Get matched with top gutter repair and replacement pros in Cambridge, NE

If you don't repair your home’s gutter leaks, water or the gutters themselves can damage your home’s siding, roofing, foundation, and landscaping. Untreated leaks encourage mildew, mold, and rot, depending on the type of siding material. The foundation, chimney, window frames, and drywall can also crack over time, leading to costly repairs. 

The best way to seal gutters is with a combination of waterproof roofing cement and silicone gutter sealant. This powerful duo works to prevent water from escaping through holes and cracks while allowing for breathability. While you can use polyurethane sealants, silicone sealants tend to be more flexible when it comes to climate. Silicone is UV-resistant and bonds well to many surfaces. However, polyurethane sealant bonds better with wood. 

If your gutters get overwhelmed every time it rains, adding an extra downspout is a solution. First, you'll need to decide where to add the downspout. If your current setup only has a single downspout, one option is to place a new one at the opposite end of the gutter. If you already have a downspout at each end, adding a third one in the middle can help to lighten the load. 

You can hire a professional to add a downspout yourself by cutting into the existing gutter and attaching the necessary parts, such as an outlet and brackets.

With routine maintenance, gutters don’t usually need to be replaced for 20 years, but there are warning signs that they might need early replacement. Signs that your gutters need to be replaced include sagging, visible cracks or holes, peeling paint, rust, standing water in your gutter, and water leaking into your basement. Pushing off replacing your gutters can lead to extensive damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Regular maintenance can help your gutters last all 20 years — and sometimes, even longer.