Your home's exterior features all work together to protect the structure. If the gutters become damaged or worn, they can cause problems with the roofing and siding. The guide below will help you identify the early signs of a problem.

How Can Gutters Damage My Home?

If your gutters are old or damaged, they won't allow water to move freely through the drain system. Dents and tears can trap debris and create clogs, which can cause water to overflow. When this happens, moisture is pressed against the edge of your roof and flows down your siding. 

This can cause the soffit and fascia to rot or develop mold, and it can make siding warp, grow mildew, and become discolored. Organic materials, such as wood, may also rot. Leaks can also expose your siding to moisture, as can splashing or puddling from short downspouts. Clogged gutters can also freeze in winter, contributing to damaging ice dams that can pull them away from the roof and can cause significant moisture exposure.

When Do They Need to Be Replaced?

The average lifespan for the majority of gutters is roughly 20 years. If your system is nearing or past its life expectancy, the material and hardware may be prone to rust or leaks, and it's time to start planning for a replacement. Systems should also be replaced if they have visible damage, such as dents, holes, sagging, pulling away from your home, or rust. 

They'll also need to be inspected for a replacement if they're leaking, but leaks can sometimes be hard to detect. Look for signs like puddles at the base of your home, visible damage or loose hardware in the system, and symptoms of moisture exposure on your siding. To check the edge of your roof, look for wood that's rotting, discolored, moldy, crumbling, or warped around the gutters. You can also use a hose to run water through the system, watching for leaks.

What Can I Do to Maintain Them?

Keep gutters clean and free of clogs, including the downspouts. Having gutter guards installed on your system can help prevent clogs by keeping out debris. Inspect the system every few months, tightening hardware and getting repairs for damage as needed. 

Consider installing downspout extensions to funnel water further away from your home, preventing puddling and splashing. Replace your system when it experiences extensive damage, frequent repairs, or extreme wear due to age.

If your system is damaged or old, ABC Seamless Super Store in Jerome, ID, can replace it with durable, custom seamless gutters. For over 35 years, they've installed durable steel soffits and fasciae and backed their work with strong product and labor warranties. Family-owned, they specialize in sustainable products that need little to no maintenance. Explore all their gutter services online, and call (208) 733-9683 to request a quote.