Gutters make sure your home is able to properly distribute both groundwater and rainwater away from your home. Without it, more and more water will seep through into your building’s foundations and walls, making them less sturdy and if your house stands on foundations made out of wood, then the additional water seepage will cause the wood to rot at a rapid pace. But what if your gutters aren’t doing what they should be doing? In this post, we share 5 signs that it’s time to replace your gutters.

1 Cracks

No matter their size, cracks in your gutters can defeat the purpose of them all together. Keep in mind that while larger cracks are visible when your gutters are dry, smaller cracks may only be detected while it is raining. Cracked gutters allow water to flow wherever it wants instead of where you want it to go. This could lead to pooling water at your foundation, washed out landscaping or damage to your house exterior. While some cracks may be repaired, extensive cracking is one good reason to consider replacing them.

2 Peeling Paint

When gutters are painted, it is done in a way so that they can withstand the normal wear and tear that occurs. Once the paint starts peeling or there are orange flecks, which are an indicator of rust, it means the water is not being expelled by the gutter properly. If the paint comes in contact with the water inside due to splits or cracks, it will start to peel. The problem should be addressed right away because it shows you have a leaky gutter causing damage to the walls and the foundation. In cases where damaged paint extends beyond more than a couple of areas, it is time to consider gutter replacement, not simply repair.

3 Water is pooling in your gutters

Your gutters are designed very specifically to channel water around your roof and away from your house, but if water remains stagnant in your gutters, they are not functioning properly. After a rain event, you may notice evidence that water is spilling over your gutters. Try to correct the problem, but consider a gutter replacement if the water doesn’t go away.

4 Mould, mildew or dirt build-up

If you have mildew or moisture problems in your basement or crawlspace, malfunctioning gutters may be to blame. Similarly, if you find rotted exterior wood siding or wood trim, leaking gutters that might be funnelling water directly to these wooden surfaces might be to blame. A quick fix is to make sure your downspouts end at least 2m from your home. If that is already the case, it is time to inspect your gutters for damage and possibly consider replacement.

5 Gutter seams are coming apart, sagging or pulling away from the house

Most gutter systems are sectional gutters, and over time the seams may start to come apart due to wear and tear or because they have not been properly cleaned of debris. Mending the seams of your gutters may not always be the answer or may increase your problems if done poorly. If the seams of your gutters are still breaking loose, it’s time to get your gutters replaced.. It is possible fasteners have broken off but, more importantly; it may be that the seams they are anchored to are rotting away. The weight of leaves and other debris may also be pulling your gutters away from your house, exposing the seams of your house to precipitation and increasing the risk of wood rot and other dangers.