Rust on anything can be an unpleasant sight, especially on part of a home that is visible to everyone passing by. Rain gutters are an essential part to every modern-day home. They prevent water from sliding down the sides of homes and preventing damage to the foundation. Metal gutters are a common choice for homeowners due to their durability and water-holding capabilities. However, many question how sustainable they are when it comes to gradual rusting.
What Causes Gutters to Rust?
When exposed to the elements of Mother Nature, most metals are destined to rust. The main culprit to rusting is moisture when the metal is exposed. There is no way to stop a metal gutter from encountering oxygen and water; however, there are steps that can be taken to make the process slower. These steps offer a major improvement that can be seen on how long a gutter can last.
One of the most alarming causes of metal gutters rusting is gutter overflow. Gutter overflow implies that the gutter system was installed improperly. For instance, the gutter might be too small to hold enough water. It can also lead to other issues resulting in rust.
Another main cause of rusting is clogs. Debris and other outside elements are already scratching the gutter’s inner surface, and when water becomes stuck inside and rushes down the siding, disaster occurs. In other words, the gutters will begin to rust a lot faster due to all the water pooling and overflowing around the clogs.
How to Stop Gutters from Rusting
When signs of rusting are recognized in the early stages, repairs are easy and cost-effective, especially when the rust is mild and isolated. In some situations, all you need is a wire brush to scrub off the rust.
Spotting areas of rust is simple. When a part of your gutter rusts, you will notice a reddish-brown color that is difficult to overlook, especially when you compare that spot other areas of the guttering system. Do not forget to schedule regular inspections for the inside and outside of the gutters.
Be sure to preserve the inside of the gutters against moisture, including rainwater, fog, dew, melted snow, and mildew. Make it a routine to have your gutters cleaned after it rains. If you have a large guttering system and the task is too daunting, consider installing gutter guards in some parts of its surface.
Why Is It Important?
You may be asking yourself, “Why should I prevent my gutters from rusting?” Stopping rust in the early stages it important because it will save you repair expenses and ensure your gutters will work the right way for a longer period.
Rust is not a pretty thing to see. It changes the way your gutters look by making them appear aged and neglected. Rust can also cause holes because it essentially eats away the metal and causes the gutters to become weak. The seams of a guttering system are the weakest part, and if they become rusted, it will be more difficult to preserve the gutter’s strength while fixing the needed repairs.
In some cases, replacing the entire guttering system is the safer option. When you stick to your regular gutter maintenance, it is easy to clear up the rust. However, if the rust becomes a major problem and starts to spread to different parts of your gutters no matter how much you’ve cleaned them, a new guttering system will be the best long-term solution.
GutterPros is one of the leading gutter cleaning, repair, installation, and protection services in St. Louis. You can always count on us to meet your expectations and provide you with affordable, quick, and high-quality service. Call us today at (314) 656-7195 to speak with one of our team members and to learn about all the gutter services we provide!