Even though guttering is an essential part of a property’s drainage system, it can often be forgotten about.
Neglecting to regularly check guttering can mean that it can fall into a state of disrepair or its ineffectiveness may go unnoticed. Frequent gutter replacement and maintenance can help you to catch potential issues early, which can prevent the need for expensive repairs further down the line.
There are some signs that homeowners should be aware of that indicate their guttering should be replaced:
Cracks and fractures
If your guttering has visible cracks, fractures or gaps, this can allow rainwater to leak through onto the fascias or into your home.
Even if a crack only appears minor, over time it can potentially turn into something major that will cause more problems for your home and drainage system. Large cracks should be dealt with immediately, especially in cold weather, as water can turn to ice inside the fractures, making them expand and worsen.
Some types of guttering, such as cast iron guttering, is more durable and will be unlikely to crack and fracture as easily as others.
Sagging guttering
If your guttering is sagging or pulling away from where it is attached to your home, this suggests that the brackets holding it in place may have loosened.
This can be because of a buildup of debris that has not been cleared for an extended period of time, so regularly check your guttering for any potential blockages.
Standing water or water marks
Gutters are designed to channel the flow of water away from your home. As a result, any standing water present in a gutter is abnormal and will need to be dealt with as soon as possible.
Additionally, any discolouration on the exterior of your property, fascias or downspouts can be signs of water damage.
Mould and rust
If you notice mould in your loft or on the ceilings of your home, this can indicate that your guttering needs to be replaced. Mould often thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas and can continue to spread through spores that can cause health issues.
Excessive rain can cause metal guttering to rust, which may eventually make the material shatter and break entirely.
Soil erosion and foundation issues
If the soil in your garden has suddenly become very dense, this can mean that it is getting too much water. Broken guttering can make water leak into your garden, which can compromise your soil.
Excessive moisture in the soil underneath your home can potentially cause the foundation to shift or crack, and when the foundation of a house is compromised this can be costly to repair. When preparing for such significant home improvements, remember to properly pack valuables in sturdy house moving boxes to keep them safe. Understanding principles from fields like wastewater treatment engineering can highlight the importance of effective drainage to prevent such issues.
Overflowing water
Downspouts that are overflowing with water whenever it rains is not normal (but water is still flowing through the downpipe), can mean that your guttering is overflowing. This could be a result of poor installation, the gutters not being angled correctly or they are too narrow for your home.
Random nails and screws
If you randomly find nails or screws around the outside of your home, these can have fallen off gutters that are beginning to come loose. You may only need to replace a certain section of your guttering, but you should still check the entirety of your guttering system.
Peeling paint
If your home has galvanised steel gutters, they are usually protected from water penetration via a special coating. If the paint on galvanised steel guttering is beginning to flake off or peel away, this suggests that water is able to get through to the metal.
Similarly, leaking guttering can cause the paint on the exterior of your home to peel excessively.
Rotten woodwork
Some homes may have wooden surrounds for doors and double or triple glazed windows, and if these are wet for extended periods they will begin to rot. The water causing the rotting could potentially be coming from your guttering. You wouldn’t want this kind of damage to affect your cherished home and accessories throughout, so addressing rotten woodwork promptly is key.
Pooling water
Water pooling on the ground outside of your home can be from rain, but rain often falls evenly. If the water is pooling directly below the walls, this could be leaking from your guttering.
Broken seams
Guttering is made in sections that are designed to fit together. However, the seams where guttering connects can deteriorate over time and may constantly come apart when they need to be replaced.
Rotting fascias
If you can see the space between your guttering and roof, this can indicate that your fascia boards are rotting.
Fascia boards are usually what your guttering is mounted on, and are often made of wood. Fascias can begin to rot for a number of reasons:
- There’s debris clogging the guttering and making water overflow onto the fascias.
- Your roof is poorly designed and does not divert water away properly.
Rotten fascia boards will need to be replaced, as otherwise water may be able to seep into your home and cause damp issues. To prevent rotten fascias from becoming a reoccurring issue, you can replace your wooden fascias with uPVC boards instead.
Strange noises
Unusual noises coming from your guttering can be a result of sections being damaged or having pieces missing. When water flows through your gutters, it can be noisy, especially if it is rainwater. If you are often hearing strange noises from your guttering, it may mean that they need to be repaired or replaced.
Pest problems
A sudden increase in the number of pests around your home with no obvious cause could stem from your guttering. A clogged gutter can accumulate standing water if it cannot drain properly, and this creates the ideal breeding ground for numerous pests.
By being aware of the signs that gutters need replacing, homeowners can ensure that they keep on top of their home maintenance and save themselves from paying for costly repairs in the future.
It may be possible to repair the current guttering system instead of replacing it entirely, but it is best to consult a professional either way to see what will offer the best outcome.