Does every rainstorm leave you stressed about whether or not your gutters are going to cope with the downpour? Have you noticed a constant drip from your gutters long after the rain has stopped?
If you have answered yes to these questions, then it may be time to consider the gutter replacement Melbourne residents rely on to keep their homes safe from water damage. If you’re not sure that a few minor gutter leaks justify the expense of a new gutter, it’s time to read this post.
Gutter Replacement Signs You Should Be Aware Of
On average, home gutters can have a lifespan of up to 20 years, depending on what they’re made of and how well they’re maintained. That doesn’t mean that you need to wait until your gutters reach the 20-year mark to have them replaced, especially if they seem a bit worse for wear.
Fortunately, there are a few clear signs that it may be time to replace your gutters. Our experts have compiled a list of the most common indications to look out for.
1. Rust or Corrosion
One of the clearest signs to look out for is rust or corrosion in various places on the gutters. Rust weakens the structure of your gutters which in turn makes them prone to damage from wind and rainfall.
2. Sagging Gutters
Another common sign to look out for is gutters that appear to be pulling away from the fascia boards that run along the lower ends of the roof. This often happens when there’s a build-up of garden debris such as leaves, twigs and mud.
If the debris has been building up for a long time, it may also have damaged the bottom of the gutter. Sagging gutters will cause the debris to spill over and make a huge mess and lead to water damage. In this instance you can check if a good cleaning will save your gutter. Otherwise, you will need to replace it.
3. Cracks and Splits
If there are signs of cracks and splits anywhere in the gutter system, it’s time to start considering replacements. While the rest of the gutter may still appear strong and undamaged, keep in mind that cracks or splits can lead to leaks.
Even minor leaks can cause severe damage to walls and eventually the foundations of your home. Not only will that add to the expense of your eventual repairs, but it will be quite a mess to repair!
4. Peeling Paint
Most galvanised steel gutters will start out with a special paint coating that’s designed to last a long time. When this specialised paint starts flaking and peeling, it’s a clear indication that water has made its way through to the metal.
Peeling paint is also often accompanied by rust. Simply painting the gutter won’t solve the problem if small holes or rust patches have formed in the gutter. So, better to replace at this point.
5. Signs of Water Damage
If there are signs of water damage beneath or even around the gutters, it may be time to inspect your gutters a little more closely. Water damage signs can come in one of the following forms:
- Water stains underneath and around the gutter area
- Peeling paint on the gutters and exterior walls
- Mould forming on the walls, gutters and surrounding areas
- The area around the gutters remains wet even after the rain has stopped
6. Unexplained Screws and Nails
Finding screws, nails or other metal components around the gutter area can be a sign that the gutters are busy working themselves loose. This usually happens when the gutters are heavy with debris and water and as a result, start pulling loose from their supports.
Be sure to check your gutters as soon as possible after finding the screws or nails. If the screws are lying on the ground, the gutter may be at risk of falling down during the next strong wind or bout of rain. Don’t forget that loose gutters create the risk of injuring anyone walking underneath them.
7. Water Overflowing
If your gutters are new, overflowing can simply be an indication of them being too narrow for the property. However, if your gutters have been there for some time and they have always worked correctly, then a sudden overflow is a sign of another problem.
The gutters could simply be blocked from garden debris shed by nearby trees, or it could be a sign that your gutters need replacing. Start by checking your gutters and cleaning them out, before immediately opting for new ones.
Final Thoughts
Gutters are an essential component in reducing the risk of water damage to your home. Not only do they keep rain from falling directly onto your exterior walls, but they should keep water from pooling on your roof.
Keeping your gutters maintained and knowing when to repair or replace them will reduce the risk of mould or water damage setting in. Use our tips to identify whether or not you need to take action.