While every homeowner dreads the idea that something needs to be repaired or replaced, your home’s guttering plays an integral role, so its maintenance should not be taken lightly.
When the signs that your gutter needs replacing are there, you don’t want to wait.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Guttering
The majority of rainwater systems are manufactured from galvanised steel or aluminium, and they have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.
However, if the correct maintenance measures are implemented, these can often achieve a lifespan of as much as 40 years.
Cracks or Fractures
Visible cracks, gaps, or fractures in your guttering can cause rainwater to leak onto your fascia or, even worse, your house.
Over time, even the most minor cracks can become more extensive fractures that will create problems for your home’s drainage system.
Sagging Gutters
If you notice that your gutters are sagging or pulling away, this usually indicates that the brackets have become loose.
This is usually due to a buildup of debris, such as leaves, that has not been cleared for some time. During winter, you should check that your guttering is clear from blockages.
Standing Water or Water Damage Marks
The main job of your gutters is to channel water away from your home.
Therefore, any standing water in them is not normal and should be rectified as soon as possible.
Mould or Rust
One of the easiest signs to spot that your gutters are no longer doing their job is mould in your loft or on your ceiling.
Mould thrives in damp or poorly ventilated areas and will continue to reproduce by making spores that can lead to asthma and other airway symptoms.
Soil Erosion
If you’ve noticed that the soil in your garden has suddenly become less dense, this may be a sign that it is getting too much water.
Broken gutters will cause water to leak into your garden, ruining the luscious green of your lawn.
Problems With Your Foundation
When excess moisture seeps into the soil underneath your home, it eventually causes the foundations to shift or crack.
When a property’s foundation is compromised, huge problems can occur that will take a lot of time and money to put right.
Overflowing Water
Are your downspouts spitting out water every time that it rains?
This is a sign that your gutters are overflowing.
Unexplained Nails or Screws
We can advise on gutter materials for all properties, whether they’re listed buildings or modern homes.
