You work hard to protect the inside of your home from the elements. While a good-quality roof is important to keep everything dry inside, your eavestrough plays a vital role in protecting not only the interior but also the exterior of your home. It diverts water from the siding and the foundation, effectively ensuring runoff goes into the ground. However, water damage caused by shabby gutters can quickly go from bad to worse if they are not working properly. Here are some signs you can look for to determine whether your eavestrough needs to be replaced.
You Have Noticed Patches of Rust or Holes
Wear and tear are normal in areas of your home that are constantly subjected to the thralls of mother nature. Eavestroughs are no different. The typical materials used are plastic, vinyl, and/or aluminum (which has the longest lifespan). Metal is likely to develop rust patches after some time, and with constant exposure to water, the material will break down and cause problems. Plastic and vinyl may have holes from errant branches or tree debris, which will similarly cause the gutters to malfunction. It is possible to spot-repair some of these issues, depending on the severity of the problem.
There are Drainage Problems
Speaking of problems, when it’s raining, you’ll see your gutter and eavestrough doing their job: to divert water off your roof and away from the foundation of your home. In good working conditions, this is easy. However, leaking seams, joints, or corners are a sign that an eavestrough needs to be replaced. If there is a problem along any part of the track, it will cause a ripple effect throughout the system. As a result, you might notice there is not a lot of water coming down the drain spout, while other areas are overflowing with water. Depending on the damage, you may only need to remove the debris to ease the flow of water, but it is more likely that issues will persist afterwards and require a new system.
The Eavestrough is Misplaced or Separated from the Fascia
After the storm has cleared and the sun comes out, you might want to inspect your eavestroughs. A gutter separated from the fascia, or even misplaced, renders the system nearly useless by allowing the water to fall directly downwards to the foundation and exterior of your home. A heavy rainstorm or improper installation can cause these problems. Look along your fascia and ensure the eavestrough is properly aligned, and see where the fascia meets the siding. If you notice misalignment, depending on how long ago you had your gutters done, it might be time for a replacement.
There is Damage Outside, and Inside
A telltale sign that your eavestrough is not working properly (and hasn’t been for some time) is the impact it has on your home. Masonry might become damaged due to increased amounts of water, or siding could start to show the presence of mould. In extreme cases, water will start to seep into cracks in the foundation or through walls, causing possible mildew and structural problems. In these cases, it is best to call in the professionals.
Rain gutters and eavestroughs are necessary home roofing features. Any issues with their functionality are usually revealed in wet weather conditions, but you can also identify problems with a simple visual inspection. It is crucial to replace this system in a timely manner to prevent damage from happening to your property. At Top Hat, we carry out professional eavestrough installation, repair, and protection services. To learn more, contact us today. We’re happy to help!