Time to Replace Your Guttering? Here Are 4 Signs to Look Out For

Most people don’t think about their guttering. It’s rare for homeowners to check the condition of the water drainage systems on the exterior of their homes, but you mustn’t underestimate their importance. 

When guttering is working properly, it will re-direct rainwater away from your home. This helps to prevent structural damage and damp, which can be very costly to repair. Therefore, prevention is always better than repairs, so make an effort to clean your gutters regularly.

However, there is invariably a point when guttering needs to be replaced. Here are some things to look out for.

Cracks or Obvious Damage

Check along the length of the guttering and downpipes around your home for any splits and cracks. If you spot any large breaks in the material, you need to deal with them immediately. While they might not be as pressing, you shouldn’t overlook small cracks, as they will undoubtedly grow. Cracks are more common in colder months since water can freeze in the pipes, causing them to expand. 

If you notice that your plastic guttering and downpipes have cracked, consider opting for cast aluminium downpipes. For example, these downpipes by Rainclear are much more resilient to cracks and damage than their plastic counterparts.  

Water Spilling Out

If you have spotted that your gutters are overflowing, but water is still running from the downpipes, this could indicate a problem. Since water is still flowing down the side of the building, it is unlikely to be caused by a blockage. Instead, it could be that the gutters have been installed at the wrong angle or are simply too narrow for your building. 

This could be a sign that you need to install new guttering on your home or that you should get a roofer round to check the current installation. 

Water Damage to the Exterior of Your Home

If you notice that there is water damage below your gutters on the façade of the building, it could be a telltale sign that your gutters are past their prime. 

You should look out for things like water stains, mould or peeling paint on the exterior of your home, especially around the guttering. This can indicate leaks, blockages, or cracks, so you should investigate further if you notice damage like this. 

Sagging Gutters and Downpipes

Check whether the gutters and downpipes on your home are sagging or pulling away from the wall or fascias. This could indicate that the gutter sizing is incorrect or that the pipes do not have enough support. 

This could also be caused by a build-up of detritus like leaves in the gutter. This can become very heavy when it’s wet, so it could result in sagging gutters. If this is the cause, you will likely need to pay for a professional gutter cleaning service. 

In Summary

Overall, the points above represent four signs that it could be time to replace the gutters and downpipes on your home. This is a worthwhile investment, as it will protect the building from damage during the cold and rainy months.