When to Replace Your Gutters
Nobody wants a leaky roof, a flooded basement, or mold growing on the sides of their house. These issues can all stem from a faulty gutter system—which is why it’s vital to keep your gutters in good repair and, when necessary, replace them.
How Often Should I Replace My Gutters?
Gutters are designed to withstand constant exposure to wind, rain, snow, and hail, which means they’re fairly durable. Their lifespan depends on several factors, such as the climate you live in and the gutter material; however, if taken care of, gutters will last 20 years on average.
A major factor in the lifespan of your gutters is whether or not they’re seamless. Traditional gutters are made of several pieces joined together, creating seams. Seamless gutters, meanwhile, are cut to size to create one solid system. Seamless gutters are more durable than traditional gutters (easily lasting 20 years even with low maintenance) but must be entirely replaced if they develop problems. Traditional gutters, meanwhile, can be removed in sections, which makes them easier and less expensive to replace.
6 Signs Your Gutters Need Replacing
No matter how well you take care of your gutters, they’ll eventually wear out. It’s also possible for them to suffer unexpected damage and need to be replaced early. No matter where your gutters are in their life, here are six signs they need replacement:
1. Cracks and Gaps
With too much wear, gutters will develop cracks. They can also start splitting at the seams where two pieces meet, leaving gaps. Either will mean water drips against your house instead of draining away from it. At this point, you need new gutters.
2. Rusting
If left unchecked, rust will eat holes through your gutters. Not only will this allow water through, but the rust itself can also stain your house’s siding. If you notice rust on your gutters, it’s time to replace them.
3. Peeling Paint or Rot
If your gutters aren’t functioning properly, they can send water running down the sides of your house. This can cause the paint to bubble and peel or encourage rot in wooden home elements, such as window trim. If you’re noticing these issues without an obvious cause, it may be because of your gutters.
4. Sagging
When gutters are holding too much water or debris, or their fasteners grow too old, they begin to sag. While this can mean that your gutters simply need cleaning, it can also be a sign that they need to be replaced.
5. Standing Water or Flooding
If you’re noticing pools of water in your yard or your basement is flooding, it means your gutters aren’t draining water properly. If there’s no visible blockage anywhere, it means there’s gutter damage in your system and your gutters need to be replaced.
6. Fallen Parts
Are you finding screws or nails near your house with no clear source? It could be a sign that your gutters are beginning to pull away from your house.
Where to Check for Gutter Problems
While you should routinely give your gutters a thorough inspection, there are some areas that are more easily damaged and should be examined more often. As mentioned above, the seams where two gutter pieces meet are prone to splitting apart over time. This makes them consistent weak points in your gutter system, unless you opt for seamless gutters. The fasteners are also under constant strain from keeping your gutters connected to your house and should be examined carefully for signs of wear.
The Benefits of Keeping Your Gutters Clean
Whether your gutters are aging or they’ve been freshly replaced, keeping them clean is of the utmost importance. It might sound tedious, but there are plenty of benefits to ensuring that your gutter system remains clean. After all, clean gutters can help:
- Prevent water damage – When your gutters are clean, it allows rainwater to flow freely through the system and out through its downspouts. Dirty or clogged gutters can work against the flow of water and potentially lead to backups, which can cause potential water damage to your roof, walls, foundation, or basement.
- Protect your roof – Speaking of preventing water damage to your roof, clean gutters can actually help to extend the lifespan of your roof. After all, clogged gutters can lead to water pooling on your roof’s surface, which will weaken the system over time and lead to leaks and rot.
- Keep pests away – When water pools up or debris fills your gutters, it creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, rodents, birds, and insects. With regular cleaning, you can eliminate the type of environment that attracts these pests.
- Prevent erosion – When water isn’t properly carried by your gutters out and away, it can pool around the foundation of your home. That may lead to cracks or soil erosion over time, which can threaten the structural integrity of your home.
- Improve your home’s curb appeal – Overflowing gutters are unsightly, right? That’s why it’s important to keep your system clean and well-maintained, as it can contribute to your property’s exterior aesthetic.
Investing in Gutter Guards to Protect Your Gutter System
A great way to keep your gutters clean and free of excess debris is to invest in the installation of new gutter guards. These guards are designed to keep leaves, sticks, and other debris from entering your gutter troughs and causing potential clogs. When you have one of these gutter protection systems installed on your home, you can help preserve the long-term health and effectiveness of your gutters as well as your home in general.
Gutter Replacement FAQs
Before you start your gutter replacement project, you may have some questions you want answered. The good news is that you have Woodland HomeWorks to turn to. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have for us, but first, check out some of the most frequently asked questions we get from homeowners interested in our gutter services:
Why Are Seamless Gutters a Better Option Than Sectional Gutters?
Seamless gutters are a phenomenal choice for your home, as they don’t come with the same leak risks that traditional sectional gutters do. After all, with sectional gutters, each joint is a potential point of failure. Those don’t exist with seamless gutters, giving them better longevity and setting them up for optimal performance. Not only that, but seamless gutters possess a look that is, well, seamless, meaning you won’t have to worry about your system negatively impacting your home’s curb appeal.
Why Are Aluminum Gutters a Good Choice for My Home?
Aluminum gutters are a smart investment for homeowners in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as aluminum is known for its resistance to corrosion and weathering. With that in mind, you can feel comfortable about the way these gutter systems perform in the northeast climate.
Can I Have Gutter Guards Installed On My Existing Gutter System?
You absolutely can, as the gutter guards we install are suitable for both new gutter installations and existing gutters. They can seamlessly integrate without disturbing your roof’s performance or aesthetic appeal. Not only that, but these gutter guards are designed to strengthen your gutter system while also eliminating the need to constantly climb a ladder and clean your gutters weekend after weekend.
Gutter Replacement at Woodland HomeWorks
If your gutters need replacement or repair, contact Woodland HomeWorks. We’ve served in the roofing and gutter repair industry for over twenty years, offering quality service backed by our craftsmanship guarantee. Contact us today and receive a free estimate on your new gutters.
