If you’ve spent any time staring at your house during a downpour, you’ve probably asked yourself the million-dollar question: Are those gutters actually working, or are they just decorative water features at this point?
It’s easy to ignore them until you’re dodging a literal waterfall over your front door, but catching the signs early can save you a massive headache (and a massive repair bill) down the road.
Here is a quick guide to figuring out if your gutters are still in the game or if it’s time to retire them.
1. You’re Finding Screws and Nails
If you’re finding random metal hardware on your lawn or driveway, your gutters are literally falling apart. When the fasteners pull away from the wood, it’s usually because the fascia board is rotting or the gutters are too heavy from years of debris. If you can’t securely pop them back in, the system is failing.
2. Peeling Paint
Take a look at your home’s exterior. Do you see vertical orange or gray streaks? Are there flakes of paint peeling off the siding right behind the troughs? This means water is overtopping the back of the gutter. It’s either a permanent clog issue or the gutters have warped and lost their pitch.
3. The Basement “Mystery” Dampness
Sometimes the sign of a bad gutter isn’t on the roof – it’s at your feet. If your basement feels extra humid or you’re seeing cracks in the foundation, your gutters likely aren’t directing water far enough away. Here’s a quick pro tip: check your downspouts. If they’re dumping water right at the base of your house, you’re basically inviting a flood into your crawlspace.
4. The Daylight Test
The next time it’s sunny, walk around and look up. Can you see daylight between the gutter and the roofline? Or, even worse, can you see visible cracks or rust holes? Even a tiny “pinhole” leak can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your siding over a single season.
Is it a Repair or a Replace Situation?
| Situation | Action |
| One or two loose hangers | Easy Repair |
| Leaking at the corners (seams) | Seal them up! |
| Widespread rust or multiple cracks | Replace |
| Sagging sections that hold standing water | Replace |
Should you DIY or go Pro?
If you’re comfortable on a ladder and it’s just a matter of cleaning them out, go for it! But if you’re seeing sagging metal or rotted wood, it’s usually worth calling in a pro. Modern seamless gutters are a “one-and-done” solution that looks way better and lasts decades longer than the sectional stuff you find at big-box stores.
Contact Moyer Exteriors For Gutter Services in Lincoln, NE and the Surrounding Areas
Moyer Exteriors is proud to offer gutter services in Lincoln, NE and the surrounding areas. Reach out to us today at 402-713-0156 to schedule your gutter installation.
Living in Peru means enjoying small-town charm. But it also means your home faces its share of Nebraska weather, from windy days to sudden storms. At Moyer Exteriors, we treat every house like it’s our neighbor’s, not just a job. Whether it’s your roof, siding, windows, or gutters, we bring honest advice, skilled craftsmanship, and dependable service so your home stays safe, comfortable, and looking its best all year long.