In the Lower Mainland where active winds, heavy rainfalls, and salt air can wreak havoc on your gutters, regular home maintenance is necessary to keep them functioning optimally. A misaligned gutter system, one that pulls away from the fascia, missing gutter sections, or cracked sealant, makes the system susceptible to water damage and structural failure.
Need to replace two sections of your aluminum gutters that are severely dented? Just have to patch up a few holes with sealant? I don’t exactly know what’s up with the downspouts, but I’m sure I can figure it out. Here are some tips to help you decide when to call a professional to repair your gutters.
Safety Concerns
Homeowners can underestimate the dangers commonly associated with repairing the gutters, such as falling off a ladder, running into power lines, feeling queasy while working at a height from the ground, or overreaching. Homes with two or more storeys make repeated trips up and down ladders risky.
Knowledge and Experience
Repairs like realigning the gutters or repositioning the downspouts require mathematical calculations a DIYer might not be aware of. Hard pass on repairs if you have to consult YouTube or home renovation websites. A professional roofer or gutter technician will know what materials, techniques, and tools to use. They will also have experience in any type of repair required to get your gutters back into shape again and in record time.
Recognizing the Real Problem
A homeowner might see a slightly sagging gutter section and determine it can be fixed by tightening or replacing the hardware. However, the diagnosis could be incorrect, and the real reason the gutter section is starting to pull away is because the fascia has been damaged and is rotting behind the back of the gutters.
Another common example of not recognizing the real problem is small leaks. You can recaulk and reseal joints and seams but leaks keep reoccurring because the underlying cause is issues with the drip edge.
Structural Failure
Some types of gutter repairs automatically call for the attention of a professional because, if ignored can result in eventual structural failure. Severe sagging, missing gutter section (complete detachment), and dips and depressions along the roofline (often an indication of water damage to the decking) are all situations where gutter repairs should be done by a pro as soon as they can be scheduled.
Extensive Damage
If there are visible cracks, large holes, multiple pinholes, or pitting in the gutter channels or on the outside of the gutters, the gutter system is most likely beyond the point of DIY repairs. Call a professional gutter technician when the damage is extensive.
The extent of the damage to your gutters might not be immediately obvious. A sign you need help from a pro is if you keep having to make the same repair in the same spot or nearby area.
Return On Investment (ROI)
Home maintenance and DIY repairs like cleaning the gutters, sealing a gutter section seam, or tightening fasteners are budge-friendly ways to save money, especially in these times of rising costs for pretty much everything. However, it’s not just the cost of materials, tools, and equipment. Hidden costs of DIY repairs include:
- Time you spend repairing the gutters
- Gas for travelling back and forth between your home and the hardware store
- Not being able to make an insurance claim for structural damage or gutter system failure
- Unexpected issues that arise in the process of fixing the original problem
It might be more cost-effective to consult a professional for complicated issues. If you’re not sure it’s a DIY or a pro fix, most companies offer an initial free consultation.
