Common Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Gutters

Your gutters are an essential part of protecting the value of your home. Rain is one of the most damaging elements that your house can be exposed to, but gutters work to prevent the problems caused by excessive exposure to water.

Your gutter system won’t last forever, though. If you’re asking yourself, “How long do gutters last,” you are likely already noticing some issues that have you concerned. While you can easily fix some problems, others may require you to replace your system.

These common signs are indications that you may need new gutters:

SIGNS OF BAD GUTTERS

Gutter Cracks

If your gutters have cracks or holes, it may be time to consider replacing them.

Cracks can allow water through, which will damage your home and erode your soil. Even minor fractures may be a cause for concern as they can quickly grow into more significant problems.

Gutters with only a few minor cracks may only need to be repaired, but anything more than that will likely need replacing.

Rusting Gutters

Particularly in areas with excessive rainfall, rust can be a severe problem for your gutters. Rust is a sign that the integrity of your system is weakening, and it will likely begin to crack.

Rusting gutters need to be replaced before they can break and allow damage to your home, foundation, and yard.

The base of your home is not something to leave unattended, so if you notice your foundation getting damaged, call an expert foundation repair maintenance pro.

Gutter Separation from Roof

If your gutters are pulling away from the house, you should immediately have them repaired so they can adequately collect rain runoff.

Simply reaffixing them may be enough. However, when gaps continue to appear between the gutters and roof, there may be damage or rot that requires you to replace your system.

Sagging Gutters

Sagging creates an improper pitch, which can cause water overflow.

Also, sagging indicates that your gutters are not correctly attached to the house. Improperly secured gutters can lead to costly property damage.

Damage to Your Home's Exterior

A clear sign that you have a problem is damage to your house’s exterior. You may notice discolored or peeling paint, mildew buildup, or even rot.

These are common signs that your gutters are allowing water to overflow onto the exterior of your house. It may time to consider replacing your system before the damage gets worse.

If You Have Pooling and Flooding Gutter Repair and Replacement is in Your Future

A potentially serious problem with gutters that need replacement is pooling water around your house.

Your gutter system is meant to carry water away from the home to prevent issues that can be expensive to repair. When water pools near your home, it can cause significant harm to your foundation.

Flooding is another worrying sign. Water that collects around the house can leak into a basement, leading to costly repairs. Mildew and mold can build up and pose a risk to the health of your family.

Damage to Your Yard

Water runoff, pooling, and flooding can erode your soil and tear up your landscaping, indicating that you need to replace your gutters.

Thin soil can also further expose your foundation to water damage.

Nails and Screws

Aging gutter systems may lose pieces as they pull loose from the home. You may find nails and screws around your yard that have no reason to be there. If that’s the case, it’s time to think about replacing your system.

Your gutters are an important feature of your home. They protect your house from damage and help to maintain its value. Properly installed gutters also protect your health and safety.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs of a failing gutter system, you should take action immediately to remedy the problem. In some cases, that may mean replacing your gutters.

Do you know the most common gutter life expectancy?