It is often difficult to decide between repairing or replacing something, especially when it comes to something as important as your home’s gutter system. On the one hand, you do not want to spend more money if the gutter system can be simply repaired for a fraction of the cost. But on the other hand, you do not want to spend money on repairs that will not last because of an underlying issue. If you’re looking for gutter repair in Marin County, consult a professional if you aren’t sure which path to pick.
While every situation is unique, homeowners should keep the following recommendations in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace their gutters.
Damage is Apparent in Isolated Areas
Find any evidence of damage to your gutter being limited to one or two locations and repair only those sections rather than the entire gutter system. Only a few tears or cracks will need to be repaired in these situations, which may be cleaned with alcohol and sealed. This should result in your gutters being back in working order without needing a complete reinstallation.
Only a Few Cracks May Be Found
You’ll just need to fix a couple of tears or fractures, which can be fixed with relatively minimal effort. If you need to fix bigger cracks or fissures, you may need to acquire metal flashing, which may be nailed or cemented in place before being sealed.
One of the Joints or Closures Has Sprung a Leak
Make sure the joints or portions are securely linked to each other to address this problem. It’s possible that you’ll need to use sealant to stop the leak in these circumstances.
Here are the situations when you should consider replacement:
Fasteners or Screws Have Fallen Out of Place
Your gutter may be irreparably damaged if the screws used to attach the gutter are constantly falling loose and lying on the ground. Even though it may not difficult to replace them, if the screws continue to loosen, you’d best err on the side of caution.
Holes, Cracks, and Rust
If you see a lot of fractures, fissures, or rusted parts in your gutter, it’s an indication that your system is growing old. Older systems are more prone to major breakdowns and may pose a risk of detaching from your home.
Damaged Fasteners
If the fasteners on your gutters fall apart despite your repeated attempts to fix them, the problem is most likely caused by the gutters. If your gutters begin to droop, you may notice water beginning to gather which can result in an overflow. A gutter will need to be fixed as soon as possible in these situations to prevent any sort of structural or foundational damage to your home.
Eroding or Fading Paint
If the paint on your gutters is starting to peel away, it might mean the gutters have been separating from your roof for a while. As a consequence, water has been flowing over the edge for some time, indicating that there is a serious problem. Therefore, having your gutters entirely rebuilt is the best option to make sure you avoid any potential future issues.
If you are looking for a reliable and experienced service provider offering gutter repair in Marin County, reach out to ARS Roofing, Gutters & Solar. We are your Marin County roofing experts and have managed all sorts of projects from simple repairs to complete overhauls. Contact us at (707) 584-5900 to discuss your project.