Gutters are key to protecting your home exterior from water damage by directing water off the roof, into the downpipes, and away from the foundation. While most gutter systems last up to 25 years, over time, even the strongest of gutter materials can become damaged or deteriorated. When gutters start to leak or don’t drain properly, you know something should be done. But you don’t want to replace them if you don’t have to. To avoid leaving your home vulnerable to the elements, here are five of the most common warning signs that you need to replace the gutters.
Overflowing when the gutters aren’t clogged.
Reasons for debris-free downspouts and clean gutters spilling over the top of a gutter trough include:
- Insufficient gutter slope – weren’t installed correctly; foundation has shifted
- Something’s changed – gutters can no longer handle the volume of runoff
- Downspouts need to be increased (number), moved (re-positioned to be more effective), replaced with larger sized downpipes (e.g. from 2” x 3” to 3” x 4”)
When the gutters constantly overflow, sending water everywhere, including the siding, even when the gutter system is free of debris, it might be time for an assessment from a professional gutter contractor.
The appearance of cracks and holes.
Gutter materials weather the elements differently. As vinyl ages, it’s prone to cracking. Metal gutters are susceptible to rusting and corroding – this type of damage starts out as pinholes, becoming larger if not repaired. Aluminum gutters will never rust, as long as the protective finish is not affected by acidic pollutants in rainwater. The appearance of cracks and holes allow water to splash up onto the roof, into the soffit and behind the gutters, damaging the fascia.
Paint is peeling on or around the gutters.
As mentioned above, paint is applied to a gutter system to ensure it withstands the elements. When paint peels around the gutters directly on the siding or on the gutters themselves, it is an indication of excess moisture. Runoff is not being drained out of the system properly. Paint peeling on the gutters can be repaired, but if you keep having to repaint gutter sections, it’s a good sign the gutter system needs replacing.
Seams joining gutter sections become damaged.
If they aren’t seamless aluminum gutters, a standard gutter system is constructed of a number of gutter sections connected by seams. Because they are constantly exposed to the elements, these seams will eventually begin to separate. To prevent the ensuing water damage from worn seams, they need to be resealed with the appropriate caulk so that they can continue functioning effectively. However, if the damage is already extensive, or if you keep having to repair the same seams over and over again, a gutter replacement is probably the best course of action. Consider replacing the old system with seamless aluminum gutters – there will be fewer seams to worry about in the future.
Gutters start to pull away from the fascia.
Runoff that isn’t channelled off the roof and thoroughly drained from the gutters can affect all components of the roofing system, especially the fascia. Most types of gutters are secured to the fascia with fasteners. Moisture that gets in behind the back of the gutter troughs and into the fascia, eventually fall victim to some kind of water damage – wood rot, mildew, or mold. When the fascia no longer can held the fasteners (and the gutters) in place, the gutter system starts to pull away from the roof. Sagging gutters aren’t properly aligned, encouraging standing water, adding weight to the gutters, making them pull away from the fascia even more.
