When To Replace Your Gutters

You might not think about your gutters much, but they're essential to your home's well-being. Gutters help prevent water damage by gathering rainfall and snowmelt and directing it away from your house, keeping your walls and foundation dry. Along with downspouts, gutters can also direct water to flow where you want it to go—such as into a rain garden—rather than creating puddles and erosion.

But gutters can only do their job if they're in good condition—and even the best ones wear out over time.

The lifespan of your gutters can vary from a few years to the lifetime of the house, depending on the materials used, the conditions they're exposed to and how well they're maintained.

Sometimes, malfunctioning gutters simply need cleaning, maintenance or repair. (More on that below.) But in other cases, gutter replacement is your only option.

It may be time to replace your gutters if you notice the following signs:

• Cracks, rust or holes
• Sagging, mold or mildew
• Water damage to your home's foundation
• Peeling paint, which can indicate water damage
• Water spilling over the tops of gutters
• Landscaping erosion from water

Check your gutters in wet and dry weather to find trouble spots before they turn into big problems. A regular walk around your house will help you identify opportunities for repair and maintenance so you can save money by extending the life of your gutters.

The cost to replace the gutters on your home will vary depending on materials and the size and complexity of the project.

The main factors impacting the cost of gutter replacement are:

• Materials: Vinyl gutters are the most cost-effective, though they're less durable and have a shorter lifespan than costlier materials like aluminum, steel, zinc or copper.
• Project size: In general, larger homes translate to higher installation prices, as you need more materials and hours of labor. In addition, gutters are easier and safer to install on one-story homes than on taller homes, which explains why the latter can come with extra costs.
• Project complexity: This can include the shape of your roof, ease of access and any additional project scope, such as removing old gutters, repairing fascia boards or adding gutter guards.

Choosing between repair and replacement can be tough in a lot of cases, not just with gutters. It often comes down to what's most cost-effective. For instance, should you spend money on a repair when you'll have to replace the gutters in a year?

One factor to consider is whether gutter damage is isolated (like from a falling tree branch or a single blockage) or extensive—a sign the entire system is wearing out.

Another consideration is the age of your gutters. Gutter lifespans range from 10 to 15 years for vinyl, 25 years for aluminum and up to 100 years for copper. If your gutters are already old, a full replacement may be in order.

Replacing gutters is not a beginner-level project. There are advantages to hiring a professional rather than taking the DIY route. For one thing, professionals have expertise, so they know how to assess and address hidden or complex issues not readily apparent to homeowners. They also have experience with safety—after all, working on a roof can be risky. Plus, many professionals offer a warranty on their work.

Before gathering quotes, make a list of the tasks you want the contractor to perform. It might include:

• Removing and disposing of old gutters
• Installing new gutters
• Completing other tasks, such as adding gutter guards or repairing fascia

Also, be clear about timelines and what you need to do to prepare, such as moving outdoor furniture.

Regular maintenance helps protect gutters from damage and can prolong their lifespan, buying you time before paying for a full replacement. In general, gutters should be cleaned twice per year—especially if your house is under trees that drop leaves, needles or other debris. During cleaning, you (or your hired professional) should also inspect gutters for issues such as leaks or cracks.

Gutter guards can help prevent blockages, but they don't prevent the need for regular cleaning and maintenance. If you're not confident in your ability to spot gutter problems, schedule professional inspections periodically to catch early signs of wear.

Gutters are an important part of your home's systems. They protect against water damage and help direct water to where it's most useful and least destructive. But they need regular inspection and maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. And eventually, they wear out. Learning how to stay on top of the health of your gutter system—and when it's time to replace your gutters—is essential to the long-term protection of your home.

Is a gutter replacement in your near future? Use our handy Home Improvement Locator to find the right contractor for you and enjoy special financing to pay for the project over time.