Signs You Need to Replace Your Gutters

May 12, 2023

close up of gutters on a roof

*Updated on January 23rd, 2025

Your gutters might not be the most exciting part of your home, but they play a crucial role in keeping it safe and dry. Over time, even the best gutters wear down, and while they can last up to 20 years, they won’t last forever.

Ignoring worn-out gutters can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and costly repairs. So how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade? If you’re noticing leaks, sagging, or other problems, it might be time to take action. Keep an eye out for these warning signs that could mean your gutters are ready to be replaced.

1. Rust and Corrosion

As soon as your gutters start to approach their expiration date, rust starts to take hold. This warning sign is certainly one to pay attention to – rust is without a doubt a sign it’s time for an upgrade. Spot checks here and there might work, but when large areas of corrosion appear it’s crucial to put in a replacement system. Call an experienced professional as soon as you notice so you can explore all possible options before repairing the existing set up.

2. Sagging or Pulling Away from the House

Have you noticed that your gutters aren’t doing their job properly? If they appear to be sagging or deviating away from the house, then it’s likely time for a repair at the very least – or a replacement! Once gutters appear to be weighed down, it’s a sign that they are full of water and pulling away due to the weight.

Avoiding replacements or repairs can lead to costly consequences down the road. If you’re seeing signs of sagging now, get ahead of any issues before they become unavoidable.

3. Peeling Paint

To ensure that your gutters are holding up to the elements, inspect them thoroughly throughout all of the seasons. While typical wear and tear is expected over time, orange flecks or peeling paint might be a warning sign of underlying issues such as standing water or damage – so it’s best not to wait too long before repairing an aged gutter system.

4. Clogging and Overflow

If you’re seeing a geyser-like effect coming from your downspouts, but doesn’t stop the flow of water overflowing from your gutters, it may be time to upgrade. This could point towards an array of issues that range from improper gutter installation or sloping to too small gutter systems for your home’s needs.

5. Basement Flooding

When your gutters are working properly, they act as a barrier to keep water away from the foundation of your home. If it’s time for them to be replaced, excess rainwater can make its way into the basement and cause flooding. If you’re experiencing abnormal pooling or floods inside when rain hits outside – take a look at those often overlooked gutter systems. It’s likely time for an upgrade, which you’ll need to take care of before any more costly damages occur.

6. Cracks or Splits

Local professionals can help determine when crack damage is worthy of a quick repair or a full gutter replacement. If these small cracks go unnoticed initially, these imperfections in your system can snowball into major damage across multiple areas including the fascia boards behind the gutter, shingles above it, and even the foundation below. Don’t let slight flaws turn into a catastrophe.

7. Breaks at the Seam

The seams where two pieces of gutter connect are the weakest points of any gutter system. If you start to see your gutters pulling apart at those seams, your gutters are probably close to the end of their lifespan.

8. Fallen Hardware

Constantly finding fasteners, nails and screws around your roof? It may be time to consider a gutter replacement. This hardware is working to keep your gutters in place, so if you’re constantly finding it out of place it may be time for a replacement.

9. Foundation Problems

Moisture can cause major problems for your home, especially when it seeps into the soil beneath its foundation. Gutter issues such as leaking and pooling water may seem small on their own, but over time they could lead to costly consequences as your foundation shifts or even cracks.

10. Mold

Is mold taking over your exteriors or basement? If your gutter system isn’t working properly, it could be allowing more moisture to travel to these areas of your home. These situations can get worse with lack of a proper system in place – and quickly.

11. Age

Gutters are an essential part of any home. While the lifespan of a system can slightly differ, typically 20 years is the average. However, if a system is properly maintained it can last even longer.

If you don’t know exactly what to look for when assessing your home’s gutter system, this list is a good place to start. All of these issues should be easily visible, so you should have no problem noticing the problem. A good rule of thumb when it comes to gutter repairs and replacement is to always act early before the problem persists or worsens.

10.  Ice Dams

If you experience frequent ice dams forming along the edges of your roof in winter, your gutters might not be draining properly. Poor drainage can lead to heavy ice buildup, which can damage both your roof and gutter system.

11. Erosion Around Your Home’s Perimeter

Take a walk around your home and check for signs of soil erosion near the foundation. If you see washed-out areas or exposed roots, your gutters might not be effectively channeling water away, potentially leading to foundation damage and landscaping issues.

Conclusion

Taking care of your gutters might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s definitely worth the effort to avoid bigger headaches down the road. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it might be time to consider a replacement before small issues turn into major problems. New gutters can help protect your home, boost curb appeal, and give you peace of mind when the next big storm rolls in. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now and keep your home safe and dry for years to come!

Additional Gutter Resources