When Should You Replace Gutters? Five Signs to Look Out for
Day after day, week after week, your gutters and downpipes are always on call to redirect damaging rainwater safely away from your home. Though your gutters may have contributed years of faithful service, every installation has an expiration date. But when should you replace your gutters? Discover five signs that your gutters are on the way out.
Cracking Gutters
Cracked or split gutters are about as useful as a bucket with a hole in it. If you see any cracks beginning to form, it's a big red flag that your gutters will need replacing sooner rather than later. When inspecting cracks, remember that while larger ones will be visible even on clear days, smaller ones may only reveal themselves during severe downfalls. No matter their size, cracks will compromise your guttering system, leading to bigger problems if left unchecked. While you can repair isolated cracks, extensive cracking will call for replacement. Inspecting for cracks is a great way to know when to replace your gutters.
Leaks and Separation at the Seams
Gutters are most vulnerable around the seams where two pieces meet. Here, separation and leaks are common signs that your gutters may need replacing. Yes, you can mend leaking seams, but you'll probably find yourself fixing it again before long, with the time between maintenance growing shorter with each repair. Once seams leak, it is generally only a matter of time before the entire spouting bursts open and needs replacing.
Mildew
Downpipes release collected water safely away from your home for good reason! The over-accumulation of water near your home tends to find its way inside and eventually cause mildew-related issues. If you come across mould or mildew in otherwise dry areas, it's most likely due to damaged gutters. Mildew in your home is a key sign of when you should replace your gutters to avoid making an unhealthy and rather smelly problem any worse.
Peeling Paint
Peeling paint is a great indicator of an issue with your gutters. Check the exterior of your home for any paint that has peeled away or bubbled up due to excess moisture. Wherever you find sections of peeling paint, check the condition of the nearest guttering. If you have extensive peeling paint, consider gutter replacement, not repair.
Wood Rot
If shoddy gutters have been left unchecked around your home, peeling paint may be the least of your concerns. Wood rot will begin to form if your gutters are malfunctioning and allowing water to cascade over your home. A seemingly isolated issue, such as water-damaged windowsills, may be caused by damaged gutters. If you find any rot-related issues around your home, it's always a good idea to inspect your guttering and replace it if you find any problems with them.
The Unsung Hero of a Healthy Home
Gutters and downpipes are the unsung heroes of your home. When well-maintained, gutters are the half-round steel barrier between your home and a slew of moisture-related issues. If any of the above signs of damaged gutters are present in your home, get in touch with the team at European Gutters. We sell everything from gutters to downpipes and gutter brackets to ensure your rainwater system is always in tip-top shape.
