Gutters. They’re a very small but understated part of your home. Their job is to collect any water and debris that would otherwise fall on our home. Naturally, after time they may begin to see some wear and tear. When you start to experience problems in other areas of your home, it may be time to replace your gutters. Let’s talk about how to identify any issues that may happen due to your gutters.

Leaky Gutters.

If you notice that your gutter is leaking, but you’re unsure of the source. It’s alright. There are a few different reasons as to why it’s happening. When the screws that are holding the gutters to your roof become loose and pop out of place, it can cause the water to flow in other areas that it shouldn’t be. If you’re able to climb a ladder and take a peek at your gutters, you may notice some cracks and holes. You’ll often find these where the fasteners pass through the metal. These are both relatively simple fixes that can be done by adjusting the screws back into place or investing in some plastic roofing cement at your local hardware store.

Flooding in the Roof.

The most common issue that homeowners tend to face from neglecting their gutters is flooding. If your gutters are clogged, the rain will begin to back up onto the roof. Even if your roof is brand new, it can still suffer water damage. Once the water starts to get inside, your roof structure may begin to rot, and this will affect your attic’s insulation. Maintaining your gutters may play a small role in your daily life, but it’s essential to preventing water damage.

More Flooding in Other Places.

If your gutters are leaking or clogged, it may begin to cause you to stress in other areas of your home. Living in Louisville, our homes typically aren’t designed to withstand a substantial amount of water. That’s what our gutters are there for. Too much water spilling over onto your home can cause the walls and the foundation to begin to rot and allow moisture to get inside. Along with that, the foundation of your home will be directly affected. Your foundation supports your entire home. Too much water seeping in can cause it to leak, shift, crack, or even sink. Keep your gutters cleaned out and make sure that your downspouts are pointing away from your home to protect yourself from dealing with these problems.

Rust Issues.

Water that sits and accumulates in your gutters may also accelerate the formation of rust. Rust puts you at risk for holes to form, wherein that case, you will have to replace your gutters completely. If your gutters have any damage to them, they may be collecting water and rust. Clean your gutters regularly to avoid rust, especially after any storm.

Pest Problems.

As the sun becomes more consistent, the temperatures will begin to climb. If there are any debris and standing water still hanging out in your gutters, that creates an easy space for fungi and algae to grow. Another factor to keep in mind, leaving water in your gutters causes them to become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Gutter systems are designed to be around for years, as long as you take care of them. We understand that life is busy, and gutters aren’t something that we think of daily. We hope that this has been a good reminder to get your home regularly inspected, especially after a storm! We’re here if you have any questions, thanks so much for reading!

-New Look Roof Team

For any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at jwest@newlookroofs.com, we hope you have a great day and thanks for reading! 

- Julian