Properly installed, most gutter systems can be expected to last 20 years, with the exception of copper gutters that are rated with a service life of at least 50 years. Given the role they play alongside your roofing system, it’s important to make sure your gutters are in top shape at all times, but you should also know when it’s time for a replacement.
Signs You Need New Gutters
Take the time to walk around your home to get a good look at your gutters. If you have a metal gutter system, you should check for rust, particularly at the bottom of the troughs. You should also be on the lookout for splitting or sagging as well as holes in the material and loose fasteners.
Don’t forget to look down! Washed out landscaping and peeling paint are signs the gutters above are overflowing. Have them checked for clogs. Overflows also run the risk of damaging other exterior components of your home, prompting other projects like window replacement. If your downspouts are no longer attached properly or don’t extend a minimum of 10 feet out from your home’s foundation, consider a replacement.
Check Again When It’s Raining
To know exactly how well your gutters are functioning, check on them again when it’s raining. Is water flowing directly from your roof to the ground? You might be in need of additional gutters. Overflows might not necessarily mean your gutters are damaged, but they point to an inability to keep up with the rain volume in your area, which a replacement will address.
Roof Masters is the expert to trust for all your home improvement needs. Since 1994, we have been offering quality products and services, from gutters to doors, ensuring 100% customer satisfaction in every job we do. To learn more about what we have to offer, simply give us a call at (301) 230-7663, or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us. Talk to us today! We serve Beltsville, MD, and the surrounding communities.