Rain gutters usually don’t get much thought. They don’t cross your mind when they’re working. But when your rain gutters begin to break down, how do you decide whether to repair them or replace them? You should consider these three things when repairing or replacing gutters:
Leaks
In order to decide whether or not to replace or repair leaky gutters, let’s first examine what leaks are. The reasons for leaking gutters include overflowing, separations at the seams, and cracked or corroded gutters. By cleaning your gutters, you can reduce leaks of all three types.
When gutters have become clogged with debris or corroded from the weight of accumulating water, they may overflow. Regular gutter cleaning prevents leaks caused by overflow, deformation, cracking, and corrosion.
Once rain gutters begin to leak, you should determine whether to repair them or replace them.
- When the gutters overflow, remember to clean both the gutters and the downspouts as well.
- Rain gutter repair may be possible if leaks are caused by separation at the seams.
- When leaks are caused by bent rain gutters, gutter repair may be possible if the gutters can be bent back into shape.
- It may be necessary to replace rain gutters if cracks in gutters or gutters that are too deformed to be repaired are causing leaks.
Corrosion
Corrosion is irreversible. Steel rusts and remains rusted. Therefore, whether to repair or replace corrosion-damaged materials depends on their extent.
- It may be possible to repair rain gutters if rust has just started and is contained to small pits or holes that can be patched or sealed and painted.
- Occasionally, a rain gutter can be repaired if the rust is limited to a specific part, such as a downspout elbow, which can be replaced without replacing the entire gutter.
- In cases of extensive rust or rust in multiple parts of the gutter system, gutter replacement may be necessary.
Sagging
Rain gutters sag because they cannot support the weight of the gutter plus water. In a clogged gutter, thousands of pounds of rain can accumulate in the form of clogged water. Regular gutter cleaning can reduce the risk of sagging gutters. Furthermore, gutters may sag if they have been damaged by snow or ice, fallen objects, such as trees, or natural loosening of the hangers and brackets.
Rain gutters that are sagging may need to be repaired or replaced depending on a number of factors, including the reason for the sagging and the extent of the deformation.
- The gutters may need to be repaired if hangers and brackets are bent or if hangers and brackets have become detached from the house.
- Rain gutter replacement may be necessary if the gutters are sagging due to damage to the roof, which requires roof repair.
- The gutters may need to be replaced if they are so deformed that they cannot be bent back into shape.
Rain gutter issues such as leaks, corrosion, or sagging may be repaired or may require gutter replacement depending on the cause and extent of the damage.
When you have water damage from a clogged or broken gutter, Restoration 1 of Columbus can restore your home.
