Aspects To Consider Before Replacing Gutters

Problems with gutters that you don't know how to solve? We have the solution. First, make sure if they need to be completely replaced or if the problem can be fixed with a repair. Whatever the problem, it's best to try to fix it first, before spending considerable time and money replacing the entire system. Here's what to know before you replace your gutters.

How to know if it is necessary to replace or repair the gutters?

It is very likely that you will need to replace the gutters if any of these problems occur:

If cracks, holes or large rust marks appear, then the gutters should be replaced. You have to make sure which are the affected areas and act on them; it is possible that with the substitution of a section we will fix the problem. But it is convenient to make sure that there are no more affected areas so that you do not have to replace parts regularly.

In case the anchors of your gutter system are loose or damaged by the passage of time, they must be replaced immediately. To know if the fixation is safe, you just have to move the gutter slightly, if the fastening does not keep the gutter completely fixed and shows looseness or we appreciate deterioration or oxidation, we have to change them. Many gutter maintenance services check the anchors and repair them as part of the service. Keep in mind that poor fastening can cause the gutter to detach, which can be extremely dangerous.

It's best not to take chances and replace or repair bindings right away.

If you notice uneven water flow when draining your gutters, this may be due to cracks or blockages in the system. If it is an obstruction, it will be necessary to find where it has occurred and eliminate it. In the case of small cracks, they can be repaired with specific products, but a detailed inspection of the entire system must be carried out. If there are many small cracks, it is best to replace the entire section or even the entire gutter system.

In many cases there is an irregular deterioration of sections of the gutters, it may be due to the fact that this area receives more sunlight; usually in the south facing sections. Or that, on the contrary, it is a north-facing area and therefore more humid, which in the long term can also cause oxidation. If we are in an area with frequent frosts, our gutters will suffer more wear, especially if they become clogged, since the water expands when it freezes and forces the material, causing cracks. Correct periodic maintenance will help you avoid these problems and will prolong the life of your gutters .

If the gutters are in an area surrounded by trees, several problems can occur that we must prevent. In the case of deciduous trees, we must be vigilant during the fall to prevent the leaves from clogging the system. Some trees also produce resin that comes off in the form of small drops, if they fall on the gutters they end up devastating their surface and eventually deteriorate them. In any of these cases it is advisable to increase the frequency of cleaning and maintenance of the gutters.

4 rules for replacing gutters

If your gutters are straight, your fixture is solid, and there are no leaks, then you don't need to replace them; but if you carry out regular maintenance. Depending on the area where we are, it can be from one to three times a year.

If they have small leaks, there is still time to make a repair. In the case of copper or steel gutters, you can choose to repair them with welding or with a waterproof patch. The welding must be done by a professional and subsequently treated to prevent oxidation. Otherwise, the welded section deteriorates rapidly.

If you decide to replace the gutters, always demand the best qualities. PVC gutters are less resistant than metal ones, if you want to provide your house with a durable guttering system we recommend that you use aluminum, copper, or steel gutters.

Finally, you can find many shapes and finishes in metal gutters, choose those that fit the style of the facade on which they are going to be installed. You can opt for a design that is integrated into the facade or frame it with them, playing with the contrast of colors. For example, gutters with a copper finish go very well for houses with a rustic façade if we choose an ornate model, but they can also be ideal for modern finishes with a model with clean lines.