5 Signs Your Guttering Needs Replacing

Though you might not pay much thought to your guttering system (until it breaks, that is), it is such an important part of your roofline.

Not only can guttering give a nice decorative finish to a property, but it is absolutely crucial for protecting the building. As well as preventing the build-up of mould and mildew, it reduces the risk of water damage by redirecting rainwater away from the property.

This stops it from flooding or pooling up around the base, protecting its foundations.

But when was the last time you actually really thought about your guttering, let alone went outside and checked everything was OK?

If you want your gutters to do their job and last for years to come, you need to regularly check and maintain them. But if you’re not sure what you need to be looking out for, this guide is for you.

Below, we’re going to take a look at five signs your guttering needs replacing to ensure the longevity of your roofline and building.

1. Cracking and damage

As we’ve said, you need to regularly check your guttering, and when you go outside to have a look, one of the biggest red flags is going to be cracks or damage to any part of your guttering system.

Larger breaks should be dealt with immediately, but even the smallest cracks or fracturing can lead to much larger problems down the line, so you should never ignore these. The colder months, in particular, can lead to ice in the cracks, causing them to expand and get even bigger.

Therefore, you should always keep an eye out for any fractures or obvious cracks. If you notice water leaking from your pipes, this is a surefire sign that there is some damage within. It could be as simple as replacing just one small fitting or piece of pipe, but don’t underestimate how important this can be.

2. Your gutters are sagging

If the brackets are broken or loose, this can cause the guttering to start sagging. There are a number of reasons this might happen, but often it is a heavy build-up of leaves and debris that haven’t been cleared.

This sagging could also be a result of having the incorrect size guttering fitted to the property or having fixings that are too far apart. This can be a real issue if you’ve bought or fitted the guttering system yourself.

Over time, this sagging and increased weight can lead to broken brackets, fractures or cracks in the pipes.

3. Water is overflowing

One of the major signs that your gutters need replacing is overflowing water. Have you noticed that every time it rains, water is coming out where it shouldn’t be? If so, it could be a sign that your gutters are blocked.

However, it could also be a sign that your gutters aren’t sloped or fitted correctly or that they are too narrow. In these cases, you might need to have these replaced and refitted.

4. Water damage or water marks on the property

As the main job of your guttering is to divert water away from the property, standing water is a real concern. If you’ve started to notice water pooling up around the building when it rains, this could be a sign that your gutters are either broken or blocked and now overflowing.

You might also start to notice water marks, including mould or rust, around the foundations. This proves that the water has remained standing for some time and is not being effectively diverted or drained.

Whatever the case may be, you need to stop this water from collecting right away. Otherwise, your property could quickly suffer from water damage. So it’s best to get your gutters cleaned and or/replaced as soon as possible.

5. Soil erosion or puddling

Finally, depending on your drainage, water might not be pooling up around the building, but this does not mean it is not causing damage. If you’ve noticed that as you get closer to the door, the ground is starting to become boggy or less dense, this is a sign that too much water has built up quickly.

This could be a result of leaky or blocked gutters. Not only can this cause issues for the foundation of the property, but it can also kill off the grass and flora around the area. So if you notice the soil is eroding, it’s a good idea to investigate further and see if damaged guttering is the cause.