DIY Checklist: Does Your Home Need a New Gutter Installation?

Your gutters play an important role in protecting your coastal home from water damage. Heavy rain, strong winds, storms, leaves, and debris can all take a toll on your gutter system over time. The good news? A simple visual inspection can help you determine whether your gutters simply need cleaning or whether it may be time to consider a new gutter installation from the professional gutter installers at Pro Systems Roofing.

Does Your Virginia Beach Home Need New Gutters?

Use this DIY gutter inspection checklist to get started.

1. Look for Sagging or Pulling Gutters

Stand back from your home and look along the length of each gutter. Gutters should have a consistent, slightly sloped appearance toward the downspouts. Minor problems may be repairable, but widespread sagging can indicate that the gutter system is reaching the end of its useful life.

Watch for:

• Sagging or dipping sections
• Gutters pulling away from the fascia
• Missing or loose hangers
• Sections that appear crooked or separated

2. Check for Rust, Cracks, and Holes

Inspect the visible portions of your gutters for deterioration. Small holes or cracks can sometimes be repaired, but numerous damaged areas may indicate that replacement makes more sense.

*Look particularly closely at  the seams, corners, end caps, and areas where water tends to collect.

3. Inspect Your Downspouts

During or shortly after rainfall, check whether water is flowing freely from the downspouts (Downspouts should direct water away from your home's foundation). Slow drainage, standing water, or water spilling over the sides can indicate a clog or an improperly functioning system. Also look for downspouts that are loose, disconnected, or directing water too close to your foundation.

4. Look for Water Damage Around the Home

Gutter problems can allow water to back up against the roofline or drain improperly around the home. Your gutters can give you clues about problems that aren't immediately visible. Check around the fascia, soffits, siding, foundation, and landscaping for:

• Water stains
• Rotting or deteriorating wood
• Peeling paint
• Erosion near the foundation
• Excessive water pooling
• Mold or mildew growth

5. Check for Excessive Granules in the Gutters

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, look at what has accumulated inside your gutters. A small amount of debris is normal, but large amounts of roofing granules can be a sign that your shingles are aging or deteriorating.

*If you notice significant granule buildup along with gutter problems, it may be worthwhile to have both your roof and gutter system professionally inspected.

6. Inspect After a Heavy Virginia Beach Storm

Coastal Virginia weather can be  very tough on exterior home systems. After a major storm, look for loose gutter sections, damaged downspouts, separated seams, and areas where the gutters may have pulled away from the house.

*At Pro Systems Roofing we recommend paying particular attention to loose gutters and drainage issues after severe weather.

Need Professional Gutter Installation in Virginia Beach?

If your inspection reveals multiple problems throughout the system, such as widespread sagging, rust, cracks, loose sections, recurring leaks, or poor drainage, it may be time to consider new gutter installation rather than continually repairing individual sections. Pro Systems Roofing offers gutter installation throughout Virginia Beach. When you're looking for experienced gutter installers in Virginia Beach, call Pro Systems Roofing today for an inspection and free estimate.