Gutters play an important role in the safety of your home, carrying water from the roof and routing it away from the foundation. While these systems are designed to last for years, they will typically display some noticeable signs when they're starting to break down. Here are a few of the most common signs that a new gutter installation is in order.

How to Tell if You Need New Gutters

1. Visible Damage

The gutters are designed to endure the elements, but they all start to experience wear and tear caused by constant exposure to changing weather conditions. Extensive cracking, holes, or rust spots indicate the need for new gutters, especially when they appear around seams. The seams are naturally weaker areas, and damage will only compromise them further, increasing the risk of the section loosening or breaking off.

2. Hardware on the Ground

The various components of the system should be tightly and securely attached. When some of the material starts to deteriorate, these components can loosen and fall to the ground. Check the ground underneath your gutters for nails, screws, metal fasteners, and brackets. The occasional dislodged piece of hardware is likely not a cause for alarm, but if there are several pieces on the ground or they keep falling off even after reinstallation, a new system may be needed.

3. Gutters Pulling Away

The gutters need to lay flush against the roof to catch as much water as possible. If you can see space between a gutter and the roofline, the fascia is probably deteriorating and unable to hold the system in place. In this situation, a gutter installation professional can replace the fascia and attach a new system.

4. Sagging

Over time, the gutters may start to warp due to natural wear and tear, have inadequate support, or be too small for the drainage needs of your home. This can cause them to sag and should be checked out by a professional to prevent waterflow problems. A new system will restore the functioning and look of your gutters.

If you spot any of these red flags, contact the gutter installation professionals at Pyramid Roofing. For over 20 years, they have been serving the Omaha, NE, area. Their roofers provide gutter, roof, window, and siding installations. Call (402) 502-9300 to request a quote or visit them online to explore their gutter services.