5 Signs You Need New Gutters

Working gutters are an important part of your property’s protection from the elements. While clearance and repairs often do the trick, there comes a point when you will need to replace your gutters. But how do you know when that is?

In this post, we’ll look at five of the most common signs you need new gutters.

1. There are visible holes or cracks

Having visible holes or cracks in your gutters means that they are about as effective for holding water as a sieve and these are two common reasons that gutters need replacing. Some small cracks or holes may be able to be repaired, but they can also can reappear in weak areas and spread.

In these instances, it can be easier to replace the gutters than keep patching them up. A roofing professional will be able to tell you if this is the best solution when they inspect the gutters.

2. Sagging, buckling or sloping

Another common sign that you need new gutters is when they are sagging, buckling or sloping. This is usually a result of poor installation or pressure on the gutters. Pressure can be caused by a build-up of debris like moss, twigs and leaves in the gutters. As water tries to travel through, pressure can build, which causes gutters to sag or buckle.

Sloping gutters can happen over time, or they may have been installed incorrectly which means water can’t drain away effectively. In this instance, new gutters may need to be installed, which sit flush against the walls of the building.

3. Water ingress, mould and damp

Water ingress is the term used when water seeps into the walls or structure of a building. This is often caused by leaks and poor drainage and can cause issues like damp, mould, wood rot and even weakened walls. If you experience these problems more than once, it is a sign that the gutters need to be replaced rather than repaired.

4. Flooding

Flooding of the lower floors or cellar is a severe result of poorly performing gutters and a definitive sign that you need new ones.

If water cannot drain away from the property, it may pool around the base and enter the foundations. Walls can become weakened or soaked through and rooms can become flooded.

The best way to prevent this is to have a roofing specialist examine your gutters. They can spot signs of major cracks or water pooling before they become serious and will recommend that the gutters are replaced as soon as possible.

5. Re-occurring issues

Sometimes minor issues can be repaired, like small cracks or joints popping out of place and this may fix an issue for a while. However, if they keep happening and you keep experiencing poor drainage, mould or wood rot, it’s time to give up repairing them and replace the gutters.

Attempting to patch up gutters repeatedly can be like sticking a plaster on a leaking boat and can also be more expensive than getting new gutters installed.

Gutter replacement and repairs

If you want to find out for sure whether your gutters need replacing, speak to the team at DPR Roofing. With over three decades of experience with gutters, our expert roofers can determine the best course of action and provide and repairs or replacements to get you back on track.