9 Signs of Gutter Damage to Watch Out For

If you dread rainy days more than most people, check your home for signs of gutter damage. Sagging gutters, a wet foundation, mold, overflowing rainwater—these are all signs you may have a serious problem with your gutters. 

Gutters are necessary for diverting rainwater away from your home. Without them, rain will find its way under your eaves and into your house, causing expensive damage. Learn how to spot the signs of gutter damage and what you need to know to fix it.

Why Gutter Damage Is Dangerous 

Broken or clogged gutters are more than a simple frustration. They can cause serious damage to your home. Water dripping from damaged gutters can ruin your roof, run down your walls, enter your home, and weaken the foundation. Regular gutter cleaning can save you thousands in costly foundation or roof repair work down the line. 

Signs of Gutter Damage

If you’re starting to suspect you might have gutter problems, but you want to know for sure, walk outside and take a look at your home. See if you find one or more of these signs of gutter damage.

1. Crooked and Sagging Gutters

Walk the perimeter of your home and look up at your roofline. Are your gutters drooping, curved, bent, or loose? They should be neat and level with your roof edge. If they’re tipped away, they’ve likely been bent out of shape by excess water and debris.

2. Cracks, Dents, Rust, or Streaks

Gutters that have sprung a leak will leave telltale signs where water has repeatedly escaped. These signs include gaps, cracks, rust spots, peeling paint, and mold on the surface of the gutter. If the gutter is damaged severely, it could be a sign you need new gutters.

3. Stains and Damage to Siding and Roof

Damaged gutters can lead to water damage on the roof, soffit, and fascia near the gutter or where water runoff collects. You may also notice damage directly below the damage, such as warped, peeling wood, or stained siding.

4. Overflowing Water

When it rains, do you notice water spilling over the edge of the gutter? In a properly working gutter system, the rain should flow toward the downspouts and away from the building. If you can see a waterfall of runoff spilling out of your gutters, your gutters are either clogged or damaged.

5. Wet Basement

A classic sign of gutter damage is when you notice your basement is wet. This is caused by rainwater that isn’t directed away from your home. Instead, water pools around your foundation and seeps into your basement.

7. Puddles and Wet Spots

You could also notice signs of runoff in the yard just outside your home: standing water, mushy places, and extra mud beneath your damaged gutters. 

8. Damaged Landscaping

Misdirected water will form ponds and rivulets in your landscaping, potentially killing your plants from overwatering. And be cautious if you’re growing vegetables nearby. Runoff from asphalt shingles may contain contaminants that could leach into your garden.

9. Plants and Mold Growing

Things growing on, in, and around your gutters are another clear indicator that something is wrong with your gutters. Water can’t flow freely if weeds have sprouted in the debris, and before long, this extra plant matter will weigh your gutter hangers down even more.

How to Know You Need to Hire a Pro for Gutter Damage

There are two factors to keep in mind if you’re trying to decide whether to hire a pro to handle your gutters: 

• You see (or suspect) water damage: The first is the kind of extensive damage that clogged or broken gutters can cause. Unchecked water damage can lead to a host of unpleasant issues, from mold and wood rot to deterioration and foundation problems. 

• You want to avoid working on a ladder: Cleaning, repairing, and replacing gutters requires standing on a ladder and working overhead. The risk of falling and being seriously injured is one you shouldn’t take lightly. Gutter professionals have safety gear and the right tools and equipment to get the job done without injury.

Can I DIY Gutter Damage Repairs?

You can repair gutters yourself if you have a good extendable ladder and the right equipment. You can patch cracks using gutter sealant or tighten fasteners for gutter hangers if they’ve become loose. However, if you’re hesitant about working on a ladder or don’t feel confident in your DIY skills, call a local gutter repair professional to help.

How to Prevent Gutter Damage

The best way to prevent gutter damage is to maintain your gutters regularly.

• Clean gutters annually: Once or twice a year, clean the leaves and debris that have piled up in your gutters. A good time to do this is in November after nearby trees have dropped the last of their autumn leaves. If you don’t want to clean them yourself, hire a pro to do it.

• Install gutter guards: These are mesh or plastic shields that go over your gutters to keep leaves and other material out. Some types of gutter guards you can install yourself, and others (like proprietary systems) are best installed by a pro.

• Keep trees trimmed: Trees that hang low over your roof are sure to drop leaves directly into your gutters, clogging them up and causing damage to your home. Trim back branches so they’re not touching your home or hanging over your roof.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace Gutters?

If your gutters are relatively new, try cleaning and repairing them first. Gutters have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years, so if yours are quarter-century old or older, consider replacing them. You should also replace them if the gutter damage is widespread.

The cost of new gutters depends on the type of gutters you have. Full gutter replacement will cost $1,200, on average. Half-round gutters run between $3 and $34 per linear foot, while custom gutters can cost $6 to $40 per linear foot. Labor costs $75 per hour. It’s smart to get multiple quotes from local gutter installation pros to find the best fit.