Gutters play an essential role in your roof’s performance. They are your walls and foundations number one protection from water falling off the roof. They can sometimes need replacement due to weather, ice dams, or tree lambs. Replacement can also be needed when gutters are not seamless and leaking is noticed in the corners or overlaps.
Before replacing your gutters, consider these things:
Signs Gutters Need Replacement
In most cases, gutters are sturdier than they might appear. Do not fall victim to roofing companies that push you to replace your gutters just because a gutter may have a viewable blemish or two. Gutters need to be replaced if:
- There are more than half a dozen large cracks, holes, or rust spots.
- Broken fasteners continue to happen after you have repaired them.
- Nails or screws are found on the ground due to gutter wear.
- Gutters are separating from one another frequently.
- Continuous spacing between your roofline and your gutters.
- Gutters that are sagging.
- Exterior paint peeling off due to water damage.
- Water is pooling or spilling over from your gutters after heavy rainfall.
- Landscape is eroding due to water damage from your gutters.
- Regular basement flooding from water getting near your foundation.
Check Your Fascia Board
Fascia board is what your gutters are attached too and is typically made of wood. Since fascia is made of wood, it has the tendency to rot from excessive moisture that can sometimes accumulate in gutters during rain or snow. Fascia boards are usually covered with flat stock aluminum coil to reduce the moisture, but water can still get behind this and rot the fascia. Because of this, when replacing your gutters, make sure your fascia board has not rotten or is not showing any signs of potential rotting before you place your new gutters on. If you do attach a new gutter to a rotted board, the gutter will fall off and need replacing again soon. Specifically look out for this with older homes.
If your home’s fascia board needs replacement consider using a material that is not prone to rotting, like PVC trim board.
Cost of Replacing Gutters
Aluminum and vinyl gutters are easily affordable. Typically home department stores sell gutters per ten feet sections so price can vary on the size of your home and number of gutter sections needing replaced. Other materials needed include downspouts, downspout extenders, sealant, hangers or clips, end caps, join connectors, and screws.
If you are contemplating replacing your gutters, contact EMA Construction for more information. EMA Construction’s qualified roofers are able to assist in the replacement or repair of your gutters.