Gutters are an aspect of your home that you probably don’t think about very often — that is until they don’t work correctly and you end up with a disastrous water damage situation. To protect your home from the chaotic and costly experience of damage and foundation erosion, it’s essential to be aware of when it is time to replace your gutters.
While gutters are made to last and don’t need to be replaced often, they wear down over time and become less effective. Even if your gutters aren’t obviously damaged or underperforming, they should be inspected for replacement at the end of their typical lifespan as they could unexpectedly fail due to wear and tear that you can’t see from the ground or without a professional eye.
Gutters last anywhere from 20-50 years, depending on the material used. The most common material used for gutters is aluminum — a flexible, sturdy material that won’t corrode and can last for 20 years or more. If your gutters are more high-end, they may be constructed with copper, lasting up to 50 years.
To ensure your gutters last as long as possible, keep up with gutter inspections,
cleaning, and maintenance per the recommendation of your gutter installation company. Keep detailed records of any and all services performed on your gutters to help set a clear timetable for replacement.
Let’s explore a few factors that may influence how long your gutters last.
1. Weather Conditions
Certain weather conditions may wear down your gutters faster compared to more mild climates. For instance, ice dams can significantly burden your gutters, causing them to sag or break. If you have had issues with ice dams in the past, your gutter system may be affected and in need of replacement.
2. Improper Installation
If your gutter installation company didn’t do its job correctly when setting up your new gutters, it can lead to various complications with your drainage system. Most of the time, you can catch these issues immediately or during the first big storm after installation and contact your contractor immediately to have them rectify the issue within the warranty! Ensure you’re fully aware of your warranty terms (and have written confirmation of them) so you are covered if faulty installation occurs.
3. Quality
Lower-quality gutters won’t last as long, and neither will the drainage pipes that aren’t designed optimally for diverting water away from your home. Quality is about more than just price point. Top quality gutters have a carefully drafted design, including elements like gutter guards and deep troughs to seamlessly catch and divert water flow. Materials also make a difference, as a good heavy-duty aluminum will last you much longer than basic plastics or vinyl.
Since all gutters age differently, your gutters may not need to be replaced simply because they hit the 20-year mark. If you’re not sure whether your gutters have outstayed their welcome, look for one or more of these warning signs.
1. Overflowing
If water is pouring over the edge of your gutters during rain storms, they are likely either clogged or failing to withstand the capacity of rainfall you get in your area. Even in places with torrential levels of rain in the spring, your gutters should be able to keep up with the demand. Overflowing gutters can be caused by any number of issues, largely relating to faulty or worn-out gutters, so replacement may be the only solution.
2. Broken Fasteners
An obvious sign of damaged gutters is finding nails or broken fastener pieces on the ground underneath your gutters. This can also happen as a result of your gutters not keeping up with rainfall and failing under the weight.
3. Leaking or Dripping
If your gutters are properly installed and well-maintained, you shouldn’t ever see them drip or leak. If you have seamless gutters like K-Guard gutters, leaking or dripping is a lot less likely since your gutters are all one piece. Typical lower-quality gutters are comprised of multiple sections attached together, creating seams where water may drip through.
4. Sagging
Gutters sag when weighed down by too much water and debris — a sure sign of significant clogging issues bogging them down. Sagging gutters are at risk of pulling away from the exterior of your home, compromising their functionality and reliability.
At Hanke Brothers, we are proud to offer our customers K-Guard gutter systems, which include gutter guards for optimal performance and practically non-existent maintenance. K-Guard gutters are made with heavy-duty aluminum with coatings on the gutter and hood that last 20+ years for corrosion-free gutters. As for the internal hangers that make K-Guard gutters so sturdy and reliable, they will last almost indefinitely as they are designed to be protected by the gutter and hood! With the right maintenance on an as-needed basis, you might never need to replace your K-Guard gutters.
If it’s time to replace your gutters,
contact us at Hanke Brothers to experience the K-Guard difference!
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