Dear Keith: My gutters are about 15 years old and looking worn. When should they be replaced?

Danielle S. Dexter

“Splash” is the sound I heard a few years ago while I stepped in a puddle of water in my basement. Upon investigation, it was clear that the water was coming from a crack in my basement wall. As I searched around the exterior perimeter of my home, I noticed that the grade of soil and grass within the area of the leak was sloping toward my home and it looked as though the soil was deteriorating. Slowly I looked up, as a drip of water splashed on my face. As Colombo must have felt many times, I was excited when I discovered the culprit of “Niagara Falls” in my basement ... was a minor leak in my gutters.

The leak was caused by a crack allowing the water to drip into the grass below, causing the water to be directed toward, (instead of away from) my basement, resulting in the leak. The crack may have been caused by a number of reasons such as an impact from a soccer or foot ball hitting the gutter. Or perhaps an “ice dam” from previous winters. Gutters are an important part of your home's building structure. Their purpose is to redirect water from rain and snow off the roof toward the downspouts and away from your home. Improperly installed, damaged or filled with debris, gutters can cause major damage. Damaged gutters can deteriorate fascia and roof boards and could allow water to penetrate your basement or crawlspace that could compromise your home's foundation. Here is a checklist to help you make the determination whether you need to repair or replace your gutters:

1. Are there any breaks in the gutter system that would allow leakage? Check mitered corners and any joints first. 2. Are the gutters sloping toward the downspout to ensure proper drainage? A level gutter will not drain properly. Too much is also not good for your downspouts, and aesthetically will look horrible. According to Ryan from Alloy Gutter in Taylor, typically gutters should slope one-quarter inch to half an inch for every 10 feet of gutter run.

3. Are the gutter fasteners attached correctly? There are easy to install hidden gutter fasteners such as a hidden gutter hanger that can make you look like a professional. 4. Are the downspouts connected securely to the gutters and clean? Many times leaves and debris get clogged in the small curve of the downspout closest to the gutter. 5. Do the end of the downspouts need extensions? If the downspouts are not draining the water away from the home, flexible and ridged extensions can be easily installed to help divert water. Although there are many types of gutter material such as copper and zinc, the two most popular are types of gutters are aluminum (seamless) and vinyl/plastic (sectional). Sectional gutter systems are typically vinyl or plastic. They're made for the "do-it-yourselfers." Unfortunately they are prone to leaks at the joints.

Seamless gutters are more common and installed by the professionals. Rolls of aluminum coil can be bent at the job site, therefore making this a viable option for most homeowners. The ease of customizing the product's installation and color makes it more economical. But the largest reason for the popularity of the “seamless gutter “ — they are less likely to leak when installed properly.

If your gutters are sound and secure, but just a little aged, then prime and paint them. With new products on the market that have a primer and paint in one, painting your gutters is easier than ever.

Paul is a state of Michigan licensed builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of HandyPro Handyman Service and nationally franchised HandyPro International. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul 11 a.m. every Saturday on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.