What Does Gutter Damage Really Look Like?
Not all gutter problems are easy to spot.
Here's how to catch damage early before it turns into water stains, foundation cracks, or major repairs.
Spring is finally here, and as the snow melts and rain picks up, your gutters are working overtime. For many Vermont and New Hampshire homeowners, this is the season when hidden gutter problems make their first appearance.
But gutter damage isn't always obvious. A sagging section or a waterfall off the roof is easy to spot, but smaller, sneakier signs of damage can cause just as much trouble over time.
So what does gutter damage really look like?
Staining on Your Siding or Foundation
Brown streaks running down your siding? Water pooling at the base of your foundation? These are classic signs that your gutters aren't directing water properly, often due to clogs, gaps, or misaligned downspouts.
Even a small leak in your gutter system can lead to moisture damage, mildew, or foundation cracking over time.
Sagging or Pulling Away from the Roofline
Gutters that look like they're dipping or pulling away from the fascia are more than just an eyesore, they're a structural problem. This often means the fasteners have loosened, the gutter is clogged and heavy with debris, or worse: rotted fascia boards behind the gutter system.
Left unchecked, this can cause water to spill behind the gutter and rot your roof edge.
Overflowing During Rainstorms
If your gutters are overflowing like a waterfall every time it rains, they're either blocked or not pitched correctly. Overflow leads to water damage along your roofline and increases the risk of ice dams next winter.
In most cases, a good cleaning or realignment solves the problem, but it's important to act fast.
Gaps, Cracks, or Peeling Paint
Have you noticed small gaps where gutter sections should meet? Tiny cracks in the aluminum? Or bubbling paint under the eaves?
These are all signs of moisture leaks and early deterioration. Seamless gutters reduce the risk of this entirely, one of the reasons we recommend them.
Plants or Nesting Animals
If you've got greenery growing from your gutters, it's a sign that debris has built up long enough to sprout weeds. You may also find bird nests or squirrel damage if your gutters haven't been cleaned or checked in a while.
This is a good time to consider LeafProof® gutter covers, a long-term solution that prevents clogs and keeps critters out.
What to Do If You Spot Damage
The sooner you catch issues, the easier (and cheaper) they are to fix. At SNJ Seamless Rain Gutters, we offer:
- Free inspections and quotes
- Honest recommendations
- Repairs and fascia work
- Seamless gutter upgrades
- LeafProof® cover installation
- and more!
Whether you're in St. Johnsbury, Littleton, Barre, or Lebanon, we're just a phone call away, and we'll treat your home like it's our own.
Protect your home this Spring
Get in touch for a free inspection today!
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