How to Clean Gutters – The Home Depot

Regular maintenance will make your gutters last longer. At some point, they will need to be repaired or replaced to help protect your home from water damage. Here are a few signs that will help you determine if your gutters need to be repaired or replaced.

Cracks or splits

Even small cracks will grow, allowing water to seep into the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter and the foundation below. Replace any split or crack sections of gutter.

Paint damage and rust

The paint on your gutters is weather resistant. Peeling paint or rust indicates that water is present on the surface on a continuous basis. Look for clogs and remove debris to get the water flowing. Replace or touch up the paint on the damaged section of the gutter.

Pools of water and mold

If you see standing water or mildew near the foundation, it can indicate that the gutters are clogged or there could be a defect in the gutter system. Remove the clog. If the problem persists, replace that section of gutter and downspout.

Water damage or water marks

Inspect directly beneath the gutters on a dry, sunny day for any evidence of water damage. Water damage underneath gutters can indicate that they are leaking or overflowing with water. Look for possible blockages in the area. If there are none, this indicates that the section has a crack or a leak which will need to be repaired or replaced.

Sagging gutters

Gutter sag is a definite sign that its time to replace gutters. Gutters should never sag or pull away from the house. Sagging gutters means that it is no longer draining properly and needs to be replaced. This may be a good time to look into upgrading your old ones with gutter guards or screens or with seamless gutters.

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How to Clean Gutters - The Home Depot