Troubleshooting Gutters: Repair or Replace?
The humble gutter doesnt get much glory considering all the work it does to protect your home and property. In fact, its easy to forget about this critical feature until something goes wrong or its time to clean them out. Use this guide to troubleshoot and decide if its time to repair or replace gutters on your Lancaster or Chester County home.
Your Gutters Are Sagging
Gutters sag when theyre weighed down with debris, leaves, and other materials. The sagging is more than unsightlyit can cause damage to your home thats both pricey and inconvenient to fix.
For example, a gutter can become so heavy it pulls away from the home, taking the fascia with it. In serious cases, it can detach from the house completely and fall to the ground, posing a hazard to people and property alike.
While adding a brace under the problem area can offer a temporary fix, the safest long-term solution is to replace that stretch of gutter with new, properly secured seamless gutters.
Your Gutters Are Leaking
The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to carry water away from your home so it doesnt pool around the foundation. If your gutters are leaking, that means water is dropping and pooling where it can seep into the basement and, in some cases, cause cracking or bowing.
Leaks are often caused by storm damage, rust, or animal activitysquirrels, for example, love to chew through gutters.
Your Gutters Are Clogged
Debris buildup can trigger big-time trouble in your gutters and roof. It allows water to back up, overflow, and even pool on the roof itself.
If your home doesnt have gutter guards, clean them at least twice a year to keep water flowing freely. You should also clear them anytime you see visible signs of a blockage, such as plants growing from the gutter.
Should You Repair Or Replace Gutters?
Small or localized damage may be easy to repair. For example, a minor hole can sometimes be sealed with an exterior-grade caulk. Just be sure to follow proper safety precautions if youre using a ladder.
However, if the damage is widespreador if youd rather not attempt repairs yourselfits best to contact Best Contracting. Our team provides thorough inspections and honest guidance on whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.
We specialize in installing seamless gutters and GutterFilter guards for homes across Lancaster County, Chester County, Berks County, and surrounding areas in PA, MD, NJ, and DE.
