Most people have been told at least once to get their minds out of the gutter. While the comment may draw snickers or blushes, people who own homes or commercial facilities are hopefully mature enough to recognize that their gutters deserve a little time and attention. After all, they’re an important part of the system that protects a building from water damage. That makes maintaining them a must. How long do gutters last? How can you tell when your gutters need replacement? Can you do anything to extend their lifespan?
Understanding What Gutters Do
Gutters are a familiar sight. They’re horizontal channels placed at the edge of the roof to capture the water the roof sheds. When working properly, they carry the water to downspouts, which direct the water away from your property’s foundation. By capturing water and diverting it away, gutters protect your roof, fascia, siding, foundation, and more from moisture troubles.
Exploring the Likely Lifespans of Gutters
How long do gutters last? This depends, and one factor that plays a major role is the material that your gutters are made of. Angie offers a quick overview of the likely lifespans of common types of gutters:
- Vinyl: 10 to 15 years
- Galvanized stainless steel: 15 to 20 years
- Wood: 20 to 50 years
- Aluminum: 25 years
- Cast iron: 50 years
- Stainless steel: 50 years
- Zinc: 50 years
- Copper: 100 years
Unsurprisingly, materials with longer lifespans tend to be more expensive. When selecting a gutter for your property, you’ll want to consider your budget, style, and plans for the future.
Detecting When Gutters Need Replacement
How long do gutters last in theory? How long do they last in reality? Thanks to matters like climate, weather, maintenance, and luck, the answers to these two questions are frequently different. That’s why knowing how to spot when your gutters need replacement is smart. Watch out for these red flags:
- Common cracks: If your gutters are beginning to crack, it’s probably time to start shopping for replacements.
- Weak seams: Some guttering systems have pieces of guttering connected by seams. These seams are a weak point, so they’re often the first place that fails. When you see trouble here, you may be able to buy some time with repairs. However, it’s probably time to begin planning for future replacements.
- Frequent snags: Regular cleanings are necessary, but increasing snags can be a sign that your gutters are wearing out.
- Streaky siding: When streaks of moisture, grime, and moisture regularly appear on siding that previously stayed dry, it often indicates gutter troubles.
- Gouged landscaping: If the landscaping beds beneath your gutters have deep pits from the moisture pounding down from your roof, your gutters have issues.
Extending the Lifespan of Gutters
When you want to get the most out of your gutters, there are things that you can do:
- Clean your gutters regularly. Gutters that stay full of debris are heavier and more likely to suffer damage or fail due to the stress. Clogs can also hold moisture in the gutter, which increases the risk of corrosion with some materials. Experts recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year. If you have trees, four times a year may be more appropriate.
- Consider gutter guards. Gutter guards help keep debris out of your gutters.
- Watch for pitch problems. Gutters should slant down slightly toward downspouts. The slant encourages water to travel to the downspouts. It also reduces the risk of water sitting in the gutters. If you have concerns, reach out to a specialist for a check.
- Address issues promptly. If you notice clogs or spot an area that needs repairs, don’t wait. Address the issue as soon as possible to prevent problems from snowballing.
When you need reliable roofing or gutter services in Missouri, count on Taylor-Made Roofing. Whether it’s for your home or commercial property, we’re ready to assist you.
Taylor-Made Roofing is your gutter expert in Southwest Missouri. We can install durable and seamless 5″ or 6″ gutters as well as commercial box-style gutters. We can also tear off old gutters and replace them with a reliable new product. With our help, your gutters will remain safe, strong, and secure. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!