When to Replace Gutters in Amarillo
If there’s one thing we can count on with Amarillo weather, it’s destroying gutters. High winds, hail, torrential downpours—you name it and our gutter systems have to handle it. Your gutter system is literally your home’s first line of defense against the elements.
Unfortunately, gutter systems don’t last indefinitely. Especially here in the Texas Panhandle. Once your gutters start to fail, they start to worry about more than just a cracked gutter. Soil erosion around your foundation (hello caliche clay soil!) or water damage to siding are real possibilities.
Does your gutter system still hold up to Amarillo weather? Here are five signs it may be time to install a new gutter system.
#1 Wind Damage, Gaps, and Seam Separation
Did you know we’re one of the windiest cities in America? After years of wind gusts rubbing up against your home, your gutters can actually become loose or start to experience “seam fatigue.”
- Cracks & Fractures: If you start to notice visible cracks, water can already be pouring behind your gutters and rotting out your fascia boards. (Remember: Small cracks will expand quickly in our dry heat!)
- Seams: Sectional gutters come with seams every 10-20 feet. These weak points are begging for leaks to happen.
The Amarillo Solution: We carry seamless aluminum gutters and many of our customers choose them because of our high winds. With no weak points, there’s nothing for wind to grab onto—your gutters can handle West Texas weather!
#2 The “Panhandle Lean”: Sagging and Standing Water
Due to dirt storms and your average thunderstorm debris can collect in your gutters year-round. When rain does occur, all that dust turns to heavy mud.
- Sagging Gutters: If your gutters pull away from the roofline, this can mean stripped hangers OR wet West Texas dirt has bowed out the actual metal gutter away from the house.
- Water Stagnation: Mosquito “ponds” in your gutters may be unsightly- but did you know standing water is heavy? The weight of it can cause concerns, but leave it in the summer heat and you’ve got yourself a mosquito breeding zone.
#3 Rust and Corrosion
We like to think Amarillo is dry, but we do get humid days (and freak thunderstorms). Rust happens—particularly on older galvanized steel gutter systems. Once rust eats through the bottom of your gutter trough, you’ve compromised the structural integrity. You may see orange specks or paint that is “bubbling” up —eliminate rust stains with rust-proof aluminum!
#4 Peeling Exterior Paint and Mold
The water dripping from your gutter may splash over the edge if it routinely overflows. Not only will you have expensive damage to your siding from paint peeling, but you may see white “calcium” staining on brick homes.
When water continually splashes back on your home, you’re guaranteed to get mold in our climate. You don’t want to pay to rip your siding off because of mold.
#5 Foundation Erosion
Down here in Amarillo waterflow is EVERYTHING. If water isn’t directed away from your foundation at least 3–5 feet after it leaves your roof, it’s gonna pool around your home.
- Cracked Foundations: Foundation movement happens more frequently when Panhandle soil shifts from bone-dry to pool-full.
- Your Yard Was Destroyed: Good downspouts should take care of the occasional summer hail storm. If your yard looks like a tornado came through every time Mother Nature hammers your house…It’s your gutters fault.
When Should I Replace Gutters in Amarillo?
Honestly, it’s never too late (or too early) to improve your gutter situation. However, if you want to avoid…
- Peak Season: Late winter/early spring. You’ll want to get those gutters replaced before our annual “Spring Monsoon” arrives. Those April and May thunderstorms will be here before you know it!
- Off-Season: Late fall/early winter is also a great time to replace gutters. You’ll be able to clean them out and ready them for snow and ice in West Texas.
- Lastly: If you’re replacing your roof due to a Panhandle hail storm, NOW is the time to add gutters. The contractors replacing your roof will make sure they align the drip edge and gutter hangers correctly.
Don’t Wait for the Next Round of Severe Weather
When your gutter system begins to fail you, disaster will follow the next time it storms. Flash flooding, high winds or hail can easily loosen weak gutters and wreak havoc on your home. Roof leaks. Soil erosion. Foundation issues. These are costly repairs that you don’t want to deal with. Don’t let it happen to you!
Want to fight those Amarillo thunderstorms head on? Call New Vision Exterior Solutions today for your free gutter inspection and estimate. Let’s make your home Panhandle-tough!
