When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Gutters

When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Gutters?

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When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace GuttersCircumstances vary around gutter systems, so every situation is different. In certain cases, delaying gutter replacement could compromise roofing or the foundation, causing further damage to the property and creating other problems.

If you can wait, though, the summer and fall seasons are a great time to tackle gutter replacement. It rains less in summer and fall than in the spring. Even when it does rain in the summer, warmer temperatures dry off rainwater more quickly. This means shorter delays for your project.

The spring season is a great time for assessing the current condition of your gutters. Since showers are frequent during this time of the year, it is likely that your gutter system will take on large quantities of water. This offers a great opportunity for you to test out your gutters to see if they are still capable of draining water efficiently. You can also use this season to plan for gutter installation. Although the job is usually a straightforward process, there should still be sufficient planning before starting the project.

Several factors determine the best time for gutter replacement. Depending on the reason or how urgent the situation, sometimes gutters need to be replaced sooner. The timing depends on your purpose. Below are some factors that will help you decide when you should install new gutters.

New Roof Installation

A great time to install new gutters is when a roof is also being replaced. If your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, you might want to check your gutters as well. It might be time to replace those, too. Having brand new gutters will ensure that they are in the best shape to protect your new roof from water damage.

Selling Your Home

Gutters may not be the most significant factor in curb appeal, but they can certainly make a big difference to the appearance of your home’s exterior. And, sometimes, these minor details can make all the difference to potential homebuyers. So, if you are planning on selling your home soon, you should check your gutters for any noticeable damage like hail marks, cracks or discoloration. Make sure that the sections aren’t pulling away. It’s also important to fix any gutter issues before putting your home on the market.

Mold Problems

The presence of mold in any part of your home can be sign of gutter deterioration. If you have any mold conditions in your home, have your gutter system inspected by a licensed professional. You may have unknown leaks that are allowing water to enter your home. They can assess the condition of your gutters and recommend the best approach.

Rusty Gutters

If your gutter material is metal, you should look for signs of corrosion. Metal gutters typically get rusty as they age, and this can create small pinhole leaks and large holes over time. Depending on the extent of damage, you may only need to replace one section or your entire gutter system.

Preparing for the Wet Season

Your gutter system is critical to keeping rainwater away from your roof. If your gutters have already been showing signs of damage or deterioration, you should have them replaced before the wet season arrives.

Who Should Perform Gutter Installation?

Some homeowners are confident in tackling a DIY gutter installation, but it is usually recommended to leave the job to experienced professionals. This will ensure the best outcome. Remember that your gutters are crucial to protecting your home from water damage. Any mistake during the installation process could compromise its quality and performance. To ensure that your gutter system can really withstand the elements, hire a professional.

Should You Salt Your Gutters?

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During winter, precipitation combined with freezing and thawing cycles can create ice conditions in and around gutters. Some homeowners use rock salt to break up these ice dams. But homeowners should take caution before doing this as salt can cause damage to the exterior of your home.

Why Ice Dams Occur

After a heavy snowfall and several days of sub-freezing temperatures, warm air inside a building or home can warm the underside of a roof, causing snow and ice on the roof to melt. The melted water can drain along the roof, under the snow, until it reaches the cold eve overhang. The eve overhang usually remains the same temperature as the outdoors, and the melted water will refreeze and form an ice dam.

Depending on the design of your home, ice dams may not be an issue, and allowing the ice to melt may be sufficient if you are not experiencing damage that warrants immediate action. Conversely, if water is leaking down the side of your house, then the decision process of what to do must be carefully evaluated.

There are five commonly used types of ice melt (also known as rock salt):

sodium chloride
magnesium chloride
calcium chloride
potassium chloride
acetates

Rock salt in all forms is corrosive. It can cause many kinds of damage including gutters, metal flashings and downspouts. It can also damage roofing and siding, and it can change the color of your shingles.

In addition, runoff from rock salt dissolved in rainwater can weaken or kill foundation plants, grasses, shrubs and the roots of perennial flowering plants. These harmful effects can be magnified if the salt product you use has a combination of chemicals in it, as is often the case.

Many ice melt products rely on sodium chloride. This is the type that can leave stains on a driveway and sidewalk, rust the underside of cars and destroy grass. It is also known to be dangerous to pets. Magnesium chloride is the type of salt that is generally thought to be less corrosive.

If you do decide to add rock salt to your gutters, choosing your ice melt product carefully and using it sparingly is advised. However, calling a professional is a best practice that can save many headaches from unintended home damage.