The last storm may have left you with water running over the roofline. Or perhaps you are finding streaks and stains on the siding that were absent a year ago. There is a nagging thought that what seems a minor issue with the gutters could be on its way to becoming an expensive fix.
You will find the answers here. We are Texas Plains Contractors, a local concern in the Texas Panhandle with our offices in Amarillo and Pampa. From roofing to gutters, windows, doors and siding we do it all and put our mind to seeing what the trouble is. For a straight answer, pick up the phone at (806) 450-4457.
Under normal circumstances your gutters get on with their job and you do not give them a second thought. But they can fail and the consequences will not be confined to the gutter; before long it is your roof or foundation or even the interior of the house that suffers. Fortunately they tend to put out warning signs if you know how to spot them.
Water Not Doing What It Is Supposed To
A gutter system is there to carry water off your property. When it ceases to do so you will be none the wiser as to why until you see the results.
There are some water related things to be on the lookout for:
- Rain water spilling from the front of the gutter
- Stains making their way down the siding
- After the storm has passed, puddles by the foundation
- A musty smell or dampness in the crawl space or basement
- Erosion of the soil and flower beds under the gutter line
- Drips between the fascia board and the gutter
These are indicative of a clog or a section that has come unmoored or a slope issue. Let the water go where it should not and other issues will not be far behind.
Sagging, Separation and the Like
Your gutters ought to be level and well secured. An inspection of the property should reveal nothing but clean lines when you look up. Yet many a homeowner misses what is right in front of him.
Structural red flags to note are:
- A sag in the middle of a run
- Gutter work that has pulled from the roofline or fascia
- Openings at the seams
- Hangers or screws you find on the ground
- Any tilt in the wrong direction
If a gutter is sags it is likely full of standing water and debris, putting undue strain on the hangers. One part gives and the rest of the system is apt to follow.
Rust, Cracks, Peeling Paint
You can read the material if you take the time to inspect it on a dry afternoon.
What you might come across:
- Rust or an orange tinge on the metal
- Splits and small cracks
- Corrosion or flaking at the seams
- Paint peeling from the wall behind the gutter or the gutter itself
Peeling paint is a deceiver; it suggests a surface has been wetted that was not designed for it. A crack of no consequence now will be a leak after a hard freeze or a good rain.
Things That Can Go Unnoticed
Do not overlook the areas you do not check often.
Mildew about the foundation, plant life or nests in the gutter, soft or rotted soffit and fascia boards, and any new cracks in the walkway or driveway are all worth noting. Rotted fascia tells you the problem has been around for a while. As for vegetation in the gutter, that means the water is not draining and debris has accumulated.
Make a Call to the Pros
Should these signs present themselves in more than one place, have a pro have a look at it. We are licensed and insured, bonded and GAF certified as well as holding a BBB A+ accreditation. Service Finance can put together financing for your exterior needs, be it roofing, siding or gutters, and we provide free estimates and roof inspections. Our hours are 8 to 5 Monday to Friday.
Before a little matter with the gutters becomes water damage in the home, call us. Texas Plains Contractors is at (806) 450-4457 to put your mind at ease and protect your home in the Panhandle.
