8 Signs You Need To Replace Your Gutters

All too often, property owners neglect to maintain their gutters. After all, how often do you really see your gutters? It’s unsurprising that we don’t tend to think about them often!

But, when was the last time that you checked your gutters for signs of an issue?

If an issue arises within your gutters, without regular maintenance checks, these issues can develop over time, to pose a significant risk to your property.

Thankfully however, gutter replacement is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive repair job. Equally, if you get into the habit of checking your gutters regularly, you can tackle any issues early on, before they are allowed to escalate.

To help you assess your gutters, and determine whether or not a replacement is needed, Stapleford Roofing’s expert team have shared the 8 key signs that you need to replace your gutters.

8 key warning signs to replace gutters

1- Breaks and cracks

If the plastic in the gutter has got large cracks or has completely split, then this is a clear sign to replace the gutters.

Look over the entire gutter system, to see if splits, breaks or cracks are present. Larger cracks call for an immediate gutter replacement.

Even if you spot smaller cracks, then you will need to start planning for gutter replacement. These cracks will quickly grow over time, particularly during colder weather.

2- Sagging gutters

Sagging gutters can be identified by the gutters drooping, or pulling away from the fascia boards.

This could be due to a number of different reasons:

• It could be that your gutter has been sized incorrectly (and is too small for the volume of water that passes through it). In this instance, it will need to be replaced.
• Equally, gutters being too full of water (causing them to sag) can be a sign that they are not draining correctly, and need to be replaced.
• Or, sagging gutters are commonly caused by debris in the system weighing them down. So, your first step should be to check for debris and (if present) remove it. If this restores the issue, then you may not need a gutter replacement.
• Alternatively, it could be caused by insufficient gutter hangers, meaning the system is not being supported correctly. In this case, you could try adding extra gutter hangers at more regular, closer intervals.

3- Damp/water damage in the walls surrounding the gutters

Check over the walls of your property, in the areas that surround the gutters.

Common signs of water damage include peeling paint, water stains and mould.

If you identify any of these warning signs, then you should first check your gutters for a blockage or debris build-up. If either of these are present, then remove them immediately, and see if this resolves the issue.

However, if there is no sign of a blockage, then you will need to replace your gutters, before they can cause further (and more costly!) damage.

4- Insects gathering

Insects gathering around the gutters are a result of standing water in the system.

This tells you that your gutter is not correctly directing water away from the property, and is allowing water to pool. In this instance, the gutter will need to be replaced.

5- Poor connections

Seams are typically the weakest points of a gutter system. So, if you’ve found that your gutters are prone to cracking or leaking, then this is an issue that is best fixed by replacing them.

It may also be a good idea – if you are opting to replace gutters – to invest in a seamless gutter system. They are far less prone to many of the issues in this list, making them a great choice for a replacement gutter.

6- Peeling paint

The majority of gutters are painted or covered with a coloured coating. This is designed to improve their weather protection, and minimise the water damage that arises within the system.

Peeling paint is caused by water damage, and tells you that the water has managed to penetrate the paint, and reach the gutter material.

As a result, it indicates that the gutters are starting to degrade, and that they will soon start to rust. So, peeling paint is an early warning sign that your gutters will need replacing.

7- Rust

As with peeling paint, rust is another sign that the coating on your gutters has worn away.

If rust occurs in the gutters, then water is starting to penetrate the gutters and wear them away. As a result, they will continue to degrade (and even develop leaks and holes) until they are replaced.

8- Fallen debris

Most commonly this includes rogue nails or screws.

If you see these (after having fallen from your gutters) then your gutter is not performing as it should. It could be an indication of any of the issues outlined above. But either way, it tells you that the gutter is at the end of its lifespan.

What happens if you don’t act on these warning signs?

If your gutters are not replaced when they have problems, then numerous issues can develop.

These include safety risks, and major, costly damage to the rest of your property.

Failing to replace faulty gutters can cause:

• Damage to the property’s walls
• Ice dams (causing roof damage)
• The development of mildew, mould and rot
• Water pooling around the property foundations
• Standing water causing damage to your paths, pavements or driveways
• Leaks inside the property
• Basement flooding
• Attracting insects

So, it’s key that if you identify an issue with your gutters, you replace them promptly.

If you have any further questions about roofing care and maintenance, or are looking for a trusted gutter or roof specialist, then the Stapleford Roofing team is on hand to help.