How are your gutters holding up?  If you noticed problems during the spring rainstorms here in the Minneapolis area, it means you need to:
  • Clean out your gutters
  • Get your gutters repaired
  • Replace those old gutters
To Replace or Repair: What You Should Do with Your Gutters 

We recommend gutter cleaning every fall after the leaves are all of the trees, and again in the spring.  If you've removed all the gunk and debris and your gutters are clean, then either they need some minor repairs, or you should consider a complete gutter replacement.  The gutters are an important part of the home, and when they’re not working correctly, you have to ensure that you protect the foundation around your home from the water that falls.

How do you know which way to go?

Knowing the signs to look for and what might be able to be repaired can save you a lot of time and money.  You don't want to waste cash on new gutters when simple repairs will do; on the other hand, why repair a gutter system that's worn out?  Any gutters that have serious damage done to them need to be replaced entirely.

You might not be able to tell if the gutters need to be repaired or replaced, but a reputable gutter installation contractor would be able to tell you more about the condition of the gutters around your home.

Here are some problems that can easily be repaired:

  • Smaller holes - Gutters can sometimes develop holes in them, especially if they’re made from steel. The steel can rust out and cause further issues. When there is a hole, it allows the water to run out of it. Items and debris that fall from the trees and other items overhead can also puncture and damage the gutters, causing large holes.  Roofing cement is generally used to fix this issue, instead of having to replace the entire system.
  • Leaky joints - The seams in gutter systems tend to leak when the rubber gaskets or silicone wears down with time. When this happens, these joints often can be repaired  with the right materials to put them back in working shape. Adding a support and slip connector can provide more stability for the joints on the gutters.
  • Sagging - When the gutters are sagging, this is often an indication that the fasteners are loose.  Sagging gutters don't carry the water away.  Instead it pools up in the gutters and spills over, and the weight of the water makes them sag even more. You do not want the entire gutter system crashing down on you because of the weight that might be placed on them. Removing the debris and other items from inside the gutters and then screwing them up again securely to provide more stability can help reduce the chances of having the gutters falling down.
If you notice any of these issues happening with your gutter system, speak with us here at Quarve Contracting. As a Minnesota licensed gutter installation contractor we are better able to assess the situation when we see it and can let you know if you need a replacement set or a repair. We specialize in seamless gutters, so those joint leaks can be a thing of the past.  Let us take care of the situation for you, so you do not have to worry about foundation issues.