Gutter Installation & Gutter Guards in Vancouver, WA | Gutter Empire

Many homeowners install gutters and then forget about taking care of them. This becomes one of the prime reasons why they may have to replace the gutters, even when most modern gutters have a longevity of more than 20 years. Most of the time, gutters become replaceable only because they are not maintained properly. However, there can be several other reasons too, because of which you may have to think about contacting gutter replacement near me options. 

In this blog, we will come across different aspects of when and why you should replace your gutters. Moreover, we will come across some of the common signs that offer an idea of when you should replace the gutters of your house. 

Why are Gutters Important?

While homeowners may avoid gutters quite often, it is actually an extremely important aspect of any property. Rainwater collects in the gutter in place of accumulating on the roof. The gutter then guides the collected water through the downspout. The downspout is designed in such a way that water falls away from the foundation of the house. 

There are several reasons why gutters can be beneficial for your house. Here are some of the common ones to discuss. 

  • Prevention of Leaking Roof:

Heavy rainfall or snowfall may often cause damage to the roof and can lead to water leakage. However, with a proper gutter system, the water gets collected and flows away smoothly through the downspout, avoiding any damage. 

  • Prevention of Basement Flooding:

When water rolls directly from the roof, it collects in the house’s foundation, which can impact the walls of the basement. It is because of water collection that items stored in the basement can get damaged. Also, there is a chance of mold because of such water collection. 

  • Reduced Decay and Mold:

When you get a gutter system for your house, the chances of mold growth on the exterior walls of the house also decrease. Usually, water dripping from the roof edges causes such mold growth. However, gutters help in reducing the dripping water and thus reduce the chances of mold growth. 

  • Eliminates Pests and Insects:

Accumulated water on the roof can be a breeding place for various pests and insects. These pests soon attack the house and try to enter. On the contrary, a good gutter helps in eliminating all the water, keeping the roof dry and free from such pests. 

  • Protects Landscaping:

When water falls directly from the roof on the house foundation, it erodes the soil and can even damage the landscape. When you install a gutter, the professionals help you to get the downspout angled in such a way that it drains water without damaging the landscape. 

While a good gutter system can protect your house in different ways, a damaged one can also cause serious problems. This is one of the prime reasons why you must call upon gutter replacement near me in such a case. 

So, how does a gutter system get damaged? Let us find out.

What Causes Gutter Damage?

Usually, a good gutter system may last for more than 20 years if it is maintained properly. However, there can be several factors that can damage the gutter before its expiry date. Here are some of the most common ones to understand. 

  • Wrong Installation:

Often wrong installation of gutters can cause damage. If the gutter is not installed at a proper angle, the water will run backward, flooding the roof and damaging everything. Similarly, there are many more installation mistakes that homeowners may often make, like the wrong selection of gutter material, using short pipelines, and many more. 

  • Existence of Debris:

Blockage due to the existence of debris is another cause of gutter damage. You must ensure to clean the gutter frequently or at least check for blockages regularly. A clean and well-maintained gutter will last for more than 20 years. However, blockages due to debris can cause pressure on the gutter, ultimately damaging it. Also, when pests start infesting due to water clogging, this again can cause gutter damage. 

  • Any Accident:

Apart from the above two common causes, any accident can also damage the gutter. For example, a tree suddenly falls on the roof, or you hammer the wrong place while doing something on the roof.

You should not leave a damaged gutter as it is because it can lead to issues such as mold and water leakage. Immediately check out the damage and try to fix it at the earliest. When you call upon the professionals of gutter replacement near me, they can help you out in understanding whether the damage can be repaired or you need to replace the gutter. 

Should You Repair the Gutter or Replace It?

This is a common question that homeowners have in mind when they notice a damaged gutter system. The answer depends upon the intensity of the damage. At times, a few repairs can offer enough time for the gutter to survive. On the other hand, the damage is so much that the only option is to replace the gutter with a new one. 

You may not be able to judge the actual requirement. So, the best way is to get in touch with a professional at gutter replacement near me who will help you understand whether you require repair or replacement. Of course, some symptoms will help you also understand whether you should replace a gutter system or not, about which we will discuss next. 

When Should You Replace Your Gutter? 

Replacing your gutter is a big decision as it requires a decent investment. However, when the damage is too much, in place of investing in excessive repair, you must invest in gutter replacements. Here are some common signs that will hint to you that it is time to replace your gutter with a new one. 

  • Cracks:

You may at first ignore smaller cracks on the gutter. However, do not forget that these cracks grow and produce multiple cracks. Slowly, these will start impacting the shingles and fascia board of the house. So, whenever you notice a small crack, make sure that you call upon the experts from gutter replacement near me for an inspection. The experts may repair the crack. At the same time, it may happen that the crack has extended so much that you have no other option apart to replace the gutter. 

  • The Paint:

Have you noticed spotting or paint peeling off the gutter? This happens when water accumulates for a long time, and this has led to damage to the gutter’s body. Once again, smaller spotting can be taken care of. However, if the peeling of paint is more severe, it can cause severe damage. Hence, the professionals of gutter replacement near me will recommend replacing the gutter. 

  • Flooding Near the Foundation:

If you notice water flooding near the foundation of your house, this is a clear sign that the gutter is no longer working properly. You can still call upon the experts at gutter replacement near me to check whether they can fix the issue with a repair or not. However, in such a case, it is always best to replace the existing gutter with a new and better one. 

  • Water Stains:

Make sure that you inspect your gutter regularly, especially on a sunny day, to find out its actual condition. If you notice water stains just below the gutter, this means water is leaking from somewhere. If water is overflowing or leaking, this is again a fault of the gutter system. You must take the initiative to inspect further and make a decision related to the replacement of the gutter. 

  • Sagging Areas: 

Gutters start sagging when it has water collected in them. If the water is not flowing out from the gutter and is standing, there is a problem with the gutter. It can be an installation error or gutter damage. Find out the actual reason, and then you can decide whether you must replace the gutter or not. 

  • Broken Seams:

You enjoy leakage leakage-free experience only because the gutter is tightly connected to the seams. However, if you notice broken seams, this is a sign that the gutter will soon break. Before the damage gets massive, you must contact your professional at gutter replacement near me to replace the gutter.

  • Rusting:

If you have a metal gutter, you must take special care to prevent rusting. If water has been stagnant in the gutter for a long time, this will cause rusting. If you notice such rusting over larger areas of the gutter, you must know that the gutter is about to get damaged. So, you must choose to replace it in place of trying to repair it. 

  • Fallen Hardware:  

Are you noticing loose hardware like nails and screws quite often near the gutter-installed area? If hardware pieces are falling out, this means the gutter system is getting weaker in its structure. So, you must act fast before the whole structure falls down one day. It is hard to repair such damaged gutters, so one of the best ways is to replace them. 

Now, when you have decided that you need to replace the gutter, you must know some essential information about it. Read on to know more. 

How to Replace Gutters?

While you can always find experts at gutter replacement near me to replace gutters for you, you must also know how to do it. Here is a guide on how to replace gutters. 

  1. The first and foremost thing is to choose the correct gutter for the installation. You can choose from diverse materials such as metal, plastic, and composite. Also, you must choose the correct type from various options like K-Style, Boston, European, and Half-Round. 
  1. Collect proper measurements of the existing gutter to ensure that you install the new one with the same measurement. 
  1. You will require some essential tools for the replacement process, like screws, saw, drill, and a ladder. 
  1. Uninstall the existing gutter to start with the replacement task. 
  1. Mark the slope carefully so that you do not make any mistakes. 
  1. Install brackets to the fascia board with a space of 2 feet between 2 brackets.
  1. Cut the gutter sections carefully as per the measurements you have taken earlier.
  1. Now, seal the ends of the gutter with caps carefully. 
  1. Mark well and then cut the holes for the downspout.
  1. Finally, install the new gutter and downspouts, and you are done. 

Once you are done, make sure to test the gutter by putting water on it. See whether the water is flowing smoothly through the downspout or not. If you notice anything wrong, you must get in touch with a professional for gutter replace near me to ensure that everything is setup correctly. 

Should You Contact a Professional for Gutter Replacement?

While many homeowners try to replace the gutters on their own, it is always advised to get in touch with a gutter replace professional for the process. The replacement process can be a tricky task where you need to remove the existing gutter carefully and then have to place the new one exactly in the same place. A little mistake can even cause damage, and the entire task can fail. 

Also, safety is another concern as you have to climb up the ladder while replacing the gutter. Of course, you may have a helper to support you, but accidents still may happen. The professionals at gutter replacement near me are especially equipped to avoid such accidents and work safely. 

The experts from gutter replacement near me have the skill and knowledge on how to replace a gutter appropriately and much faster. So, when they perform the task, you no longer have to worry about the results. Even if you find any difficulty, you can always get in touch with them and they can mend the issue without any extra cost. 
Often, many people try to fix and replace the gutter system just to save the gutter replacement cost. However, at the end, it may cost you more in many instances. For example, if you damage the gutter in the process, you will have to get a new one. Similarly, if you could not install the gutter correctly, you have to repeat the entire process once again, or you have to call upon the experts to correct it. So, the sensible homeowners do not take such risks and call upon the professionals at gutter replacement near me at the first place to replace the gutter. The professionals will help you in choosing the most suitable gutter and will replace the system most conveniently for your ultimate peace of mind.

Are you aware of the important parts of the gutter system installed at your house? Well, out of various elements, the exterior fascia board is one of the most important ones to know about. It is the part that holds up the gutter steadily and supports the roof’s bottom row section. Hence, apart from the gutter, you must also ensure that the fascia board remains intact and in good condition. Of course, when you see that the fascia board cannot be further repaired, you must replace it. But how do you know the fascia board requires a replacement?

Several signs will make you aware that the fascia board is screaming out for replacement. Now, replacing the fascia board can make you anxious if you are naive about the techniques. Do not worry, even if you do not have any idea about it. In this blog, we will help you identify the signs for replacement and will guide you through the process of replacing fascia board in Vancouver.

When Does Your Fascia Board Require Replacement?

Here are some common signs to state that your gutter fascia board needs a replacement now or not.

  • Soft Patches on the Wood:

When you notice soft patches on the wood, do not ignore them. These happen when the wood is rotting. This usually leads to weakening of the structure. This is one such type of damage that cannot be easily repaired. So, replacing fascia board in Vancouver remains the final option here. 

  • Flaking Paint:

Many homeowners think that flaking paint is not concerning, as it is a cosmetic issue. However, if you go deeper into the issue, you will find that most often such flaking happens due to a crack in the wood. Of course, the flaking paint can also be a result of excess moisture or age. So, if you are not sure of the cause, get in touch with an expert to get an idea before replacing fascia board in Vancouver

  • Presence of Small Animals or Insects:

Have you lately noticed droppings or claw marks on the wood? Search more, and you might even get a nest of insects or rodents residing in the attic or roof. This is only possible when these living organisms have found small holes in the fascia board. Check with your expert if you can continue with fascia board repair or if you need to replace it. 

  • Presence of Water on Roof:

If you see water on your roof, this is a clear sign that the fascia board or the soffit of the gutter system is leaking. Moisture on the roof and wood will lead to mold and other negative results, causing structural damage. Call upon the professionals at the earliest to get an inspection done in such a case. 

  • Issue with Ventilation:

Lack of ventilation can cause several problems, such as moisture issues. So, if you notice mold or moisture-related issues in your house attic, it may also happen due to a lack of ventilation. Now, this may happen if there is a blockage in the fascia vents. At times, this can be repaired. However, in case of a major blockage, replacing fascia board in Vancouver is the only choice left. 

  • A Change in Aesthetics:

While you may replace fascia boards when they are replaced, there are also some aesthetic reasons to follow. If you wish to get a new style of fascia board or want something to match your newly renovated exterior wall, you can consider replacing fascia board in Vancouver

Now, whether your house’s fascia board has worn out or you want to offer it a new look, you must know about the techniques of replacing fascia board in Vancouver. If you are not aware of it, this guide will help you further in understanding the basic techniques.

Tools Required for Replacing Fascia Board in Vancouver

 Before understanding the techniques of replacing fascia boards, you must know about the tools that you will need in the process. 

  • New Fascia Board to install
  • Hammer
  • Mitter or circular saw
  • Exterior nails or wood screws of 2 inches
  • Pry bar
  • Utility knife
  • Caulk gun
  • A Ladder

While you gather all these tools, ensure that you also have a helper for safety purposes. 

How to Replace Fascia Board?

When you are ready with all the tools and a helper, you can follow these steps to replace fascia board. 

  • Inspection and Measurement

One thing that you need to know is that you can replace only the damaged area of fascia boards, instead of the whole thing. So, the first step is to inspect the damage in the process of fascia trim replacement. You can use a pry bar to check the damaged fascia boards. The damaged parts will easily break when you use a pry bar. 

Now, once you are aware of the damaged area or the ones you wish to replace, start measuring them. This measurement is required so that you can get the boards of the same measurement. You can measure the boards using a tape to check the length, thickness, and width of each board. Carefully note all the measurements so that you do not make mistakes in getting the appropriate fascia boards. 

  • Getting New Materials

Just getting the correct measurements is not enough to purchase new fascia boards. You also must consider other essential factors such as durability, material, aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and budget. You will come across various compositions like aluminum, vinyl, wood, or even composite while replacing fascia board in Vancouver

You must know the pros and cons of each material before owning it. For example, wooden boards offer a natural appearance, while you can choose a composite board for lower maintenance. Similarly, vinyl material is affordable and weather-resistant. On the other hand, a fascia board made up of aluminum is flexible, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Choose the right option according to your preference and requirements. 

  • Remove the Damaged Board

You can use the same pry bar to remove the board that you have used for inspection. Along with the pry bar, use a hammer to remove the short sections that connected the boards. Be gentle during the process so that you do not damage other parts of the structure. Cut the board into shorter pieces to remove the board easily. While removing the board, you also need to remove any wooden backing that is damaged. 

If your gutter system is installed over the fascia board, you will have to remove the gutter first to reach up to the board. With the help of a helper, use a pry bar to uninstall the old gutter system and then the damaged fascia board. Once you have removed the gutter system, check it properly for any damage and repair it accordingly before reinstalling. Attach the new fascia board and then install the gutter system. 

  • Cut New Boards

Ensure you make the right cuts on the boards according to the measurements you have taken. Double-check the measurements before you make the cuts so that you do not end up getting the wrong results. Always go for a miter or circular saw to get precise cuts. You will get perfect results if you use the correct tools and double-check the measurements before cutting. 

  • The Installation:

Go slow for the installation process. Start from one end and install one board after another. Complete the screwing process of one board on the rafter before installing the next one. While exterior wood nails and screws are considered ideal, you must also consider manufacturer’s guidelines for the installation process. Check the joints and corners carefully so that they have sealed properly, using an exterior-grade caulk. 

  • Fix the Ends

Ensure to put caps on the ends and corners of the fascia board for a much cleaner appearance. Apart from offering aesthetic appearance, these covers also protect the board from moisture. To offer better protection, use screws and nails to secure the caps. 

  • Use Paint for Final Touch

This is an optional thing to do. However, a good paint on the fascia board offers a protective layer for higher durability. When you have invested in getting a good gutter system, it is always a great idea to paint it to enhance its life. 

With all these steps, you can easily get your fascia board installed. However, you must ensure to get proper help and conduct safety measures during the installation process. Ask your helper to hold your ladder while you are working upstairs. With proper tools, help, and the above steps, you can get great results at the end. 

Fascia Board Replacement Cost

Replacing fascia board in Vancouver should usually cover the cost of the material and the tools if you are doing it all yourself. In case of DIY, you may get a costing somewhere in between $3 to $20 per foot of a new fascia board, according to the material you choose. 

However, if you are not sure of the result in case of DIY, it is always advisable to seek professional help. When you ask for a professional service, you will get a guaranteed quality result along with convenience. On average, you may have to invest somewhere between $1000 to $5000 for  fascia board replacement in Vancouver professionally

Should You Hire a Professional to Replace Fascia Board?

While many homeowners in Vancouver may consider replacing the board DIY, there are some potential reasons why you should hire a professional for the job. Some of the common reasons to hire to replace fascia board in Vancouver are:

  • Steep roofs that require higher safety measures 
  • Replacement of the whole fascia along with the soffit and gutter
  • Difficult to remove gutters
  • Rotten wooden structure

Check out and hire the best professional who can offer you reliable service at a budget that suits you. Always get a quote from different service providers to compare their services along with the costing to get the most suitable option available.