It’s probably not the first thing you think about when you pull up to your house at the end of a long day, but your gutters go through a lot. Between the wind, rain, snow, hail, bugs, and the occasional rogue frisbee, your gutters take a beating almost every day. And while these little guys are sturdier than you may think, they can still start to breakdown after a few years. And if your gutters aren’t performing their best, it’s only a matter of time before they start to affect the rest of your home.

If you notice any of these things affecting your gutters, it’s time to call the professionals!

1. The seams are cracking and holes are starting to form. This can be caused by normal wear and tear or because of small animals climbing on them. 
2. Your gutters have started to rust. Gutters made from aluminum or other types of metal are more likely to rust than plastic ones.   
3. The fasteners have started to loosen. Heavy rainfall or snow can sit in your gutters for a long time and weigh it down.
4. Your gutters are sagging. If your gutters were installed improperly, water can pool at that slight slump. Over time, that extra weight will bring down just one section of your gutters and cause a noticeable divot.
5. Dirt runoff. While this isn’t necessarily a major reason to replace your gutters completely, it’s a clear sign that they need to be cleaned and serviced!
6. You’re finding nails and screws on the ground. If you’re finding hardware on the floor, but aren’t sure why, take a look up towards the sky. Animals may be knocking your gutter’s screws loose.
7. Your exterior paint is peeling. As water falls out of your gutters, it will start to seep down the side of your house. Overtime, it will cause your paint and siding to peel or warp.
8. Water is pooling in just one area. Water should flow freely through all of your gutters. While you by no means have to stand outside during the next rain storm looking at your gutters, you should take a look at them the next time it’s raining, to make sure all of that rain water is going where it’s supposed to go.
9. Waterlogged or damaged landscape. If rain can’t travel through your gutters and to your downspout, it’ll likely just pool over the side. When this happens, rain water will flood your plants and landscape — and not in a good way.
10. A flooded basement. Hopefully, you notice some of the above, less severe signs, before ever getting to this point. But if you notice your basement is flooding, your roof may not be the only culprit.

For 15 years, JM Roofing & Siding has been a family owned and operated residential roofing and siding company, proudly serving New Canaan, Greenwich and Norwalk areas.