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Gutters are often "out of sight, out of mind"—until water is pouring into your basement or destroying your landscaping. Most homeowners in Massachusetts don't think about their gutters until they fail. However, catching a problem early can save you thousands of dollars in structural repairs.

If you are wondering whether it’s time to call in the experts, look for these five tell-tale signs. If you spot them, it is time to search for "gutter professionals near me" and get B.A. Harris Seamless Gutters on the job.

1. Water Spilling Over the Sides (The Waterfall Effect) If it rains and your house looks like Niagara Falls, you have a problem. Water spilling over the sides indicates one of two things: a clog or a pitch issue.

The Clog: In New England, pine needles, oak leaves, and maple seeds (helicopters) are notorious for creating dense mats in gutters.
The Pitch: If the gutter has sagged due to the weight of snow or ice, water can no longer reach the downspout. Ignoring this leads to water pooling around your foundation, which creates hydrostatic pressure and eventual basement leaks.

2. Sagging or Pulling Away from the House Walk around your home and look up. Do the gutters look like they are smiling (sagging in the middle)? Or can you see a gap between the gutter and the fascia board (the wood trim)? This is critical. Gutters are held up by hangers. Over time, the spikes or screws can work themselves loose—especially after a winter of heavy ice dams. If a gutter falls, it can rip the siding off your house or smash windows below. A professional can often re-secure them with heavy-duty hidden hangers, or replace them if the damage is too severe.
3. Peeling Paint or Rust Stains on Siding Gutters are supposed to keep water off your siding. If you see bubbling paint, orange rust stains, or rot on your wood siding directly below the gutter line, it means the system is failing. Water is likely splashing back or running behind the gutter. This is not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a sign that moisture is penetrating your home's envelope, which can lead to mold and rot in your wall studs.
4. Pools of Water or Eroded Landscaping Look at the ground. Are there trenches dug into your mulch or flower beds directly under the roofline? Is there standing water near the foundation? This means the water isn't being diverted away from the house. It might be a clogged downspout, or perhaps the downspouts are too short. Gutter professionals can install extensions or underground drains to move that water safely away from your home.
5. The Dreaded Ice Dams In Massachusetts, ice dams are a winter nightmare. While they are primarily caused by heat loss from the attic, clogged or poorly draining gutters make them significantly worse. If water cannot drain before it freezes, it builds up into a glacier on your roof edge, forcing water under the shingles and into your ceiling. If you had ice dams last winter, do not wait for the first snow. Call a pro now to ensure your gutters are clear and flowing freely.

Conclusion Your gutters are the unsung heroes of your home’s defense system. If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for the next storm to cause damage. Reach out to Guttahs.com. As your local experts in Walpole and surrounding areas, we can diagnose the issue and provide a lasting solution.