There are many warning signs that you should be on the lookout for when it comes to your gutters. Knowing what to look for and then how to get the issue fixed is a large part of homeownership. Failure to do so could result in the actual system failing, and that would in turn lead to damage to your home. So don’t take the risk, if you notice any of the following warning signs for your gutters, call it in immediately.

”The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Do You See Any Stains on Your Siding Near the Downspouts?

WHat to expect when caring for your gutters
Always keep an eye on your downspouts. Source: HGTV

If you see any stains on your siding around your downspouts, this is a clear indication of where the gutter material has been weakened. Usually stains will occur around or near the fasteners or bolts and will usually look like liquid has been pouring down from that location. Overall, lots of yellow or orange rust is one of the biggest signs of bad gutters that you can visually see on your house.

Do Your Gutters Have Cracks or Splits of Any Kind?

When you see cracks or splits in your gutters, they are a definitive sign of clogged gutters and downspouts. And that means that the longer you wait, the more damage you gutters will suffer from and in turn, damage may occur to your home. This is especially troublesome with seamless systems.

Keep in mind that the foundation of your home is usually the first place that's affected by problematic gutters, which can cause big problems down the road.

When was the Last Time You Had Your Gutters Checked?

Some warning signs are more obvious than others
If you see anything like this, call a professional ASAP. Source: HGTV

Most experts agree that you should have your gutters checked out by a professional every year. And the time to do so is definitely the fall. Once all the leaves have fallen (into your gutters) that’s exactly when you want a pro out on the scene checking your home for any issues. As noted before, there are many signs you need gutter cleaning, and an experienced gutter expert will be able to identify anything like that.

Are Your Gutters Sagging?

When your gutters sag, that's a huge red flag for gutter systems. And many homeowners ask themselves, “how often should you replace your gutters?” If you notice sagging, that answer is definitely “soon.”

Sagging gutters means that your gutters are incredibly backed up. Not only that, but the weight of the leaves, debris, and water is causing your gutters to bow. This can lead to gutter failure, or almost worse, a buildup of stagnant water, which can cause lots of damage to your roofing and even invite invasive insects like mosquitoes. So if you notice any sagging in your gutters at all, call a professional for help.

Is the Exterior Paint of Your Gutters Peeling?

Old gutters should especially be looked after
Piping and gutters need to be professionally maintained. Source: Pixabay

Should you notice the paint on your gutters is chipping, peeling, cracking, or it seems to have severe water damage, that could mean that it’s going to be time to replace them soon. This is the answer to a common question homeowners ask: “How long do gutters and downspouts last?” And an easy way to tell how much life your gutters and downspouts have left in them is by the paint. Not only that, but depending on how the paint is peeling away could signify what the issue is.

For example,

  • Overflowing
  • Water pooling
  • Tile damage
  • Foundation damage
  • Moving foundation
  • Bolts becoming unfastened
  • Seams leaking
  • Clogging

Gutters are an important part of your home, and need to be serviced by professionals. Did you know the cost for services changes based on where you live? For example, in Dover, DE it can cost an average of $1,117 for gutter service, while in Seabrook, NH, it can cost an average of $1,253. Want to get a more accurate estimate for free? Get in touch with a homeyou pro near you!

Is Water Pooling Anywhere Along Your Gutters?

If you notice any water pooling around your gutters (or roof) at all, get a professional to help as soon as possible. As mentioned before, stagnant water can be a huge issue for your roofing as it wears away at the material and invites insects into your home. This makes it one of the most prominent warning signs for your gutters.

Are Your Gutters Overflowing?

ANother example of what to look for to keep your gutters happy
If your gutters aren't doing their job, that's cause for concern. Source: Pixabay

Overflowing gutters is a major red flag that is fairly easy to notice in any rainstorm. If your gutters are overflowing and it’s not a torrential downpour, that’s a clear sign that there are drainage issues. Clogged gutter problems lead to big issues if left unchecked, such as water pooling and property damage.

Have You Seen Any Rust-like Areas in Your Gutter System?

Another one of the smaller warning signs of bad gutters is a rust-like discoloration around the edges of a gutter system. This is another reason to get your gutters checked, as rust can mean that the system isn’t working as intended. So feel free to call in for help.


Are your gutters giving you issues? Get them professionally serviced. Get a free estimate today!

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