Gutters are easy to forget until something goes wrong. When they work, rain and snowmelt flow off your roof and away from your home. When they fail, water ends up where it does the most damage. Here are the signs we tell homeowners in Boise, Meridian and Nampa to watch for.

Sagging or pulling away

Gutters should sit snug against the fascia board with a slight, even slope toward the downspouts. If sections sag, droop or pull away from the house, the hangers may have failed or the fascia behind them may be rotting. Winter makes this worse. Snow and ice add a lot of weight, and gutters that are already loose can bend or tear off.

Cracks, splits and leaking seams

Small cracks and leaky joints let water drip right where you do not want it: onto siding, windows and the ground next to your foundation. A single leak can sometimes be sealed, but when cracks and leaks keep appearing along the run, replacement usually makes more sense.

Overflow even when the gutters are clean

If water spills over the edge during a normal storm even after you have cleared out leaves and debris, the gutters may be undersized, poorly sloped or lacking enough downspouts. New gutters sized for your roof can solve that.

Peeling paint, rust and stains

Look at the siding and trim below your gutters. Peeling paint, water stains or streaks often mean water is escaping. Rust spots or holes on steel gutters are also a clear sign they are near the end of their life.

Trouble on the ground

Some of the best clues are at ground level:

  • Washed out soil, mulch or gravel beneath the roofline
  • Puddles that collect near the foundation after rain
  • Damp spots or water in the basement or crawl space
  • Cracks in walkways or the foundation near downspouts
  • Ice buildup on sidewalks and driveways in winter from dripping gutters

Water pooling against the foundation can lead to moisture problems and costly damage over time.

Damage at the roof edge

When gutters back up, water can spill behind them and soak the fascia and roof decking. Soft or rotting wood along the roof edge is a sign the gutters have not been doing their job for a while. In winter, clogged gutters can also contribute to ice dams.

What we do

We start by looking at your gutters, downspouts, fascia and the roof edge. We explain what we find in plain language. If a repair will do, we will say so. If new gutters are the better choice, we will recommend a system sized and placed to move water safely away from your home.

If you are noticing any of these signs, call us at (208) 555-0199 or request a quote. We are happy to take a look.