Keeping your aluminum gutters clean and in good repair will help prevent a number of expensive problems down the line. But any well-maintained gutter system will wear out over time and you’ll need to replace your gutters when a repair isn’t possible or isn’t worth the expense.
When to Replace Aluminum Gutters
If you’re worried that your aluminum gutters aren’t doing their job, the following signs will help you decide if it’s time to replace them.
1. Gutters Pull Away From the Roof
If the gutters are starting to pull away from the roof and you find yourself repeatedly trying to fix the problem, expensive and bothersome repairs are in your future. This is a sign that it’s time to replace your gutters.
2. Holes, Cracks, or Splits
Holes, large cracks, or splits can be difficult to repair. Large cracks are easily visible but you may not notice the series of small cracks that have developed until the gutters are leaking on a rainy day. Extensive holes, cracks, or splits are a definite sign that the gutters need to be replaced.
3. Corrosion
Fortunately, aluminum gutters don’t rust. But, they can corrode, especially if they’re constantly exposed to salt air or pollution. If the aluminum has corroded so badly that it’s become weak, it won’t be able to properly hold and drain water. Badly corroded aluminum rain gutters need to be replaced. If you’re replacing aluminum gutters on a home by the ocean, use a different material, like vinyl or copper, that can stand up to salt air.
4. Damaged Gutters
Whether it’s a large limb that has fallen against the gutters and damaged them – or you’ve leaned a ladder against the gutters just too many times, when gutters are badly damaged, they’ll need to be replaced.
5. Pooling Water
If you notice pooling water around your foundation after a storm, this means your gutters and downspouts aren’t doing their job. Standing water is a sign that there’s a blockage, either in the gutter or in the downspout. If you can’t find the blockage or are constantly having to clean it out so water doesn’t pool, this could be a sign that the gutters need to be replaced.
6. Sagging
When you notice the gutter is bowing or pulling away from the house, you can be pretty sure that you’re going to have water drainage problems. If sagging isn’t addressed, you’ll eventually have problems that can be extremely expensive to repair. If you’re constantly trying to re-adjust the hangers and brackets so the gutters won’t sag, you may be happier with a new gutter system.
7. Improper Pitch
New gutters are installed with a slight pitch that allows water to drain and prevents water from pooling inside the gutter. If your gutters aren’t properly draining rain and snowmelt, it may be because the gutters have lost their pitch. If you can’t fix the pitch, consider replacing the gutters.
8. Sections of the Gutter Have Separated
Your rain gutters will only protect your home from water damage when the sections are secured into a continuous channel. Separated joints mean water leaks. Although you can mend small separations, when you find that you’re having to reconnect sections frequently, or that there’s a serious waterfall where a section is supposed to connect, it’s better to replace the gutters with a new system.
9. The Siding Paint is Peeling
If you notice that your siding paint is bubbling or peeling, check the gutter carefully to see if it has separated away from the roof, if a joint has failed, or if there’s sagging that causes overflow. If you notice that your siding paint is peeling beyond a specific area, it’s likely time to replace the gutters.
10. You See Nails or Screws on the Ground Near the House
If the nails or screws that keep the gutter fastened to the fascia repeatedly come loose and fall to the ground, something is wrong. Although replacing the nails or screws isn’t hard, if they continue to loosen, your gutter probably needs to be replaced.
11. Flooded Basements
If the gutters can’t handle the amount of water or snowmelt that comes off the roof, they can overflow. If the water constantly overflows onto your foundation it can leak into the basement. Before your basement gets damaged, you’re better off replacing your gutters.
12. Water-Damaged Landscaping
Landscaping adds so much beauty to a home. If you notice that your landscaping is starting to get eroded close to your home, it’s likely due to overflowing rain gutters. Rather than continually trying to repair the erosion, a gutter replacement will probably be a better solution.
13. You Notice Rotting Wood
When your gutters can’t function properly, water moves around your home unchecked and causes rot. Eventually, when the fascia, window sills, or door jambs start to rot, the weather will sneak under your roof or inside your home. If you notice rotting wood outside or water damage inside, it may be time for new gutters.
14. Mildew
When you notice mold and mildew developing around an area that was once dry, faulty rain gutters are likely the cause. Gutter problems are commonly the cause of moisture and mildew in and around a home. Inspect your gutters and be sure your downspouts are focusing the rain or snowmelt away from your home. If you’ve continually repaired your rain gutters but mildew goes on growing, you’ll be wise to replace your gutters.
Do you shudder at the thought of having to replace your gutters and hope that they can hang on through one more season? You can keep your fingers crossed – but if your gutters can’t function properly, your home is at risk for serious water damage. Did you know that water repair bills can end up costing more than replacing your gutters? Don’t risk waiting, replace your gutters before it’s too late.
Spout Gutter Pros makes it fast and easy to get an estimate from experienced gutter contractors near you. We’ve already vetted these pros to make sure they’re reputable, licensed, and insured.
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Why wait? Spout Gutter Pros provides free estimates so you can find out how affordable it can be to replace your old, tired aluminum rain gutters. Ask for your free quotes now!
