Nov 13, 2022

How Often Should You Replace Your Gutters?

Tim Shepel
Greater Seattle Gutters rated 5/5 based on 17 reviews.

Every home will need gutters for the rainy season. Their importance is unparalleled: They mainly save homeowners from thousands in damages caused by a waterlogged roof, basement, or foundation. Besides, without these funnels, water will become stagnant in many unexpected areas of the home.

Depending on the material these gutters are made of, they could last a very long time without the need for replacement. Often, homeowners forget about them even being there, except for the once-in-a-while cleaning when they notice the gutter overflowing. However, regular inspections can give them a clue as to when their gutters may need more attention or replacement:

1. Visible holes, cracks, or rust

rusty gutter

After a few years of loyal service, gutters may start to show their age visibly. That being the case, it could mean that the gutters are beyond their twenty-to-fifty-year life expectancy. So, when homeowners walk around the house to inspect them, they'll see clear signs of aging:

  • Holes
  • Cracks
  • Rust
  • Peeling paint

Although none of these are cause for concern when they’re in small patches, they might lead to more significant problems down the line. It may be entirely possible to patch a small hole here and there, but these signs are usually good indicators that you should start considering contacting a gutter replacement company.

According to the website Homeguide, homeowners of a typical home should prepare themselves for installation costs between $600 and $1,600 on average. It may sound excessive to some, but the cost of replacing a roof or other damages to the home could shoot up if replacement isn't done in time.

2. Loose or hanging gutters

Loose or hanging gutters could be an absolute eyesore to an otherwise beautifully kept home. Screws and nails may start to show as the gutters seem to come away from the wall slowly but surely. Moreover, the loose parts pose a danger to anyone walking around the home since they could fall on them at any moment.

One of the main reasons gutters become loose over time is a blockage that causes water to drain slowly or not at all. The added weight from the debris and water will be too much for the fasters to bear, and it can eventually just give way. Preventing the blockages seems an excellent solution, with many homeowners now opting for gutter guards to eliminate the problem.

Gutter guards prevent debris, like leaves and twigs, from getting into the gutters in the first place, so they require less maintenance and fewer replacements when they’re professionally installed by the best gutter replacement companies in the area. Furthermore, their success is evident from the average 1.2% growth in demand for gutter guards each year, as per PR Newswire.

You should look for the telltale signs of water overflowing from the gutters to see where possible blockages could occur and clear them out as soon as possible to keep the gutters' integrity intact.

3. Damages around the home

Regular maintenance to gutters around the house should be included on your list of things to get from a DIY store each spring. If you don’t, you might find yourself hiring an expert to replace your gutters sooner rather than later.

Along with visible damages to the gutters themselves, you may notice more problems with the structure of your home. As with the falling parts from loose gutters, structural damages to the foundation or roof itself could cause serious harm to people when parts of the home collapse. Some of the other unsightly indications that the gutters need replacing can include the following:

  • Mold
  • Water-damaged wood on the side of the house or roof
  • Flooding of the basement
  • Erosion of the garden
  • A musty smell inside the home

For even more peace of mind, contact the nearest gutter replacement companies to inquire about quotes for expert cleaning and effective solutions to all gutter problems. If you’re inexperienced, you might unknowingly make a few mistakes when cleaning your gutters, which could also lead to greater damages. Hence, it’s imperative to seek professional help.

The final word

Each home will have a unique set of challenges for its gutters, depending on the material they are made of, the weather conditions, and other factors like falling leaves or twigs. Being vigilant and doing regular checks will save you from immediate replacements, although you may have to consider one if there are any significant issues.

Manufacturers make gutters that last a long time so that most homes won’t need replacements anytime soon. In their lifespan of almost 50 years, gutters will serve you well as long as you return the favor with regular maintenance and utmost care.