4 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Gutters

When installed correctly and maintained appropriately, your gutters can last a long time. 

However, even if you carefully clean and inspect them on a regular schedule, you will eventually need to replace your gutters. They simply don’t last forever. So, when should you replace your gutters?

In terms of gutter replacement timelines, you can expect most gutters, including aluminum gutters, to last around 20 years. However, durability depends on the style of gutters used. The big outliers when it comes to gutter materials are: 

• Vinyl gutters, with a 10-15 year lifespan, as Angi points out
• Copper gutters, which can last 50 years or even longer

Those estimates aren’t guarantees, unfortunately. To keep rainwater and melting snow from seeping into and causing damage to your home, you need to keep an eye on your gutters. Here are four signs that may mean it’s time to install new gutters.

You Should Replace Your Gutters If You See…

1. Extensive Gaps, Cracks, Holes, and Rust Spots

Gutters need to provide a continuous path, starting from wherever water can enter and continuing through all of the downspout locations. When water flows from a gutter directly onto your home or into the ground and foundation, it can quickly lead to serious issues.

A few minor gaps or holes may mean you can repair your existing gutters instead of opting for full replacement. However, if there’s extensive damage, you should definitely consider replacing your gutters. Installing gutters is less expensive in the long run than dealing with structural damage or extensive mold and mildew.

2. Peeling Paint or Rotting Wood

Peeling paint and rotting wood both indicate your gutter system isn’t doing its job. These are signs that significant amounts of water regularly come into contact with one or more outer walls.

Unless the damage is very minor and limited, it’s almost certainly worth the installation costs to put a new gutter system in place.

3. Obviously Sagging, Separated, or Unfastened Gutters

Many gutter issues come down to a matter of degree. That includes gutters that are pulling away from a home or from each other.

If the issue is limited to a few missing fasteners or one section of gutter that’s starting to pull apart, a repair may be the way to go. With more extensive damage, new, professionally installed gutters are likely your best bet.

4. Pools of Water and Major Erosion

Noticeable pools of water and significant dirt erosion around your home can be signs that your gutters aren’t working as intended. Keep an eye on the problem. If it looks like your gutters are causing it, it’s probably time to replace them.

At The Gutter Gorilla, we’re focused on helping you find the best solution for your gutter issues. We offer installation, repair, cleaning, and more services to address every kind of gutter problem. Get a No Hassle Estimate Today!