Do I Really Need Gutters On My New Home

Do I Really Need Gutters On My New Home

As spring is just around the corner, some of you are possibly making plans to build a new home or commercial building. Some of you may be looking for ways to save money. So you may be asking, “Do I really need gutters on my new home?”

Gutters are an interesting topic in roofing and construction, because while it seems everyone understands the general purpose of gutters, there are also several misconceptions out there and even some question as to whether or not gutters are truly necessary, and the extent of what they do.

What Gutters Do

Gutters are designed to redirect water away from your home and foundation. When clean and functioning properly, rainwater and other precipitation flows into the gutters, which then direct the water safely away from your home.

Benefits

By moving water away from your home, you:

  • Prevent erosion. Without gutters, the rain would fall directly next to our house, eroding the soil.
  • Protect your foundation. Worse than eroding the soil, which is a comparatively less costly fix, too much water seeping into your foundation requires a highly expensive fix, and can be dangerous.
  • Protect siding. Rainwater is going to batter your siding regardless, but when additional water slowly drips off the roof, it can stain (and, depending on your type of siding, possibly rot) your siding, decreasing its life span.
  • Prevent flooding. Directing water toward a drain or safe area eliminates puddles, which can lead to flooding.

Remember: All those benefits go away, and can even get worse, if you don’t first install gutters and then keep them clean and in working order.

Are Gutters Always Necessary?

There are no laws that require new construction to include gutters. And, although rare, depending on where you live and the type of construction, gutters may be nothing more than an added expense and maintenance project for you.

In most cases, though, adding and maintaining gutters will be one of the wisest, albeit least glamorous, decisions you can make for your home.

Do I Need Gutters on My Home?

If you live in Western Kentucky or anywhere in our region, it’s far more likely that you should have gutters on your home. While cleaning and maintaining gutters can be a dirty, tedious task, it’s well worth the effort to prevent potential costly, dangerous problems.

However, there are a few reasons you might not need the added expense and maintenance.

If you live somewhere with extremely little rainfall (that is, not in Kentucky or anywhere nearby), or if your home is surrounded by concrete that slopes away from your home or building, which protects the foundation, you may be fine without gutters.

In short, you almost definitely should have gutters on your home.

We Can Help

If you are anywhere in the Western Kentucky region and looking for new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or gutter guards, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. We are your one stop shop for all things gutter related. For more information or a FREE QUOTE, give us a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

Five Ways That Ice Can Damage Your Home

Five Ways That Ice Can Damage Your Home

The ice is finally melting in Western Kentucky! One of the most damaging forces in winter is ice. Ice can result from a freeze-thaw cycle after snowfall or from falling temperatures. You may end up with ice-coated trees, icicles hanging from your home or even ice in your pipes. If you’ve looked into the cost of gutter guard systems and thought they were too expensive, the related ice damage can be more expensive than you may think. Here are a few ways that ice can damage your home.

Ways That Ice Can Damage Your Home

  1. Falling Tree Branches

If you have tree branches that overhang your home and they become coated in ice, they may fall and cause roof damage, gutter damage, or even break windows or crack siding. If you trim back overhanging branches before an ice storm, you can prevent this sort of damage much of the time.

2 Clogged Downspouts & Gutters

When water is trapped in your gutters and freezes, it expands. Depending on the material your gutter system is made from, it may crack, burst or even pull away from your home due to the extreme weight of the ice. The blocks of ice take a long time to melt, resulting in snow on the roof having nowhere to go – so it either goes over the edge of your gutters, forming icicles, or into your shingles, resulting in a roof leak.

  1. Icicles

Icicles may look pretty, but they can do some serious damage to your home. First, no matter what your gutters are made from or who installed them, they weren’t meant to handle the weight of icicles. These can pull the gutters away from your home. If the icicle breaks and falls, it can damage siding or break windows. Even worse, if it happens to fall on a person walking beneath, you have another issue.

  1. Water Damage

Eventually, ice will melt. Depending how fast it melts and whether your downspouts are full of ice as well, the water may not have anywhere to go. Water follows the path of least resistance. On some homes, that may mean between the gutters and fascia, resulting in damage. Another common place for water to go is up under your shingles. This results in damaged shingles and, potentially, a roof leak. If you’re lucky and the water runs over the edge of the gutters without forming icicles, you’ll end up with a lot of water in one place – which may lead to water in your crawl space, basement or beneath your foundation.

  1. Ice Dams

When your gutters are clogged from leaves and debris, ice dams form. An ice dam may result in icicles or it may just back up onto the roof. This can lead to damaged shingles and too much weight at your roof’s edge. Because the ice dam often damages shingles, your roof is no longer protected and you’ll end up with water in your attic, potentially damaging insulation, wiring and anything else in there.

If you have noticed any of these issues during our recent winter weather, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help. Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter cleaning or gutter guards, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is your one-stop shop for all things gutter related. For more information, give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

Winter Gutter Maintenance Tips

Winter Gutter Maintenance Tips

Gutter Boyz of Kentucky wants to remind you to always maintain a “safety first,” approach to winter gutter maintenance.

In most cases, you won’t need to get up on the roof to clean or maintain gutters and downspouts, you’ll still be up on a ladder. Plus, disturbing debris and dirt can irritate or injure the eyes, hands, or exposed areas of the body.

Safety is always the first priority when performing roof or gutter maintenance. Make sure you:

  • Wear safety goggles
  • Don gloves
  • Wear non-slip shoes
  • Use a mask, especially if you’re sensitive to dust, pollen or allergies
  • Observe NSC ladder safety recommendations
  • Schedule ahead so you perform gutter cleaning and maintenance on a fair-weather day
  • Hire a professional to do the job for gutters above the first story

Clean gutters at least twice per year

Gutters should be cleaned at least twice per year. Typically, we recommend cleaning them before the winter season, and then again in the spring. However, it’s a good idea to take a peek after any major storm. If you hear the clatter and knocks of branches, twigs, and leaves on the roof or walls due to high winds, inspecting and cleaning any obvious debris keeps gutters and downspouts clear.

Clear the roof from existing debris

Gutters primarily fill up with debris from the roof that washes down via rain or makes it was down over time via gravity. If you feel up to it, and understand “Roof Safety 101”, you can clean the roof on your own.

However, if you aren’t quite sure what to do, your roof is slippery, has steep slopes, or you live in a multi-story home, we highly recommend hiring a professional to get the job done.

Inspect gutters for rust, leaks, holes, and corroded joints

Once the gutters are cleaned, and the downspouts are free and clear (evidenced by consistent, full streams of water when you run your hose into the gutter), it’s time to inspect your gutters for any signs of rust, leaks, or holes. You’re most likely to see these at the gutter joints, where metal edges were welded together.

If the gutters look exceptionally dented, rusty, or generally dilapidated, it’s worth replacing them.  Give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a FREE ESTIMATE.

Don’t forget the downspouts

Your gutters carry the water and debris that washes off the roof, but your downspouts do the rest of the work. Without them, all that water would drain at the base of your home, which can compromise the foundation.

Inspect the downspouts for rust, leaks, holes or corroded joints the same way you did for the gutters. Repair compromised issues, and replace any downspouts that are beyond repair. Does the runoff pool a little too close to your foundation or walkways for comfort? Take this opportunity to use downspout extenders to provide better drainage.

Let Us Do The Work For You

Many people may choose to do gutter cleaning themselves.  But for times when you need professional gutter cleaning, gutter repairs or new gutter installation, we hope you will contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.  You can always reach us by phone at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us for a free estimate.

Four Ways Clogged Gutters Will Destroy Your Home

Four Ways Clogged Gutters Will Destroy Your Home

For many people, one of their least favorite chores is cleaning the gutters. It’s scary climbing a ladder and the disgusting things that you find up there can be haunting. That’s why most people put off cleaning their gutters. It’s a hassle and frankly, most of us have the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. But the truth is your gutters are the life blood of your home.

Gutters are often called the silent killer because by the time a homeowner realizes there is a problem, it’s too late. Let’s look at the four ways clogged gutters can damage your home.

Landscaping –

If you take pride in your house, chances are you care about your lawn and flower beds. The most common enemy of a beautiful landscape is flooding. Gutter cleaning services from Gutter Boys of Kentucky can keep your property safe from standard rain storm flooding by enabling proper drainage. Functioning gutters allow you to direct the drainage stream wherever you need to so that water does not ruin your lawns, drown your flowers, wash away your hedges, or erode an expensive lawn statue.

Critters-

One of the more popular nesting places for animals and bugs is in your gutters. Gutters, of course, catch water and if they clog it will become a trough for animals. Rodents can chew into drywall, gnaw on important wires, and fill your home with droppings. From carpenter ants to termites and potato bugs, there are a wide variety of material-eating insects that you want nowhere near your home. Wasps’ nests, mosquitoes and spiders can threaten your family’s safety and provide a serious scare too. Consistently clean gutters will prevent any unwanted pests from making your life miserable. Unobstructed, free-flowing gutters will wash away any pests that are trying to settle in.

Wood-

A typical problem with gutters is that when they clog the water can run down the sides of your house. The purpose of gutters is to prevent this from happening because the water can seep into wood frames on doors and windows. The other issue is flooding. Flooding will wreak havoc on all of your exposed wood surfaces. Decks are prime selling-points in the realty market, but some people worry about the upkeep that these ultimate recreational spots demand. Wooden decks, doors, and fascia alike add a beautiful aesthetic to the home.

Foundation-

The most important part of your home is the foundation. If you have had the misfortune of living through a cracked foundation, you definitely don’t want to go through that nightmare again. Cracked foundations are most common during the colder months when standing water around your house freezes. Cracked foundations threaten the structural integrity of your entire home. If you noticed clogged gutters freezing up over the winter months, now is the time to handle it. Having clean gutters is an extremely reasonable investment that can save you tens of thousands in repairs.

It’s amazing how something so simple can be so destructive. Our homes are designed to withstand a lot, but there is a balance that needs to be maintained.  Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is here to help.  Whether you need new gutters, gutter repair, gutter guards or gutter cleaning, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the place to call.  Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE or CLICK HERE to contact us.

Why Choose Seamless Gutters

Why Choose Seamless Gutters

Should you install a seamless or sectional gutter system for your home? Your choice will have a big impact on how much you will need to worry about your gutters. Seamless gutters minimize the risk of roof leaks and they last longer and are easier to clean than sectional gutters. As the top gutter contractor in Western Kentucky, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky recommends seamless gutters for your home or commercial property whenever possible. To help you understand why, we will explain how gutters work, discuss the differences between seamless and sectional gutters and highlight the benefits of seamless gutters for your home.

How Do Gutters Work and Why Are They Important?

Your gutters may not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they are among the most important. Your gutters’ job is to protect the rest of your home from water damage. Your roof sheds a lot of water when it rains. This rainwater flows to the roof edge where the gutters catch it and redirect it into your downspouts. The downspouts deposit the water a safe distance away from your home. This is important because otherwise, the rain could saturate the soil surrounding your foundation and cause problems.

The gutter system can be attached to the fascia using a clip or spike-and-ferrule hanger or it can be hung using hangers along your roof’s eaves. Gutters used to be made from wood and stone in centuries past, but modern manufacturers now make gutters from vinyl and various kinds of metal. Your choice of gutter material will depend on your home’s specific needs and your budget. As the leading expert in gutters and gutter covers in the region, we recommend aluminum gutters because they provide a great balance between durability and affordability.

Sectional Gutters vs. Seamless Gutters

Sectional gutters are the kind of gutters you can get from a store. They come in sections, which makes them cheaper and easier to install. Sectional gutters are made up of different pieces that are joined together by clips, screws sealant or a combination of any of the three. Sectional gutters are designed to work with many different kinds of homes. You figure out the length of your roof edge and you buy a certain amount of sections and downspouts. Sectional gutters used to be common and you can typically find them in older homes.

When buying and installing sectional gutters, remember that you’ll get what you pay for. As the leading expert in gutters and gutter protection in Paducah, KY and the surrounding region, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky does not recommend these for our customers. Sectional gutters are made with multiple pieces, which means they have multiple opportunities to fail. It only takes one section of the gutter system to come loose to leave your home more vulnerable to water damage.

Seamless gutters, one the other hand, are made of one continuous piece of metal. Seamless gutters have no sections and they have no screws, sealants, or clips. The entire stretch of your home will be protected by one solid length of gutter. You won’t have to worry about parts of your gutter system coming loose. Leaks are much less likely because there are no vulnerable seams.

Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Seamless gutters are the better choice for your gutter replacement system because they look better, last longer and require less maintenance than sectional gutters. In addition, they are also much less likely to leak, and they can protect your home from water damage better. You will have fewer things to worry about if you choose seamless gutters for your home.

Custom Designed – Seamless gutters are manufactured according to a property’s specific measurements. You are guaranteed a perfect fit when you choose seamless gutters. When gutters fit well, they are less likely to leak and they perform a better job protecting your home from water damage.

Reduced Maintenance Requirements – Dirt, leaves and other debris can get stuck in the seams of sectional gutters. This isn’t a problem with seamless gutters. You won’t have to clean your seamless gutters as often and they’ll require less professional maintenance.

Longer Lifespan – You won’t need to worry about replacing your gutter system for a long time when you install seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are much less likely to clog than sectional gutters, so they are much less likely to fail. Seamless gutters are also made of much stronger materials like aluminum. The reduced repair and maintenance costs combined with the long lifespan of seamless gutters means that they virtually pay for themselves over time.

More Design Options – Seamless gutters also look better. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky offers a wide range of colors for seamless gutters. Since every seamless gutter is custom-designed, you can easily find a color that perfectly matches your home.

Whether you are looking for gutters for a new home or as replacement gutters, the gutter experts at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is ready to help.  Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to get your FREE ESTIMATE.  Remember, there is a reason that Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is the leading gutter expert in the region.  Give us a call today to find out why!

Clean Your Gutters BEFORE They Freeze To Prevent Damage

Clean Your Gutters BEFORE They Freeze To Prevent Damage

Frozen gutters are potentially a hazardous condition. Removing the accumulated debris from inside of your gutters before the freezing temperatures is critical. If your gutters are clogged with debris and they become frozen, then it can become very difficult to remove the debris so that the gutters can drain properly.  This is why you must clean your gutters “before” they freeze to prevent damage.

Debris accumulation that becomes frozen can be extremely heavy and will cause the gutters to become loose over time. If the gutters are not secure this can cause the gutters to fall off the house completely. Frozen gutters are also known to pull the wood trim off the house along with them when they fall. This is very problematic for many reasons.

When gutters fall off a house, they expose the wood behind the gutter to the wet weather. Moisture, wind, and temperature changes can all take a toll on the exposed wood. The paint that protects the wood can be diminished and the wood itself will deteriorate if unprotected for any extended periods of time. If the wood is pulled off with the gutter when it falls it can expose your attic to the cold weather and to wild animals who may be looking for a warm shelter.

Why Do My Gutters Freeze During Winter?

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing down the downspouts and draining properly. Backlogged water stems from poor drainage in the gutter system usually caused by improper pitch or blockage from debris such as leaves, twigs, acorns, bird’s nest, and other foreign objects. This can cause water to fill up the gutter trough and then overflow. If the temperature drops below freezing, then the overflowing gutters will develop into ice sickles. As more water drains from the roof the ice will continue to increase in size and weight.

Snow

Snow that accumulates on top of roofing surfaces can melt during the day run down into the gutters and re-freeze at night when the temperatures drop again. This can also contribute to the increase in size and weight of the ice in the gutters. Poor attic insulation and insufficient ventilation are typically the main causes for ice accumulating on the roof. Having no room to drain, water from melted snow on the roof will run over the gutter lips and may form icicles in subfreezing temperatures. All of this increases the risk of property damage and costly repairs.  Cleaning your gutters before they freeze will help.

Gutter Damage

Ice build-up will add significant weight to the gutters and cause them to loosen, sag, leak, and/or break. Gutter hangers may come loose in one or more areas along the gutter system due to the weight of the ice dams and icicles. Hanging gutters may eventually break, fall off and even damage the fascia board in the process. We have seen cases where falling gutters have damaged windows and cars.

Roof Damage

Frozen gutters can damage roofing surfaces in the winter. This could happen during freezing and thawing cycles where water melts during the day and then refreezes overnight causing ice to remain on the roof for extended periods of time. The weight from accumulated ice and snow may cause shingles to shift and allow water to seep into and underneath the shingles which can often lead to structural damage.

Structural Damage

Water from frozen gutters and downspouts can leak into the home, through the attic, and cause damage to the ceilings, walls, insulation, rugs, carpets, furniture and more. Moisture stains may appear on walls or drywall causing plaster to crack. Water spilling over the gutter lips can flow or seep into the basement causing cracks, creating mold, and even weakening the structure’s foundation over time.

How to Prevent Frozen Gutters?

The best way to prevent frozen gutters is to stop ice dams from forming in the first place.  Cleaning your gutters before they freeze is very important. Routine gutter cleaning and maintenance throughout the year especially before winter helps prevent ice damming. Cleaning could be required several times a year depending on the surrounding tree coverage near your home. Your gutters and downspouts may need cleaning more often depending on the type of trees around your home and if those trees or foliage persistently shed leaves, twigs, and other tree debris.

The gutter professionals at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky are here to help.  Whether you need new gutters, gutter cleaning, gutter guards or gutter repairs, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky.  Call (270) 906-3055 for a FREE ESTIMATE today or CLICK HERE to contact us!

Why Consider Oversized Gutters

Why Consider Oversized Gutters

Did you know there are 6″ oversized commercial gutters available to the homeowner? What exactly are they, who needs them and why? Do you live in a location that experiences a lot of rain? These are all great questions to ask when you are considering installing gutters.

Is Bigger Always Better?

Although 5″ is considered the standard size for residential seamless gutters, many homeowners are upgrading to 6″ over-sized gutters.  Though a 6″ gutter is only an inch bigger it does handle 40% more water.  The over-sized downspout installed with these gutters can also handle more debris passing through them.  We have been seeing the trend of 6″ gutters becoming more sought after here for several years. 

Does Your House Need 6″ Over-sized Gutters?

There are many factors that determine if you need larger gutters. The most basic information is the size of your roof. Obviously, a larger roof would benefit from an oversized gutter.  If you want to measure the square footage of your roof to determine the best size gutters you can take a few simple measurements.

Although size of your roof is important you should also consider the pitch of your roof.  A steeper pitch will make water run down faster and require an oversized gutter. Metal roofs also shed water at a much quicker rate than an asphalt roof therefore we always recommend 6″ gutters to handle the faster runoff of the water.

Many of today’s newer homes have more complex roof lines. We come across roofs with a lot of valleys and areas where large amounts of water collect, causing a flood of water to shed all at once. These areas often have just enough space for a small gutter and would benefit from an over-sized gutter.

Other times when we recommend a 6″ oversized gutter:

  • If the gutter is over 40 feet long and can only accommodate 1 downspout
  • If there are upper gutters that drain into lower gutters we recommend upgrading the lower gutters to 6″ to handle the increased volume of water.

We have given you some information to consider.  If you still have questions, give the gutter experts at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us.  We are happy to share any information we can with you and always happy to provide a FREE ESTIMATE for your consideration.

New Years Gutter Cleaning Resolutions That You Can Keep

New Years Gutter Cleaning Resolutions That You Can Keep

That time of the year is here again! We are coming to the end of one year and starting fresh with a new one. How will 2021 treat you? Around Western Kentucky, New Year resolutions are taken seriously; especially when it comes to your house, specifically your roofing, exterior painting, and gutter cleaning. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four New Year’s gutter cleaning resolutions that you can actually keep!

1. Check into gutter guards

One way to keep your resolutions this upcoming year is to investigate other methods of debris removal from your gutters. Instead of crawling up on the ladder monthly or quarterly to clean out the troughs of clogs, have gutter guards installed which will cut down on the amount of gutter cleaning you have to perform due to less debris catching in your gutters. If that is not an option for you, check into using a leaf blower to get dry leaves out of the troughs. Make sure you do this before you have raked the leaves on the ground though!

2. Have the proper equipment

A great resolution to have and keep this New Year is to have the appropriate equipment and tools to perform gutter cleanings effectively. You want to make sure you have a sturdy ladder as well as gloves to dig the leaves, seeds, twigs, and other debris out from the troughs and downspouts. You will also need a bucket and a garden hose to flush the downspouts once the debris has been removed. Make sure you do not perform the task alone either. Alert a neighbor or friend who can assist you or make them aware you are up on a ladder for safety reasons.

3. Clean the gutters regularly

Another resolution you need to make and keep this upcoming year is to clean the gutters out more often. Do not wait all year to perform the task as the dampness from the stuck-on debris can cause your gutters to rust, peel, or sag with weight. Make sure you are maintaining your home monthly or quarterly by performing gutter cleanings often.

4. Gutter cleaning by the professionals

If you are a busy individual that does not have time to keep the lawn and garden maintained, or if you do not have the knowledge of caring for your property, do not fear. You can hire local and experienced professionals like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to complete the tasks such as cleaning out the troughs of debris.

As you can see, there are a few resolutions that you can make for 2021 to provide upkeep on your Western Kentucky home. If you follow our advice on the top four New Year’s gutter cleaning resolutions that you can keep, you will have a well-maintained home to be proud of.

For more information or a FREE ESTIMATE, give Gutter Boyz of Kentucky a call at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today!

3 Tips To Help Your Gutters Survive Winter

3 Tips To Help Your Gutters Survive Winter

Do you know if your gutters are ready to survive the winter weather? It can be surprising sometimes at how much damage just a little bit of snow, ice, and wind can do to your home, and without the proper winter maintenance, your gutters can clog, crack, or even sag from their hinges. Your gutters are an important part of your home, working to direct water away from your roof, siding, and foundation, but if you let this system fall into disrepair, it could start to affect the overall integrity of your entire home.

Even the best quality gutters that have been installed properly will strain under heavy loads of snow and the brutal ice that comes along with the winter months. To help ensure that you have the information you need to keep your gutter system functioning properly, we have included a short list of tips you can follow to help make sure your home’s gutters are protected from damage over the course of the winter.

Clean Your Gutter

When leaves, twigs, or other debris being to build up in your gutters during the winter, rainwater and melting snow can overflow and freeze on the ground forming dangerous areas all around your home. This ice around the home and on pathways can create a slipping hazard, and as anyone who has ever taken a tumble on an iced over sidewalk can tell you, it is not a pleasant experience. Even if you have gutter screens, it is important to make sure that you are regularly performing the following three steps when cleaning your gutters:

  • Remove Debris – Removing leaves and pine needled by hand is time-consuming, but worth it.
  • Check The Slope – The fasteners attaching your gutter to the home can loosen over time, changing the slope
    of your gutters, leading to pooling and overflowing.
  • Ensure Good Drainage – Check to make sure your downspouts are directing water at least 5 feet away from the home’s foundation

Trim Your Trees

Even though fall is over, leaves can continue to fall into your gutters. You can reduce the amount of debris that falls into your gutters by trimming back the tree branches near your roof. In addition, if ice or snow starts to weigh down a tree branch, it can snap and cause damage to your roof and gutters.

Try A Test Run

To ensure that your gutters are functioning properly, run some water through them with a garden hose to check for any leaks or clogs. If you find any problems, your best bet is to contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky to come out and help.

Whether you need gutter repairs, gutter guards, gutter cleaning or new gutters, Gutter Boyz of Kentucky can help. CLICK HERE to contact us today for a FREE QUOTE or give us a call today at (270) 906-3055.

Five Signs You Need New Gutters

Five Signs You Need New Gutters

Keep an eye out for warning signs that your gutter system needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced.

Gutters are an important part of your home: They direct water away from your home’s exterior walls, windows, doors, and foundation, preventing water from making its way inside. Although cleaning your gutters several times a year will enhance the longevity of your system, most gutters will need to be repaired or replaced eventually to help protect your home.
Look for these five signs to determine when it’s time to replace your home’s gutter system:

1. Cracks or splits of any kind

While small cracks in your gutters may not seem like a big issue, small cracks will eventually turn into big ones and it may happen sooner than you think. If you allow cracks to remain without, water can not only damage gutters further, it can damage the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below.

2. Paint peeling on or around your gutters and/or flecks of orange

The paint on your gutter is designed to withstand the typical wear and tear throughout the seasons. Unless your gutters are extremely old, peeling paint or orange flecks from the beginning stages of rust are an indicator that water is present on a continuous basis. This could indicate water is not being removed by the gutter or that cracks or other damage may be present.

3. Pools of water or signs of mildew around your home’s foundation

Gutters are designed with the purpose of keeping water flowing away from your home’s foundation. If you notice pools of water or mildew near the foundation, it can indicate that the gutters are not working as intended. This could be caused by something as simple as a clog or by something as complex as a defect in the gutter system. Water can easily cause foundation damage leading to costly, time-consuming repairs.

4. Water damage or water marks directly beneath the gutters

Check your gutters at least once a year on a day that’s relatively sunny and free from rain. Water damage or marks underneath the gutter indicate that leaking or overflowing water is escaping the gutter. This type of water intrusion can damage your soffit and fascia board.

5. Gutters sag or have begun to pull away from the house

This is one of the easiest ways to tell you need gutter repairs or gutter replacement because you don’t need to be on a ladder to notice it. Gutters should never sag or pull away from the home. This can indicate that the gutters are full of water and pulling away from the house due to the weight. Sagging gutters could require significant cost or hassle to repair. A full gutter means that the gutter system may not be appropriate for the home, its draining improperly or debris is causing blockage.

If you notice any of these things, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky at (270) 906-3055 today or CLICK HERE to contact us. We are always happy to provide you with a FREE ESTIMATE. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is proud to serve a vast majority of Western Kentucky!

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