We’ve officially made it to Spring! Now that the weather is getting warmer, you may start working through your list of outdoor projects. Make sure you prioritize checking your gutters! They’re responsible for directing water away from the foundation of your home, preventing multiple water-related issues like soil erosion and basement flooding. If your gutters are loose, they won’t be able to function and protect your home properly. That said, here are possible causes and common signs of loose gutters.
What Causes Gutters to Become Loose?
Your gutters can start separating from your house for many reasons, including:
- Natural wear and tear. Over time, gutters will naturally deteriorate. Certain materials are prone to contraction and expansion because of temperature changes, which can lead to warping. Since that can alter the shape of your gutters, it’ll cause the system to sag.
- Clogging. As the years go by, leaves, twigs, seeds, and other debris can gather in your gutters. That will eventually lead to clogs, causing your gutters to no longer be able to do their job. The weight of the water and debris will result in your gutters separating from the house.
- Loose gutter spikes. This is another common reason behind gutters sagging. In this case, you’ll need to have the futters replaced with new hardware.
- Improper installation. If your gutters weren’t installed properly, they’re more likely to sag or get loose. To avoid this, you should hire an experienced gutter installation contractor as they know how to place gutter hangers for even weight distribution.
Signs Your Gutters Are Loose
Do you think your gutters are loose? Here are three signs that indicate you’re dealing with that issue:
Water Is Dripping Behind the Gutter
One surefire way to tell your gutters are loose is if there’s water dripping behind it. A leak is a problem you want to avoid at all costs because it can rot the wooden components of your home. Therefore, you should check thoroughly between the fascia board and your gutter system for any water-related issues.
It’s Visibly Loose
If a part of your gutter system is visibly loose or detaching, it indicates they need to be reattached with new hardware. Although most gutters are expected to last over two decades, that’s only the case if you properly maintain them. There should be no gaps between the wall and your gutters, meaning you’ll need to address the issue in a timely manner to protect your home.
Deteriorating Gutter Screws
A gutter screw is a large nail that passes through the gutter and secures the fascia board to the rafters. Luckily, you can easily tell if this is the problem because you’ll see loose gutter screws from the ground. One quick solution is to hammer them back into place. However, if the screws are rusted or visibly damaged, you should consider getting new hardware as that’s not safe.
The best way to avoid loose gutters is by investing in a dependable contractor. With the help of a professional crew, your home can remain in its very best shape for years to come!
About Platinum Gutters
At Platinum Gutters, we offer top-rated, attentive services to help get your home in pristine condition. Our skilled and friendly team is happy to do all the heavy work by providing gutter installation and repair services. If you think your gutters are becoming loose, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll address the problem in no time! To schedule an evaluation, visit our website or call (817) 380-4404.