A rusty gutter system is a problem that can make almost anyone think that your home looks neglected. Apart from the fact that it can detract from the overall appearance of your home, the presence of orange-brown streaks and spots are also an indication that the gutters’ function is slowly diminishing. This exposes your home further to water damage and other issues that are too costly to repair.
But is this problem still fixable? We answer this question and more below.
Rusty Gutters and Their Causes
Rust happens when oxygen and water interact with certain metal materials. Metal gutters are commonly made of steel and iron, but these materials are treated with additional chemicals so they won’t easily accumulate rust. A lack of maintenance, however, makes gutter rust more likely to occur. It usually starts in a tiny part of your gutters where it won’t be as noticeable. Given enough time, the rust becomes too obvious to miss. Once it spreads to the rest of your gutters, the gutters’ structural integrity is shot, compromising their ability to properly channel water runoff.
Can a Rusty Gutter System Be Saved?
You can still prevent rust from spreading in your gutter system by resealing the affected areas with primer. But you first have to brush the surface with sandpaper or a wire brush to remove the outer layer before resealing it. If this isn’t properly cleaned off, the remaining rust can still spread and damage your gutters over time. If there are already holes in a small section of your gutters, replacing the affected sections or segments is the better solution. A complete replacement remains a practical choice if rust has already spread to several parts of the system.
At V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding, we offer a large selection of gutters, all of which are durable and resistant to rust or corrosion. Our gutter products are as visually appealing and functional as we can make them. To learn more about your options, give us a call today at (203) 639-1634, or reach us online to schedule a free consultation.
