We get a fair amount of rain and moisture in Gaithersburg, which means rust buildup on unprotected metals. You can generally expect about twenty solid years of faithful service from your current gutters, if you keep them properly maintained. Just like any other part of your home or office, gutters require a little love every now and then to stay in tip top shape.

Aside from generally clearing and cleaning, rust will be your biggest concern where gutter maintenance is concerned. Kept up with, rust can be little more than a minor frustration, but left alone, it can become the end of your gutters. In that case, you’ll be looking at a full gutter replacement.

Need to replace your rusty gutters? Contact Shanco today!

How to Spot Rust on Gutters

Typically, rust is easy to spot. We’ve all seen it at one time or another, and that telltale reddish-brown crust stands out quite clearly against clean metal. Spotting rust is less about what to look for, and more about making sure you do look for it. It’s not overkill to say checking your gutters for the signs of rust monthly (particularly during wetter seasons) is a good idea.

Keep in mind, checking for rust properly means checking the inside of the gutter run, not just a quick glance at the outside. A couple funky colored spots on the outside could translate to serious damage on the inside!

Preventing and Removing Rust in Gutters

In the event you find a small measure of rust in or on your gutters, a simple scrub with a wire brush can do wonders. You may also consider a fine-grade sandpaper (Too coarse and it will scratch the metal) to gently remove small coatings of rust. It’s important to ensure you leave no rust behind, as it will actually eat through your gutters over a relatively short time.

Prevention can also be key, so once you have your gutters rust-free, consider using a metal primer to reduce rust buildup in the future.

An alternative to traditional gutters includes seamless gutters and sectional gutters. Can you tell the difference? Talk to our professional gutter installers at Shanco to learn more!

When it’s Time to Consider Gutter Replacement in Gaithersburg

Unfortunately, no maintenance plan is perfect, and eventually you will have to think about completely replacing your gutters to start fresh. It may be time to order gutter replacement if:

  • The rust is affecting an area greater than three inches. You may be able to remove partial parts of your gutter, depending on where the rust epidemic rests. But once rust has spread this far, it’s hard to justify keeping it.
  • The rust is caked on.
  • Rust has created holes, separations or cracks in your gutter. Smaller holes, those of a centimeters or less, may be patchable, but anything exceeding that should be replaced.

Don’t let your home’s first line of defense against water damage waste away. Our specialists provide all of the skill and experience you could hope for in gutter replacement. And at Shanco, our Gaithersburg customer’s comfort and peace of mind are our top priority. If you think it may be time to consider replacement, contact us today!