We’ve already talked about what happens when gutters get clogged in previous blog posts. Cleaning gutters is part of regular maintenance and keeps a healthy gutter system in working order. But what if your gutters are on their way out? No cleaning is going to truly solve the problem long-term.
Are you sure your gutters are up to the task of handling the after-effects of a tropical storm? What are the signs of a faulty gutter? Is it time to repair or replace?
Here are 5 signs your gutters are going bad.
1. They are getting up in age.
The average lifespan of the typical gutter is 15-20 years. If your gutters are within this age range or older, chances are they are going bad or will in the near future. This doesn’t mean that all gutter systems older than 15 years need to be immediately replaced though. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep a high-quality gutter system running for a long time. However, it’s wise to get your gutters inspected to ensure they are working properly, especially as they go up in age.2. Your gutters are showing visible signs of wear and tear, such as sagging, cracking, detaching, or rusting.
These signs are fairly obvious and are indicators that your gutters are on their way out. Even a non-expert can point out the flaws in your gutter system when it looks like it’s ready to fall apart. Here’s why you should heed the warning signs and replace your gutters:
- Sagging gutters are more likely to clog, leak, and not work well.
- Rust and cracks make way for leaks which can cause water damage to your house and foundation.
- Detached gutters don’t just look bad. They won’t do anything to help your roof or foundation.
