Is Your Home at Risk? Watch for These 5 Signs
Living in Durham, we are used to heavy seasonal rains and plenty of falling leaves. While your gutters might not be the first thing on your mind when you look at your house, they are your home’s first line of defense against water damage.
When gutters fail, water goes exactly where it shouldn’t—into your roof, down your siding, and eventually, into your foundation. Here are the top five signs that it is time to call the professionals at Durham Gutter Services.
1.Sagging or Pulling Away from the Roof
Walk around the perimeter of your house. Do the gutters look like they are dipping in the middle? or are they visibly separating from the fascia board? This usually happens due to the weight of standing water, heavy wet debris, or rusted fasteners. If not fixed, the gutter can collapse entirely, potentially damaging your windows or siding on the way down.
2.Peeling Paint or Orange Rust Spots
Take a look at the siding of your home directly beneath the gutters. If you see peeling paint or water stains, it often means the water is cascading over the edge of the gutter rather than flowing through the downspout. Additionally, if you have steel gutters, keep an eye out for flecks of orange rust. Rust signals that the metal is corroding and a leak is imminent.
3.Pooling Water Around Your Foundation
The entire purpose of a gutter system is to divert water away from your home. If you notice puddles forming near your foundation after a rainstorm, or if your basement smells musty, your downspouts might be clogged or disconnected. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent structural instability.
4.Cracks and Splits
Small cracks might seem insignificant on a dry day, but during a storm, they turn into waterfalls. Even a small fissure can damage the fascia boards behind the gutter or the shingles above it. We recommend checking your gutters for cracks at least once a year.
5.”Gutter Gardens”
If you see green weeds or small saplings poking out over the edge of your gutters, you have a blockage. Seeds dropped by birds or blown by the wind settle into the sediment in your gutters and take root. This adds immense weight to the system and completely blocks water flow.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
If you noticed any of these signs on your home, don’t wait for the next heavy rain to cause damage.
Contact Durham Gutter Services today. We offer comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and repair services to keep your home safe and dry.
