Gutters play a vital role in protecting the integrity of your home. Without a functional system, widespread damage can occur everywhere from the garden to the basement. This is why it’s so critical to schedule regular gutter maintenance, or you may end up with a costly situation that is easily avoidable. Here are five signs that your gutter system is failing.

5 Ways to Tell If Your Gutters Are Failing

1. Detachment from the House

Sagging or completely detached gutters are the most obvious sign of a serious problem. If they’re not able to properly direct water away from the home, then the moisture has nowhere to go but the property itself. Water may end up oversaturating garden soil, flooding into the basement, or damaging the home’s foundation.

2. Interior and Exterior Rusting

If you notice rust spots on the exterior of the gutters, it’s a strong indication that there’s water backed up inside. Rust development indicates that the water has been there for a while, probably as the result of a clog. Unfortunately, rust might also develop on the interior walls and eat up the material, causing everything from premature corrosion to punctures.

3. Mold or Peeling Paint

Sometimes the first sign of a major gutter problem occurs on the side of the house where the gutters are located. If they are compromised and water leaks along the walls, it can damage the surfaces extensively. Mold may develop because of extended moisture exposure, and the paint might eventually peel off, bubble, or develop cracks.

4. Visible Cracks or Breaks

Even the smallest cracks or openings can cause extensive problems if they aren’t repaired quickly, as water has nowhere to go but through those crevices. Unfortunately, the cracks aren’t typically discovered until the issue becomes more prominent. Scheduling regular gutter maintenance can help, as it ensures your gutters remain structurally sound.

5. Stains on the Siding

If you notice bits of dirt or mulch stains along the bottom of your home’s siding, you may simply think you’re dealing with some garden debris. But if these pollutants are strictly a foot or so above the ground, it’s safe to consider the possibility that your gutters aren’t redirecting water away from the home. If they’re clogged or damaged, the moisture is simply rolling down the house, splashing upward, and sullying the siding.

Your gutters are in safe hands with the experts at Nate's Gutters of La Crosse, WI. From routine cleaning to maintenance and a complete installation, these professionals efficiently handle your project from start to finish. They also install gutter guards, which block large pieces of debris without preventing water from flowing through. Visit the company’s website to learn more or call them at (608) 526-4010.