When you think of the different parts of your home that need to be repaired and replaced, gutters may not be high on your list. But gutters play an integral part of your home’s defense system against the elements. When your home’s gutters in Brighton Michigan cannot properly do their job, you run the risk of all sorts of problems, many costly and not covered by insurance. To help you prevent any of these problems from starting, you need to take proper care of your gutters and know when it is time to replace them.
Many times when a component on your home fails it does give some type of warning. As roofing gets older it begins to break down and show signs that mean it’s time to get a new roof installed on your home. For gutters there are also signs that can mean they will need to be replaced soon. Many times the gutters on your home will only last about as long as the roofing. And if the roofing on your home is at the end of it’s useful life and you need a roof replacement getting gutters at the same time can save money on the gutter installation. If however, your roof is in good shape and you want to look at your gutters to see if they are performing as they should be sure to look for these signs which could indicate there is a problem.
Gutters serve as a way to divert water away from your home, and deposit it a safe distance away from the foundation. Without gutters, the water can flow directly around the home’s foundation, allowing too much moisture to soak into the soil. This loosens the ground and can cause the foundation of your home to sink as the soil erodes. Water can also sit on your roof, or slide down to your siding. That means moisture has a chance to sit and work its way into your home. This can create leaks, as well as allow mold, mildew, algae and fungus to grow. In the winter this water can also freeze into ice dams. Roof leaks can lead to structural damage as well as fire and electrical shock hazards.
If you aren’t sure if you need new gutters for your home, consider if you have any of the following signs. And if you notice any of these signs it’s best to get a full roof inspection done on your home by a qualified roofing contractor in Brighton Michigan.
Because there is so much moisture passing through your gutters, it can cause corrosion to systems made of metal. Corrosion will take a while to occur, but will only get worse over time. It will eventually end with a hole where the water can flow out, defeating the purpose of a gutter system. Corrosion cannot be repaired, so the only solution is to replace your gutters.
Leaks can be caused by corrosion or other types of damage, but even the smallest trickle of water can be a problem. You can provide a temporary fix by using duct tape, spackle or caulk to fill the holes, but this is not a long- term solution. Instead, this should be used just until the new gutters can be installed.
While seemingly minor, dents may not look like a major issue, they do compromise your gutter’s ability to function at their best. This is because dents allow for debris to get stuck more easily in your gutters, creating an obstruction that makes water more difficult to get through. This can cause water to overflow, letting moisture sit on your roof and form leaks.
Whether it is to increase your curb appeal for resale, or you just want to upgrade to something new, replacing your gutters can make your home look more aesthetically pleasing. It is advised that you don’t paint gutters, but replace them if you want to change the colors for the best result.
If you notice any type of problems with your home’s gutters in Brighton Michigan be sure to give us a call here at Livingston Roof Pros at 517-940-8770. We will have an experienced roofer come out and inspect your gutters and roof if needed. We can also provide you with a free quote on repairs or replacement.
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