Should I repair or replace gutters?
After a hard rain you might notice your gutters aren’t performing as well as they should. Maybe holes in the gutter are leaking or something is blocking the water flow. Maybe a portion of the gutter has broken away from the roof. These are some common problems that befall gutters. The question though is whether to repair or replace the gutters. In many cases, especially if you’ve kept it well maintained, gutter repair is all you need. This is usually the case if the damage is localized to one small section of the gutter. If you have a few holes or a handful of hangers have pulled loose from the fascia, all that should be needed is repairs. On the other hand, if large sections of gutter have pulled away from the roof, this usually indicates you need to replace the gutters as well as the fascia board that it’s attached to. If a lot of repairs are needed throughout the gutter system. Gutter sections consistently not staying together are another good sign it’s time to replace the gutters. Whether you need to repair or replace your gutters, when you need an expert general contractor in Dallas, TX for those repairs turn to the professionals at Mullins General Construction. You can reach out to us by calling (972) 535-8065.
How often should gutters be replaced?
With good maintenance, gutters are some of the most durable components on your roof. Most gutter systems will last about 20 years before they need to be replaced. This is about the average lifespan of most roofs, so you may want to replace your gutters when you replace your roof. Some gutter systems, like copper, will last much longer. Copper gutters can last as long as 50 years.
Can you repair gutters?
Gutter repair is often fairly simple, and something many people might attempt to do themselves, as long as they have the right skills, tools and materials. On the other hand, when you get a professional out to repair your gutters, if they are reliable, you can rest assured they’ll have the skills, tools, and materials to get the job done right. Which professional do you call? Who repairs gutters? Do roofers repair gutters? Yes, many roofers repair gutters, as do many general contractors. There are even gutter repair specialists. But a reputable roofer or general contractor will often do a great job. With Mullins General Construction you get professionals with years of experience in both roofing and general contracting on your side, and you can always rely on them to get the job done right.
Gutter repair how to
In some cases, gutter repair is a fairly simple DIY project, and with the right skills and gutter repair materials, you can make effective repairs yourself. The materials you need will depend on the repair you’re making, but most commonly you’ll need sealant and patches to repair leaks, and a cordless drill or hammer to reposition any loose hangers. Of course, you’ll also need a ladder.
Small leaks are among the simplest fixes:
- Apply sealant over the hole on the inside of the gutter.
- Place a patch of matching material over the hole and press it against the sealant.
Straightening sags might be a little more complicated, but still something you can do effectively:
- Start on the ground by placing a straight 1×4 or 2×4 under the sag for support,
- Next, climb your ladder and remove a couple of hangers near the sag.
- After you sight along the gutter so you can make an accurate adjustment and to correct it by moving the hangers you’ve removed to a better spot.
- For extra support add one or two more hangers, if needed.
Gutter repair and cleaning
Maintenance is essential for every component of your home, and gutters are no exception. Often gutter repair can be avoided by regularly cleaning your gutters. You should clean your gutters at least twice per year, ideally in the spring or fall. You may want to clean them more frequently, especially if you have several trees around your home or if serious freezes occur frequently.
Why is water dripping between gutter and fascia?
Roof and gutter leaks pose several problems that could lead to costly repairs. One problem with leaks on your roof is that it’s sometimes hard to tell where the leak is coming from. If you look closely, however, and notice you have water dripping between your gutter and fascia boards, you definitely have a gutter problem. More than likely there’s too much space between the back of the gutter and the fascia, a sign the gutters were poorly installed in the first place and a gutter repair will be necessary to prevent any damage to your roof.
Gutter repair in my area
Anytime you have leaks or sags or other problems and need gutter repair in Dallas, TX you can always rely on the professionals at Mullins General Construction. We have years of experience and offer a wide range of roofing and contracting services. You can find out more about us or schedule a service appointment by calling (972) 535-8065.