9 Signs You May Need Help With Your Gutters

(The Baton Rouge, Louisiana Edition)

South Louisianians live in a unique moisture rich climate for the better part of the year which make caring for your gutters all the more crucial to the long term health of your property.  When reading through this list, take a visual inventory of your home and make sure you don’t have some of these common gutter issues before it's too late and repair becomes more costly!

1. Openings and holes

No gutter can function properly if it has large gaps and water is emptying in unexpected spots.  This is a sure sign that it is time to remove and replace the gutter with a new one.

2.  Water that doesn’t drain or recede

Stagnant water that sits in your gutters are usually caused by a blockage by either leaves, sticks, insects, or other debris.  If this occurs, water cannot freely move as it was designed to flow and improper drainage may be the culprit for many of the other things listed in this article.

3. Gutters that droop and sag

Yes, a sagging gutter looks awful and has poor curb appeal.  However, and arguably more important, is the fact that the gutter is unable to do its job when it's in this state.  Further, it could also be rerouting water to a location that could be detrimental to your home.  A sagging gutter is much more than just an eye-sore, it's cause for major concern and requires the attention of a local gutter expert.

4. Peeling paint

Paint often peels because of excess moisture on its surface.  While paint can peel for other reasons, it’s a good idea to ensure your gutters aren’t causing water to flow where it isn’t supposed to. Additionally, peeling paint may block the flow of gutter drainage.

5. Rusting or even just the beginning signs of rust

While gutters may still perform when rusted, take it as a warning sign that the gutter or downspout may not last much longer.  At the very least, when a gutter is beginning to rust, call in an expert to inspect your gutter system before it becomes a bigger problem.

6. Water damage marks

Slight discolorations on the exteriors of your home, fascia, or downspouts can indicate moisture damage. If there is any discoloration, get your gutters inspected or replaced before your exteriors get damaged any further.

7. Mold and mildew

No one likes mold or mildew, and it is a big problem in southern Louisiana due to our naturally moisture rich climate.  If you notice mold in your garage or any other area of your house, it’s a good idea to rule gutters out of the equation to make sure they’re not the culprit. If you leave both mold and the root cause of the mold growth untreated, mold can pose potentially serious health risks.

8. Erosion is beginning to form where the drains

If you see that the soil is starting to become thinner where the water falls from your gutter, it is time to get it inspected and possibly rerouted.  Over time this can cause foundational issues with your home and is key to the overall long-term durability of your property.  Which leads to…

9. Is your foundation having visible signs of damage?

If you see cracks on the exterior of your house, this can be cause for concern.  Not only are they unsightly, but these cracks indicate possible major foundation issues.  Foundation problems can occur when there is not a gutter system in place or if the gutter system has failed and requires rerouting or replacement. It is very important to have your gutters addressed by a professional as soon as you suspect any damage has occurred or you notice any of these warning signs to avoid costly home foundation repairs.

As always, Austin’s Affordable Gutters of Baton Rouge Louisiana is only a phone call away to inspect and ensure your gutters are in proper working condition. We use high quality, long lasting materials to mitigate most of the problems listed above.  We are a no-pressure team of experts who only want the best for the longevity of your home.

You can reach us at 225-305-7335 or fill out the form on our home page to receive a call back.