is it time to replace your evestrough? Here are the signs to look out for

While the phrase “better late than never” may ring true for many things, it’s something you want to avoid when it comes to roof maintenance—especially, in maintaining a seamless eavestrough. Neglecting your eavestrough system can have catastrophic consequences, including direct water damage to different areas of the home. 

The easiest way to avoid damage to your home and the immense costs that come with it is by keeping your eavestrough intact and up-to-date. But how do you know when to replace your eavestrough? Here are the most obvious signs that it’s time for a new eavestrough installation.

Read on!

Water Leaking

If water is leaking out of your gutter system, this is a good sign your eavestroughs are in a state of disrepair. There should never be leaks in your gutter system as that means water cannot flow away normally from the foundations of your house. This, however, does not include water overflow during heavy rain, which is normal. 

Leaking gutters usually result from corroded metal caused by stagnant water. If there are only one or two small holes, they can simply be sealed off but multiple larger holes will require a total replacement. 

Sometimes, leaks can be the result of misplaced joints that are not attached correctly in the places where water is leaking through. This is likely because of poor workmanship and is a sign that you need an eavestrough repair service .

Fading Paint

Take a good look at the paint on your gutters and eavestroughs. Does it still look bright and relatively fresh, or is your last coat fading fast? Gutter paint is formulated to resist moisture and disintegration, so a paint job that looks worn out is a good sign that your gutter system may be out of date.

So next time you notice flaky or faded paint on your gutters, don’t paint over it. This is only going to distract you from the real state of your eavestroughs. Instead, get them replaced as soon as possible!

Separated Gutters

Eavestroughs that have become separated from the fascia are not doing their job, as they can’t properly collect runoff from the roof. As your gutters will lean out at an angle when separated, it is also likely that they will spill water near the foundations of your home—essentially doing the opposite of what they are required. 

While you may want to reattach the separated gutters to the fascia board to save money, this is a bad idea. Separated gutters usually twist quite badly while unsupported, rendering them ineffective. If you’ve spotted such gutters on your home, you should replace them.

Sagging or Improperly-Pitched Gutters

An improperly-pitched or sagging gutter can cause water to pool in various areas of your eavestrough system. As a result, this can cause the pooled water to overflow and leak out onto the sides of your house. Over time, the extra weight can even lead your gutters to collapse completely. 

Sagging and improperly-pitched gutters are a good sign that you may want to replace your eavestroughs in the near future.

Eroded Landscaping

Landscape erosion is another good sign that your gutters are leaking. This is something worth noting because if you don’t see water damage in the house, it might mean the water is leaking elsewhere. 

If you notice runoff or mild flooding in your garden with no clear cause, it’s time to take a look at your eavestrough.

Indoor Mould Problems

If you are smelling a musty or mouldy odour in your home, your eavestroughs may be the cause. As your gutters are designed to draw water away from your home, moisture and mould inside the home may be a sign that your eavestrough system isn’t doing its job. Water is likely going down the sides of your home instead.

In this case, it’s important to replace your eavestroughs as soon as possible. Mould inside the home can indicate water damage and can also be a health hazard for inhabitants.

Thinking of a Repair or Installation?

You might be hesitant to jump into a new eavestrough installation. It can be time-consuming and expensive. However, the long-term effects of a poorly installed or damaged eavestrough system are often far more expensive. 

It is, therefore, important to consider preventative maintenance when it comes to your home. 

For eavestrough installation and repair in Whitby, Ontario, get in touch with our expert team at Limestone Construction & Excavating . 

Talk to us today at 905-431-9924 or visit our online contact page to request a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!