Roofing gutters that are installed and functioning correctly are a key part of protecting your home’s exterior from water damage.
Although roofing gutters can often last for two decades or more, they’ll eventually need to be replaced.
It is important to know when you need new gutters and get them replaced right away if needed. Malfunctioning gutters can cause significant, costly damage to your home if they are not replaced soon enough.
Here, our roofing experts compiled a list of 10 signs you need new gutters so you know what to watch for.
10 Signs You Need New Gutters
1. Peeling Paint
If you notice peeling paint on your roofing gutters, this may indicate several problems. Peeling or flaking paint is often a sign of too much moisture or standing water.
Peeling paint also indicates that other damage may be present. Gutters with peeling paint should be evaluated to make sure there are no cracks or damage present and that they are removing water as they should.
Weatherproofed paint helps protect the gutters against the elements and rain. When the paint fails, your gutters may start to rust or crack due to exposure.
2. Areas of Pooling Water
Roofing gutters are meant to direct water flow away from your home’s foundation. If you notice pooling water near the foundation, your gutters need attention.
Pooling water could indicate a clog, a defect in the gutters, gutters that are too narrow, or improper installation.
Many older homes have 4-inch gutters that are too narrow to sufficiently handle water flow. If you are replacing gutters, we’ll evaluate whether 5-inch gutters would prevent overflow compared to 4-inch gutters. This larger diameter helps handle water flow more efficiently.
If water is pooling near your home’s foundation, it is crucial to address this right away. The more water that is allowed to spill over, the higher your risk of foundation damage or a flooded basement.
3. Cracks
Small cracks in your roofing gutters may seem harmless but these cracks can eventually grow and cause major damage. Imperfections in the gutters can cause damage to the fascia, shingles, or foundation.
If you notice cracks in your gutters, contact a professional roofing technician right away. When addressed soon enough, some cracks may be able to be repaired. If not, gutter replacement may be needed to prevent further damage to your home.
4. Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters are one of the clearest indicators of needing gutter replacement. Roofing gutters should never pull away from the house or sag.
Sagging gutters likely indicate that:
- They are full of water and the weight is causing the gutters to pull away from the house
- The bracket system or fasteners are failing
- There is a clog in the gutters or downspouts and the system is not draining properly
- The gutter system is inappropriate for your home
- The fascia board is rotting
Sagging gutters need to be evaluated immediately to determine if repair or replacement is required. Ignoring sagging gutters can lead to serious property damage.
5. Rust
If there are large rust spots on your gutter system or flakes of rust on the ground, it is time to have them professionally evaluated. Eroding metal can lead to holes in the gutters or gutters that no longer work properly.
Although rusty gutters may still function for a while, it is best to have them repaired or replaced before larger issues occur. Eroding metal can eventually shatter and break, or allow rainwater to seep through the rusted-out areas and leave stains on your siding underneath.
6. Water Damage or Water Marks
On a sunny day, check your roofing gutters for water marks or water damage. Watermarks or signs of water damage indicate that water is overflowing or leaking from the gutters.
This can lead to damage to your fascia board and soffit and promote mould growth. The discolouration should be evaluated right away by a licensed roofing technician.
7. Breaks at the Seams
Gutters need to be joined with an airtight seal to prevent leaks and damage. These seams are the weakest point in the gutter system. Breaks at the seams likely indicate a repair or replacement.
8. Fallen Screws, Nails, or Fasteners
Are you finding random screws, fasteners, or nails on the ground near your roofing gutters?
Hardware keeps gutters securely in place. If possible, pick up the hardware and repair it.
However, if you keep noticing unexplained nails, screws, and fasteners around your gutters, it’s time to call in a professional. The gutter system may be working itself loose and in need of replacement.
9. Mould or Mildew
Have you noticed mould in your basement or mildew on your siding? Standing water from malfunctioning gutters can lead to mould and mildew issues.
Mould or mildew can be signs that your gutters need to be replaced. Contact a licensed roofing professional to evaluate mould or mildew issues near your gutter system.
10. Foundation Problems or Basement Flooding
Faulty gutter systems can allow water to pool near the foundation of your home. This water can seep into the soil and damage your foundation or leak into your basement. Along with promoting mould growth, this water can cause your foundation to shift or break, leading to extensive and costly home repairs.
If you notice saturated soil near the base of your home, cracks in your home’s foundation, or a basement that floods during heavy rain, your gutter system may be at fault.
Properly functioning gutters work to direct water away from the landscaping around your house and foundation. If your gutter system is failing to direct water away from your house, it is crucial to act right away by contacting a licensed roofing professional.
Gutter Replacement Perth Home and Business Owners Can Trust
It is important to address any gutter issues immediately before you end up with costly foundation damage, mould issues, siding damage, or roof damage.
We offer professional gutter services throughout WA, providing quality, professional service you can trust. With extensive experience in the roofing industry and a commitment to the highest level of customer service, we stand behind every project we complete.
When you contact us for gutter assessment and diagnosis, you can expect:
- A professional evaluation of the condition of your gutters
- Identification of any potential risk areas or existing damage
- A solution tailored to your specific property that will ensure effective water management
- Comprehensive gutter repair or replacement if necessary, leaving you confident that your home is protected against the elements and water damage
Time for New Gutters Perth? Contact Our Professionals Today
Roofing gutters that are properly installed and in good shape are a key part of protecting your home and maintaining its foundation. Gutters that are damaged or in need of replacement put your home at risk of basement flooding, siding damage, and other costly issues.
If you have noticed any of these 10 signs you need new gutters, contact our licensed roofing professionals at Roofing Quotes WA today.
We can set up a consultation and provide you with a free quote for gutter repairs or gutter replacement in Perth.
With over 40,000 metres of gutter installed throughout WA, we know a thing or two about repairing and installing roofing gutters.
Contact us for a free quote on gutter replacement or repair and our professional, licensed roofing tradespeople will set up an inspection at your convenience.
