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Most gutters will last between 20 and 50 years, depending on what type of material they are made of.  A simple aluminum or galvanized steel gutter system will likely be due for replacement around the 20-year mark while other materials such as copper are known to last much longer.  Though about twenty years is a good estimate, homeowners should still examine their gutters at least on a yearly basis.  There are telling signs that your gutters need to be replaced.  Some that could cause a hefty expense if not taken care of quickly.  While you’re out and examining your home, keep a lookout for the signs below that your gutters need to be addressed.

Cracks, Rust, Holes

Cracks, rust spots, and holes in your gutters need your immediate attention.  You can patch up small cracks and tiny holes with some sealant, which will keep your gutters doing their job for a bit longer.  What you really have to watch for are large holes and big spots of rust that look like they’re about to give out.  Several or serious cracks are telltale signs that a gutter replacement is necessary.

When you see large spots of rust, holes, or cracks in several spots around your gutters, it may be time to replace them.  Attempting to patch up large breakage along your gutters will wind up costing you more in the long run and could result in damage to your roof that will be much more than total gutter replacement.  A few spots of rusts isn’t the end of the world.  Gutters are built to move water, after all, and minimal rust damage can be repaired.  However, if you notice more than a couple patches, or any large impact areas, this could be the sign of a bigger issue that might require a more extensive project.  Be sure to connect with a professional sooner rather than later to see if the rust on your gutter system requires a replacement.

Leaky or separated seals

Gutters are most vulnerable at the seams where different sections are attached.  Inspect these areas closely for leaks, separations, or sags to ensure the seals aren’t compromised.  Remember, a properly functioning gutter system will funnel water towards downspouts.  Water should not spill through the gutters near the roof.  Check your gutters during a rainstorm to see if gutters are properly funneling water downwards and away from the base of your home.  If your gutters are leaky or clogged and you do not address this issue promptly, it could result in water seeping into your home and causing damage.

Paint damage

More often than not, water is not your home’s friend! Paint bubbles or peeling on your siding is likely the result of water damage, which is often caused by a faulty gutter system.  If you notice an area with damaged paint, inspect the condition of the nearest gutter and attempt to detect any damage.  If you are unsure whether the gutters are causing siding damage, be sure to get in touch with a professional to get an expert’s opinion.

Flimsy Fasteners

Fasteners are little pieces of metal responsible for attaching your gutters to your roof.  Though fasteners are small, they keep your gutters at the correct height so that water drains away from your roof and house properly.  If you see that fasteners are either missing or loose, you may be able to fix it up yourself with a screwdriver and a few parts.  If after you tighten everything up you have issues with leakage or drainage, there may be another underlying issue with your gutters that needs your attention.

Hidden Hangers for Gutters

Hidden hangers are the modern equipment used for mounting and/or hanging gutters.  They are basically a gutter bracket that clips to the inside of the gutter and screws directly into the fascia board with a steel threaded screw.  The name “hidden hanger” comes from the fact that you can’t see the brackets from the ground because they no longer pierce the gutter face like traditional gutter spikes did.  Hidden hangers are rated to not come loose for a long time.  In most situations they will even outlast the fascia board that the gutters are mounted to.  Once you replace the rotted wood you will still be able to re-use the same brackets to rehang the gutter and possibly get another 10 or more years out of them.

Appearance of Nails and Screws

While out mowing the lawn or doing other yard work you find random nails or screws, they might be coming from your gutter.  As water, dirt, and other debris make their way into your gutters, they have to be able to hold up the weight.  Mix that with a bit of wind and you could have a combination that will shake screws loose.  When you see that nails or screws are missing, you may be able to find where they came from and put them back where they belong.  However, it may be due to parts rusting away or other damage, hardware falling from your gutters into your yard is a sign that maintenance or replacement is needed.

Gutter Gaps

Your entire gutter system is made up of smaller pieces attached together.  This is what is responsible for the even flow of water from one place to another, taking it away from your home and down the ground to avoid accumulation.  If any pieces along the way are separated, you could have leaks that don’t allow water to flow properly.   Getting gutters back together is something that you can probably take care of on your own, just screwing them back together.  However, if you notice that they continue separating, it may be time to consider replacing your gutters.

Gutter Sag

If you live in areas where it rains all the time or happens to live near a lot of trees, stuff probably accumulates in your gutters all the time. This build-up of stuff can cause your system to sag, making it collect much more weight over time.  Gutter sag will ensure that the water that’s making its way there will not drain, which could wind up making your gutters snap under the pressure.  For this issue, you might not have any other choice but to fully replace your gutters, making sure that you have them in good shape before the rainy season comes in full swing.

Cracking Paint

Over time, water can wear down lots of things, including the paint on your home.  If you don’t happen to notice issues with your gutters first, maybe you notice some peeling paint along the sides of your house or just right under the gutters.  If you do, chances are you have separation of gutters from your roof that causes leakage. Noticing cracking or peeling paint is probably a sign that you need to check your gutters.  Looking right above where the peeling is taking place, you’ll find the issue, able to determine whether it is something that you can fix yourself or whether it’s time to give your old gutters a kick and add some new ones into the mix.

Pooling Water

After a storm, you may notice that water starts to spill over your gutters. Maybe it’s a gush of wind that makes the water come flying out but, whatever it is, you still need to consider getting to the bottom of the issue. Gutters are not supposed to collect and keep water but instead send it flowing down and away from the roof.  Pooling water will settle and could cause your gutters to sag and eventually bust if you don’t take care of it quickly. In the summer months, this is extremely important too, keeping pesky insects like mosquitoes and flies far away from you and your home when as much as possible.

Water Damaged Landscaping

Some water is good for plants, grass, trees, and many other outdoor themes.  However, if you have too much water, there could be damage done that makes plants die as the ground has too much moisture.  Both of these circumstances are not good for your lawn and could wind up resulting in long-term or irreversible damage.  If you start to notice spots where lots of moisture is collecting around your lawn, you may need to replace your gutters.  The way that they are designed, they are meant to carry water to a particular place that won’t result in erosion of your landscape and keep your home, plants, and more, safe.

Flooding in Basement

If you’ve got water coming into the basement, you’ve got a big problem on your hands.  Gutters that leak can allow water to get very close to the foundations of your home, softening the ground beneath and seeping right through the foundation walls.  It’s not the gutter replacement that will cost you an arm and a leg but the possible damages that you could experience due to leakage into your home.  If you start to see signs of moisture creeping into your basement or home, check your gutters to see if there are any issues. If you see that there are major cracks or leaks, they will need to be replaced. Even if it’s an issue you can patch up, you need to think about the replacement soon, keeping your home safe from possible water damages.

The Importance of Keeping Your Gutters Clean

Maintaining your gutters won’t cost you much, though it is something that you should do often.  Keeping screws and fasteners tightened up and making sure that any small holes or cracks are patched can help you keep your gutters up and running well for years to come.  Part of keeping your gutters healthy is keeping them clean, making sure they’re in good shape before a rainy season.

Next Steps

If you notice any of the above signs of gutter damage, or have an aging system, you’ll want to speak with a professional to help you determine the best course of action to remedy the situation.  The good news is that a new gutter system can last for decades if properly maintained in most conditions.  Gutter installations are affordable projects and you have an assortment of options for a project that best fits your budget.