Rain Gutters - When It's Time to Replace Them

Posted: Apr 07, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Share

There are several reasons why you should install new gutters. The most important of these reasons is water and water infiltration.

Gutter Replacement Reasons
The first reason why you should look into new gutters is the affect wind has during a rainstorm. Wind may direct the water on the facade of the house. Without effective gutters, even an extended roof cannot protect the walls. Water causes damage to most construction material - wood, cement plaster, break and concrete to name a few. When home walls become wet, their heating capacity is impacted.

Second, water from an unprotected roof goes directly to the ground next to the home. From there it then infiltrates through the dirt to the foundation of the home. If this continues long enough, your foundation will begin to deteriorate and crack, causing water to eventually seep into the ground floor, basement or plinth of your home. Water infiltration may lead to many other problems and correspondingly reduce the lifetime of the basement. Furthermore, a weakened foundation will impact other parts of the whole house.

Another challenge of water infiltration is rotting and mold. Once water begins to seep into a basement or foundation, it is hard to remove effectively. This is because the infiltrated basement starts to create its own bad micro-climate in the house. This micro-climate features dampness and high humidity. Coupled with a dark environment (as basement lights are normally off), these conditions provide an ideal environment for mold growth. The impact can be damage doors, decks, furniture and carpets.

Looking to the outside of your house, another challenge emerges. Flowing water, brought on by damaged or old gutters not functioning correctly can destroy sidewalks and landscaping on your property. This is caused when the water that comes from the roof is not captured and channeled correctly when the water hits the ground. It may create an unplanned system of channels and ponds full of water. Water splashing back up on the house's siding may also produce mold, staining and other deterioration.

Gutter Replacement - Top Indicators
How do you know when it is time to replace your gutters? There are several signs that may indicate it is time to change gutters. Here are a few warning signs:
1.) There is evidence of water staining and mold on the building facade.
2.) Small ponds of water appear near the house after a rain storm.
3.) Small water channels are emerging in your landscaping near the house.
4.) Areas of your landscaping are getting washed out.
5.) Nails start to pop out and gutters become floppy.
6.) Some gutter sections are missing or loose.

Gutters, More Than Function
Besides gutter systems' primary objective - home protection, they can also add an aesthetically pleasing addition to your existing home design. In some cases the addition of a new gutter system may positively alter the exterior design of the house.

Gutter Contractors
Choosing the right contractor involves a lot of research. Visiting websites of the companies will provide wealth information.

Good contractors should give the client proof of liability insurance and workman`s compensation. Many contractors provide a guarantee to repair or change gutters if they are defective or damaged. Some companies even provide a lifetime warranty.

(ArticlesBase SC #855601)

Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    RSS
    Print
    Email
    Re-Publish

    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/rain-gutters-when-its-time-to-replace-them-855601.html

    Article Tags:

    Gutters

    ,

    gutter Repair

    ,

    gutter Installation

    ,

    gutter cleaning

    ,

    Downspouts

    ,

    Gutter Protection

    How to Replace Gutter Spikes with Gutter Screws

    Replacing gutter spikes with steel gutter screws provides a more secure alternative that prevents them from pulling loose or sagging. Here’s how to go about it. (01:08)

    Adobe Acrobat Alternatives - 3 - Free PDF to Word

    This video shows how to replace Adobe Acrobat Standard with Free PDF to Word Converter. The entire article is available on www.VitaminCM.com Stop by and take a look. (03:09)

    How to Install Gutter Guards

    Keep gutters clean and clear by installing guards using these tips. (05:21)

    How to Protect Gutters

    Learn how to properly protect your gutters by installing gutter protectors on your ladder. (00:56)

    How to Keep your Gutters Functioning

    Expert Paul Ryan shares three tips to keep your gutters functioning well. (01:04)

    This article provides several frequently asked questions about gutters and all of the answers. This information is important for all homeowners who are purchasing new gutters or replacing old ones.

    By: Charlie McCurryl Home Improvementl Jun 13, 2007 lViews: 367
    Brijesh Purohit

    Cleaning a gutter should be easy once you have the proper materials. Do a regular maintenance to prevent damage and build up.

    By: Brijesh Purohitl Home Improvement> DIYl Sep 15, 2009

    The second reason is to properly operate the machine so it will produce hi-quality gutter and avoid damage to the machine. A seamless gutter machine typically produces about 30 feet of gutter per minute. In most cases the gutter machine will have been transported to the worksite with a coil of material on the machine and then run through the machine. Remove the cover tarp from the machine, if present.

    By: Paul Collinsl Home Improvementl Feb 18, 2009 lViews: 439 lComments: 1

    Before attempting to clean or repair your own gutters, this article gives you the top four tips to make it an easier experience from getting a ladder the right height to collecting the rainwater.

    By: Greg Dennelyl Home and Familyl Aug 22, 2009

    According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Houston sits only 39 feet above sea level. We have 21 major bayous in the greater metropolitan area, creating significant watershed boundaries. The dominant component of the local soil is clay, which has a particular sensitivity to moisture fluctuations. Oh, yes-and we regularly get...

    By: Jeff Halperl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Dec 22, 2008 lViews: 3,477
    Steven Briesemeister

    While you are lounging by the waterside under a "sunbrella" and a tall, cool drink in hand, the last thing on your mind is winter damage to your roof.

    By: Steven Briesemeisterl Home Improvementl Aug 15, 2009

    Buying your first home can be an exciting experience. There is a certain indescribable joy that comes with owning a home that you’ve worked hard for. But purchasing that “perfect” place that you can finally call your own may also come with a few unexpected maintenance issues. There are still a number of common maintenance issues that first-time buyers face, even after hiring a home inspector.

    By: ansnov09l Home Improvementl Nov 24, 2009

    Why? They skip over many important parts, their diagrams are confusing, unclear, or even wrong and they often skip important parts. No wonder woodworking seemed so hard!

    By: Wei Xue-minl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    The truth is, I have spent a ton of time looking online and reading magazines. Most of them just?left me with more questions than answers.

    By: Xi-Liang Chenl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    A leak of any sort in any pipe can be extremely disastrous for your home. So repair any leak as soon as you locate it. At times shower drain may sustain leak and need immediate repair lest the water penetrates into the floor and makes it way down to the foundation and eventually damaging the home badly.

    By: taamivl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    Fans are a basic necessity for each and every home. Fans come in different designs but the function of all the designs and types are almost the same. Ceiling fans are one of them. Fans are used to adjust regulate the room temperature to the desired level.

    By: taamivl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    The truth is, I have spent a ton of time looking online and reading magazines. Most of them just?left me with more questions than answers.

    By: Hao Chunmeil Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    Light timers are a great way to save energy. These timers have the tendency to control the operation of different electric appliances like lights, fans, or other electronic devices.

    By: taamivl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    The truth is, I have spent a ton of time looking online and reading magazines. Most of them just?left me with more questions than answers.

    By: Li Zhipengl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    Ice build up in gutters can be caused by drainpipe blockages. Frequent build up of ice can be a nuisance for homeowners because once a gutter or pipe gets blocked it makes it difficult to thaw the ice and the gutters overflow subsequently damaging the roof and making dangerous ice patches on the ground.

    By: taamivl Home Improvementl Jul 29, 2010

    This article helps identify when gutters need replacement. Learn about the impact of bad gutters. Get tips on gutter repair or replacement. Find a contractor and more.

    By: elena77l Home Improvementl Apr 07, 2009

    Learn more about the history of Kaliningrad, Russia's tiny enclave landlocked within the European Union. Learn about its centuries old history, culture, architecture and more. Get travel information on Russia's closest territory to Europe.

    By: elena77l Travel> Destinationsl Apr 07, 2009

    Learn about IRS forms. Uncover how tax professionals help customers with tax forms. Understand the hidden benefits of working with a tax professional vs. doing taxes yourself.

    By: elena77l Finance> Taxesl Apr 07, 2009 lViews: 134

    Learn all about online art galleries. Find out how artists use these websites to showcase their work. From a buyers perspective, learn how you can leverage online art galleries to more effectively find works of art to add to your collection.

    By: elena77l Art & Entertainment> Artl Apr 07, 2009

    Learn about chiffon wedding dresses. You will learn how different silhouettes benefit different body forms. Find out which types of weddings a chiffon wedding dress will work best.

    By: elena77l Relationships> Weddingsl Apr 07, 2009 lViews: 368

    Have you been recently married? Do you have a wedding dress lying around in your closet? If you do, you will want to learn how you can preserve that dress for many decades to come. In this article, you will learn all about wedding dress preservation, including techniques used, costs and more.

    By: elena77l Relationships> Weddingsl Apr 07, 2009

    Do you have a picture in your head of the wedding dress of your dreams? Have you looked everywhere for your dream wedding dress but cannot find it? There is another option available to you. Create your own wedding dress! In this article you will learn about different options to create your own bridal gown.

    By: elena77l Relationships> Weddingsl Apr 07, 2009 lViews: 695

    You have always wanted a magnificent destination wedding. Here's your opportunity to learn more about the behind the scenes details that go into making a destination wedding a success. You will learn about different venue options, planning options and religious paperwork.

    By: elena77l Relationships> Weddingsl Apr 07, 2009

    Add new Comment

     
    * Required fields
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories