Why Am I Seeing Rust on My Gutters in Phoenix?

If you live in Phoenix, you have probably looked up at your gutters and thought, “Huh, what’s that little orange spot?” Then you wipe at it and realize it is not dirt at all. It is rust. And yeah, it feels strange because we are in the desert and you don’t think rust would be a thing here. But it shows up more often than people expect. A lot of folks end up calling CR Gutters, Inc.™ once they notice the spots getting bigger.

Why Rust Happens Here Even Though It’s Dry

Steel gutters and Phoenix heat do not get along. They heat up. Then cool down. Then heat up again. Day after day. That back and forth wears down the coating fast. Once that coating is thin, the metal underneath starts rusting. Simple as that.

Then the monsoon hits. One storm is all it takes. The gutters get soaked. If the coating is weak, water slips in. Next day the sun bakes everything dry. Dust sticks everywhere. And that mix makes rust show up even quicker.

If it is just a small rust spot, you can usually sand it off and repaint it. But if the paint is bubbling or the metal feels soft, the gutter is already breaking down from the inside. At that point, it is not going to fix itself.

Signs The Rust Is Getting Ahead of You

Here are the little hints most people notice first:

• Small orange dots that slowly get bigger?
• Bubbly or peeling paint in random spots?
• Tiny drip holes during storms?
• Rough, flaky areas on the bottom of the gutter?
• Orange streaks running down the wall after rain

If you see bubbles or pinholes, the rust has been there for a while.

Costs In Phoenix

• Spot repairs usually cost $300 to $600?
• Full replacement is often $3,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on the home

What CR Gutters, Inc.™ Does When They Visit

When CR Gutters, Inc.™ comes by, they take a close look at how deep the rust goes. If it is just surface rust, they can fix it. If the metal is thinning or the holes have started, repairs won’t last long, so they talk you through your options.

They also look at how the water is draining. Sometimes the real issue is that the gutter is holding water in the wrong spot, which makes rust happen faster.

If the steel is too far gone, they usually recommend switching to aluminum. Aluminum does not rust, and it handles Phoenix heat way better.

Good Time To Get Someone Out

Rust does not stay in one place. Once it starts, it keeps spreading. Catching it early saves a lot of headaches later.

If you are seeing orange patches, soft spots, or bubbling paint, it is worth having someone take a quick look.

You can call CR Gutters, Inc.™ at (602) 671 3476 to have your Phoenix gutters checked. They will tell you straight whether it is a simple cleanup or if it is time to upgrade.