Gutters are an essential part of any home, as they help to protect the roof, siding, landscape and foundations from water damage. Generally, galvanized steel or aluminum gutters have an average life expectancy of 20 years, while copper gutters can last up to 50 years. However, with regular maintenance and inspection, gutters can last longer. On average, gutters need to be replaced every 20 years.
If you inspect and clean your gutters twice a year, you can identify any problem before it becomes a serious issue. If the damage you've identified isn't extensive, it should be possible to repair it. Once the gutters have been repaired, they will need to be cleaned regularly so that they do not become clogged, accumulate debris, create ice dams, or become a habitat for animals. If the damage is extensive, your gutters may not be repairable.
Rust is a warning sign that gutters should be replaced immediately, as it will invariably expand and turn into a hole.
Rain gutters
are the silent heroes of a home, as they divert water from the house and carry it safely to the lawn. With regular maintenance of most gutter systems, you won't have to consider replacing your gutters for 20 years or more. Even if you think you don't need to replace your gutters yet, be sure to pay attention to warning signs of gutter damage when you do regular cleaning.If you start to see gutters break at those joints, it's likely that they're near the end of their useful life. Rust stains quickly turn into holes, and you don't want rainwater to seep through the rusty stains on your gutters, as it can leave large, hard-to-remove stains on the lining of the house, not to mention that holes in the gutters can damage the water. Leaf protectors can keep dirt out of gutters in the short term, but ultimately, gutters with open joints will need to be replaced.