A home is a major investment requiring the constant upkeep of a variety of appliances and interior/exterior features. It’s often challenging to determine whether you should continue to repair something or replace it altogether. Gutters, for example, keep rain and condensation away from your home, but it can cause damage over time. Below is a quick reference guide to aid in deciding between new gutter installation or repairs.

Deciding Between Gutter Repair & Replacement

When Should You Consider Repairs?

While every situation is unique, here are some examples of times when your issues may be solved with repairs:

• You have copper gutters. These are one of the most expensive construction materials. Choosing to repair instead of replacing (as long as the issues aren’t severe) may be the most cost-effective solution.

• The damage is concentrated. If the damage is contained to one or two areas, choosing to have them repaired is ideal. A professional gutter cleaning expert can remove the damaged sections without ripping apart the entire system.

• A single gutter seam is leaking. This is a quick fix; double-check to make sure the gutter sections are securely fastened. A little sealant can also seal up the seam and stop the leak.

• You have a few tiny cracks. Small holes and cracks are also repairable if you clean the openings with alcohol and cover them with a high-quality sealant. For more extensive, larger cracks, use small pieces of metal flashing as a patch. Just ensure it’s glued or riveted to the gutter before applying sealant.

When Is It Time for Replacement?

While many issues can be solved with repair work, here’s when it’s best to start from scratch with a new gutter installation:

• Sections won’t stick together. If you’ve attempted to glue and seal the gutter sections together, but they continue to separate, replace them. Ask a service professional about upgrading to seamless options to avoid the same issue in the future.

• Gutters are sagging. If you notice any signs of sagging, or if the system is angled at an incorrect pitch, there’s no quick fix. Opting for a new installation ensures water flowing away from your home as intended.

• You see signs of water damage. If the gutters are clear of clogged leaves and debris, you shouldn’t see water overflowing from the sides. If there is, it may be a sign of a more serious issue with your system. In this case, a full replacement is probably the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

• There are large dents. Whether it’s from a falling tree branch or a careless ladder, aluminum gutters are at risk of denting and buckling. If the ones you have withstood a hit and have a large dent, this can cause issues with draining and overflow. In this case, new replacement sections will be installed to keep water runoff flowing as intended.

Whether you need gutter maintenance, repair, or replacement, Nate's Clean and Screen Gutter Service has been the go-to expert in La Crosse for over 20 years. Serving the Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, and La Crosse areas, the highly experienced team is equipped to tackle anything you need. From downspouts to custom window wrapping and leaf protection, they are dedicated to customer satisfaction. For more information, visit the website or call (608) 526-4010 to request a quote.