaged or clogged gutters can cause water to flow down the side of your home. If your home has painted wood, you may find that the paint is peeling or bubbling in the area affected by the water damage. You may also notice signs of rust, such as orange flecks. Replacing your gutters can help ensure that any water is channeled from your roof and away from the foundation.

6. Prevent Basement Flooding

Do you often find that your basement is flooded after a heavy rainfall? The reason behind this flooding may be due to your faulty or failing gutter system. When your gutters are not working properly, water can pour down to your foundation and into your basement. Basement flooding not only damages furniture and other possessions, but can also cause structure damage to your foundation. A cracked or damaged foundation can cost thousands to repair, especially if the problem is allowed to continue. Replacing your gutters can help prevent basement flooding and associated damage.

7. Ward Off Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew growth is not just limited to the warmer months of the year. It is not uncommon to see fungi growing around your home during the fall season too. Mold and mildew growth on your home or foundation is often caused by poor water filtration. If your rain gutters are dripping water, you may find that the moisture is feeding the fungi causing it to grow and spread. While sometimes the problem is a simple fix, such as a clogged gutter, other times the only solution is gutter replacement.

Contact Gutter Installation Contractors

Cooler temperatures means many homeowners are stepping out of their air conditioned homes to enjoy the cool, crisp autumn weather. It also means that many individuals are taking the time to perform the home maintenance tasks that they have putting off all summer. Preparing the home for the winter season often equates to checking the outside of the home for signs of damage. The roof and gutter system are often the first areas to succumb to damage and should be fixed promptly to prevent costly damage. If you are not able to get on the roof to check for damage yourself, contact professional gutter installation contractors to get the job done for you.

There are a number of red flags that could signal the need for gutter replacement. Look for signs such as overflowing gutters, the presence of cracks or holes, weak attachment to the fascia board, foundation damage, or yard erosion. Gutter replacement can be complicated and even dangerous. Therefore, it is best left in the hands of a professional. Before winter arrives, take the time to replace your old or damaged gutters. To learn more about professional gutter replacement services or to schedule a free consultation, contact a gutter installation contractor today.

The post Top 7 Reasons Fall Is the Best Time to Replace Your Gutters appeared first on Beyond Exteriors.