Gutter Repair in Kansas City: When Should You Call a Pro?

Gutters are one of the best, and simplest, ways to protect your Kansas City home against damage from the elements. In fact, gutters are a necessity in order to prevent costly expenses down the road, so it’s important to know when to call a pro if you need your gutters repaired or maintained. Some gutter repairs and maintenance can be performed by the homeowner, but others may require the knowledge and expertise of a professional.

Leaks can sometimes happen at the seams of the gutters, which means the water is not being directed away from your home and can end up pooling around your foundation or seeping inside. Other times, a leak develops through a crack in the gutters from corrosion or rust.

You can repair a small hole by covering it with sealant. For larger holes, you may need to purchase a gutter patch kit or call a local professional for help. Keep in mind that once a weak spot is established and fixed with sealant, it will likely be a recurring problem.

If your gutters don’t have a guard fixed on top, they should be cleaned twice every year to prevent debris buildup which can make it nearly impossible for water to flow through freely. If this happens, water can begin to pool on your roof, increasing the chances of water damage to the roof itself and even the interior of your home.

Additional debris in the gutters can also act as a home for nesting animals, which can cause a blockage. If rainwater overflows at the top of the gutter instead of flowing through, if you notice vegetation growing out of the gutter or if the gutter is sagging from too much weight, you could have a clog.

Cleaning your gutters is a simple process that involves climbing a ladder and manually removing the debris. Be careful when working up high, especially if you need to bring sharp tools with you on the ladder. If your gutter system is too high for you to feel comfortable climbing a ladder, call a professional for help.

Gutters that are sagging are generally being weighed down by leaves and debris. This may begin to sag or pull away from the fascia, causing unwanted and expensive damage. If gutters are left to sag, they cannot direct water away from the house, and the water instead can flow straight down into your home’s ceiling. In addition, the unstable gutter could collapse unexpectedly, causing injury to anyone below.

A sagging gutter can be repaired by the homeowner if it’s caught early enough. Inspect the problem area and add a brace under the sag. You should also replace any gutter hangers that are weak or damaged.

Hanging new gutters requires a little know-how, and it can be done wrong to the point that it’s noticeable to others. You’ll most likely want professional installation to ensure it’s done correctly and efficiently, and to prevent damage the fascia or your roof.

If you have clogs in your downspouts, it’s a good idea to call a professional for removal. There could be an aggressive animal inside.

Even if a gutter repair seems simple, climbing on a ladder or the roof can be scary and dangerous.  If you don’t feel comfortable climbing on your roof or being up high, or if the repair needs to be made when it’s slippery, wet or icy, please call a professional to prevent injury.

Call Precision Windows and Doors in the Kansas City area at 816-524-8999 or 913-649-1199. Our trusted local professionals can help you determine the best way to install, repair or replace your gutters.