close
Home

How do I know if my gutters need to be replaced?

Sometimes minor gutter issues can go unnoticed, and it’s not until you have a widespread problem that they get picked up. To protect your home from potentially costly and avoidable damage, it pays to routinely inspect the condition of your gutters. If you haven’t investigated your gutters for some time, or ever, here are some telltale signs that they need replacing.

Water issues

Some gutter problems are more obvious than others, and a common sign that something isn’t right is water not directing away as it should. If your gutters are filling up with water and spilling over, it may be just because they’ve collected debris such as leaves and twigs, and it is preventing the water from running away. In this scenario, a simple clean out should rectify the issue. If your gutters are clean but water is still collecting in them, then your downpipes might have a blockage, or it may be a bigger problem such as improper installation. If after cleaning out your gutters and checking for blockages, they still fill with water, it’s worth getting a professional out to take a look at them. Leaving your gutters as is and allowing water to pool in them can cause damage to your home and the foundation. A professional gutter specialist can advise you of the problem and whether it’s a repairable job or it’s better to replace them altogether.

Fractures

The smallest fracture in your guttering will lead to water seeping out and onto the fascia and house. The problem with little cracks is that they often go undetected as they can be difficult to see unless you are up close and examining them. The amount of water escaping through them isn’t always noticeable, to begin with, however over time, these fractures will continue to expand, and this is when they typically get noticed by the homeowner and the potential for widespread damage is drastically increased if not seen to quickly. Minor fractures may be repairable whereas larger ones might require complete replacement.

Separated or sagging gutters

For your gutters to work sufficiently the entire contraption needs to be intact and in proper working order. Separation of guttering can happen for a variety of reasons, and one of the more common ones is deterioration of the mechanisms holding the sections together. Another is lack of maintenance. By inspecting and taking care of your gutters, you can help to avoid significant water damage to your property and the areas surrounding it. Sagging gutters, again, are often caused by a build-up of debris, this extra weight places strain on the fixings and can cause them to sag and pull away. There’s a good chance that your home will be flooded with water if your gutters are in such condition, and getting them fixed should be a priority to avoid extensive damage.

Blistering or bubbling paint

There’s no denying the gutters of our homes are exposed to tough conditions, and over time, paint can break down in this area. You can usually determine what is wear and tear and what is water damage from its appearance. Older paint will often flake off, water damaged paint, on the other hand, will normally blister or bubble. If you have noticed there are some areas with this around your guttering, it’s a possibility that inferior guttering is at fault. Whether you can repair it or have to replace it, will depend on the extent of the damage.

Eroded landscaping

When water has nowhere to go or is not directed away to the downpipes, it can bucket down onto the house and landscaping situated underneath it. If you’ve had rain of late and your plants that are directly below your guttering are looking washed out or flattened, it might be time for a gutter replacement.

Organic growth

Gutters that are clogged with debris or have cracks will most certainly have drainage problems. As the water is not directed away and the home and the foundation bear the brunt of the excess moisture, this can provide ideal conditions for organic growth such as mould and mildew. If you have either of these contaminants making themselves at home at your place, the first place to look at for potentials causes is your guttering. Mould and mildew are not only unsightly and bad for your health but, if the gutter issue is left unfixed, it can cause rot and structural damage to your property.

Rust spots

Rusty gutters are seen a lot in older homes, where steel guttering was generally used. Small areas of rust are usually treatable as a temporary fix, but if it is extensive, the only solution may be an entire gutter replacement.

When the right materials are used, and the correct installation processes are undertaken, your guttering should last for a good 20 years or more. That is if you are maintaining them regularly and no external factors such as storms or trees affect their integrity. By taking the time to look after your gutters, you can extend their lifespan and ensure they are doing their job properly. If your gutters have seen better days and need repairing or replacing, contact our highly skilled team of gutter professionals here at A.I Gutter and Roofing. We can look after all your guttering and roofing needs and make sure they are in tip-top shape.