Your home’s gutters; they’re an essential part of keeping things dry and mold-free. And yet, no one ever gives them a second thought. That is until they run into issues.
You can keep up with repairs, as they’re less expensive than new gutters. But is that really the best choice?
The truth is, every situation is different. However, there are ways you can tell if continued repairs or a complete replacement is the better option for you.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to reach an informed decision.
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How Old Are Your Gutters?
You might not have replaced your gutters since you moved in, so they may be ancient.
On average, you’ll need to replace them every 20 years, although if you take good care of them, they can last a bit longer.
Your current gutters might look like they’re ok, and there might not be visible wear and tear. However, gutters that are decades old may break suddenly, as they’re frail.
If you know that your gutters are over 20 years, then it might be better to go with a replacement.
That way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re starting over at year zero, making the gutter replacement cost worth every penny.
Plus, today’s materials and workmanship are excellent, giving you even more confidence in your replacement.
Do You See Wear and Tear?
Depending on the weather in your local area, your gutters might’ve gone through intense usage. So wear and tear may appear quickly, even if you haven’t had them for over 10 years yet.
This is a tricky one to determine which path you should go, as it’ll depend on how bad the wear and tear is, and where the damage’s located. For example, if the screws and bolts are worn out, then it’s easy to repair this by replacing them.
Or if the damage is localized, a professional can repair those individual sections.
However, if the metal’s all rusted and worn through, then it’s time to get new gutters. The same goes for if your gutters are sagging.
Do Your Gutters Have Enough Capacity?
Speaking of local weather, does it seem like your gutters can’t handle the rainwater you’re getting? Then take a closer look at them.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as clogs backing things up, which you can rectify yourself. But if it seems like they’re damaged, then this is a repair that can’t wait.
It could also be that your gutters are undersized. You’ll see signs of this if rainwater keeps overflowing and your garden floods.
You might find rainwater in the sidings and foundation of your house too. In this case, you’ll need a replacement to get properly sized gutters.
What Condition Is Your Roof Fascia and Siding In?
When your gutters are functioning correctly, your roof fascia and siding should be dry and in good condition.
Do you notice water damage on either or both though? Then something needs to be done.
If the damage is minimal and in the right places, then a repair is all you’ll need. But be prepared for a replacement if the damage is significant.
Do the Gutters Keep Detaching?
There’s nothing more annoying than gutters that keep detaching. You can try repairs first; it might be the fasteners causing issues, so if you fix those, they might stay put.
Otherwise, you’ll need a full replacement. You can’t risk the gutters detaching at the most crucial times, especially if your area goes through lots of inclement weather.
What Material Are Your Gutters Made Of?
In general, gutters are made of aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, or vinyl.
These all have their own pros and cons; for instance, vinyl’s affordable and resistant to rust, but they’re a weaker material.
The previous homeowner may not have chosen an optimal gutter material for the weather in your area. If this is the case, then you should just go for a replacement with the correct material.
Have You Been Getting Tons of Repairs?
Small problems may not seem like a big deal at first. But they can quickly add up.
A gutter repair here or there is normal, and you can extend your current gutters’ lifespan by keeping up with maintenance and repairs.
If you’re getting repair after repair though, then that’s a big sign that you need a replacement.
Do the calculations and see if what you’ve paid is basically the amount you’d fork over for new gutters. If so, then it’s time for a replacement, pronto.
What’s Your Financial Situation Like?
After reading the above, your educated guess may be that you need a gutter replacement. But there’s just not enough money in the bank for one.
It might be more financially feasible and wise to keep up with small, inexpensive repairs to keep your gutters in acceptable condition.
Then, when you’ve saved up enough, you can proceed with the replacement you need.
Consult With a Professional if in Doubt
Chances are, you’re not a professional gutter installer or house builder. While these questions can help you choose one option over the other, it may not be a cut-and-dry situation.
It’s always smart to speak to a pro. Not only can they make better sense of the situation, but they can also provide you with a quote.
That way, you’ll know what needs work and how much it’ll cost, which prevents financial surprises.
Ensure Your Gutters Are Working
As we’ve said, a home’s gutters are the key to keeping moisture, mold, and mildew out.
Typically, homeowners may run into issues every once in a while, and repairs are enough to avoid a complete replacement.
However, there will come a time when a replacement makes more sense. And after reading this article, you should have a clearer picture of when to make that move.
Of course, it’s not always cut and dry. So if you have any questions or doubts, consulting with a professional is always a good idea.
For more advice on home improvements, make sure you read our other blog posts.
