The gutter is a very important accessory in your home. It helps to collect the rainwater, which in return saves your home. But over time, you can notice that leaks start to appear on its sides. Whenever this happens, it is evident that your gutters need some work. To avoid future damage to your house, it is best if you go for a gutter replacement.
Signs that you need your gutters changed
Trees and other plants growing near the gutters can block them. Leaves and branches of these plants get caught in the gutters, causing clogging and water overflow. The leaves stick to the surface of the gutter and begin to rot, which creates a bad odor, attracts insects and bacteria. This will result in needing to change your gutter sooner than expected; it is a good idea to keep trees at least 3 feet away from your gutters.
Gutters’ rusting is another common sign that they need to be changed. Rusted gutters are more vulnerable to leaking. Even if the leak is slow, water will eventually pool up on the ground causing damage; therefore, it is important that you pay attention to rust on your gutters and change them as soon as possible.
Gutters with holes are a sign that they need replacement. Holes are easier for debris and animals like birds or squirrels to make nests inside, which can cause clogging and water overflow. It is advised that you check your gutter for holes every year before winter starts.
How regular should you change your gutters?
The answer to this question really depends on how well your current gutters are working. If you have a newer home with aluminum or vinyl rain gutters, it may be worth replacing them every five years or so. This is particularly true if you live in an area that sees a lot of snow and ice each winter since these elements can cause damage to less expensive materials.
On the other hand, if you have older wood gutter systems that have been properly maintained, then it may be worth holding off on replacement for ten years or more. It all comes down to how well the gutter system has been maintained and how much exposure it gets from the sun and precipitation each year.
Can you DIY a gutter project?
Trying to replace your gutters by yourself is not a good idea. Even though it is possible, you can run into problems such as poorly fitting materials and shoddy workmanship. Here’s why you should leave gutter replacement work to the pros:
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Materials are specialized
When you buy a new gutter system from a reputable company, the materials are high-quality, the installation will be fine-tuned, and waterproofing seals will be included in the product. This is crucial for ensuring that your new gutters will not leak.
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Expert installation
The DIY approach may seem like a cost-effective option at first glance. However, when you consider that most gutter installations have about an 80% failure rate, it becomes clear that hiring an experienced installer is the better way to go. They know exactly how various gutter systems should be installed on different home types and will install them according to best practices. They can also offer advice on how to keep your gutters operating at optimal levels for many years without needing repair or replacement.
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It can be dangerous
You should never climb on the roof to replace your gutter because doing so can be dangerous. You might fall off and get injured in the process. Also, there are other risks involved, such as slipping from the roof or getting electrocuted.
Types of gutters you can install
There are two kinds of materials from which gutters can be made – galvanized steel and aluminum. Tin or Galvanized steel gutters are the most common ones used in homes today. They are very durable and low maintenance. They also come in various colors, giving you more options than just plain black and white aluminum gutter.
They are made of steel slats that have holes cut into them. These holes allow water to flow through the pipes easily and efficiently. The only disadvantage with these gutter systems is that they tend to rust with time, and you may have to replace them after 15-20 years.
Aluminum gutters, on the other hand, are also very popular among homeowners today as they are lightweight and easy to install by yourself should you choose to do so. Aluminum gutters are also available in a variety of colors that match any house’s exterior finish.
These gutter systems also last longer than their tin or galvanized steel counterparts. The only disadvantage with aluminum gutters is that they can corrode when exposed to acid rain or high nitrate content soil over a long period of time.
While gutter systems are not the most exciting part of your house, they are an essential component for ensuring proper drainage. The last thing you want to do is end up with leaking water in your home or yard that could cause a lot of damage. That is why you need to have your gutter replaced as soon as you notice any issues with the gutter system.
