If you see the signs of gutters needing repairing, you should not wait to take care of the issue. When left unattended, your gutters will become more damaged and will require expensive repairs, or even replacements.
We have collected some of the major signs that your gutters need repairing so you can keep them in top condition.
Mould
If you notice mould inside your loft or roof area, then your gutters are most likely not functioning correctly. Your ceiling might show signs of mould, or rust on outer fittings, which indicates damp that could be caused by your gutters not draining water correctly.
Screws
Have you seen screws or nails appearing on your property? If so, they may be falling from your gutters if the guttering is coming loose. This could mean that a small amount of your guttering needs to be replaced, which is a much smaller job than if it is left for any period of time.
Cracks
Should you see visible fractures or cracks in gutters, then this can cause water to trickle onto your home. When you first see a small crack, this should be attended to as quickly as possible as even little problem areas could lead to larger issues down the line.
Sagging
Are your gutters beginning to sag or moving away from your house? Then you may have an issue with the brackets. This can be caused by leaves and other buildups which have not been cleared out. This is especially common during the winter months when trees shed leaves.
Water
There are many ways in which water can be an indicator of needing repairs for your gutters. Should you notice standing water or discolouration to the outside of your home, these are indicators of ill-functioning gutters. Similarly, if you find that your gutters are overflowing when it rains, this means that they may have been installed poorly, or are not suitable for your home. This is especially important to check if your gutters are clean.
Pests
Have you had any unwelcome visitors lately? If you have an increase of mice, frogs or insects around your property, this could indicate clogging in your gutters, which could cause further damage. While this is not always the case, any instances of increased pest activity are often associated with plumbing issues and should be checked out.
If you notice any of these signs, you should get in touch with a specialist who can help you to repair your gutters before the damage gets any worse. While gutters can have a lifespan of around twenty (and sometimes up to forty) years, this is usually with repairs being done. Get in touch with Matt Diamond Plumbing to have your gutters checked, and for the best advice on how to maintain them.
