Many would argue that gutter cleaning is the last thing most homeowners want to think about. However, routine maintenance and cleaning is your chance to find larger issues. And if you notice problems that aren't going away, or you need to routinely call somebody for gutter repairs and maintenance, it may be time to consider a new system entirely. Eventually, faulty gutters could lead to more expensive home repairs. Here's how to tell if you need new gutters.

Cracking

Cracks in your gutters can lead to water in places where you don't want water. After all, the entire point of your gutters is to keep rainwater away from the foundation of your home. If too much water pools too closely around the outside of your home, you're going to be dealing with moisture or flooding on the inside. If you notice cracks or holes along the majority of your system, you'll likely need a new set installed.

Sagging

Sagging is an easy-to-spot problem and also an obvious issue that needs to be resolved. If the gutters sag too much, then water won't be correctly diverted away from your home and could collapse your whole gutter system. You may be able to avoid this issue entirely by regularly cleaning your gutters at least once per year. Too much debris on or in the gutter is a likely culprit. Falling trees, heavy wind, or storm damage could contribute to sagging gutters as well, depending on where you live.

Water Damage

Water damage or discolored marks on your home in the area beneath your gutters could be due to rainwater leaks that encourage mildew growth on your siding. This one may be harder to detect because the cracks or holes can be so small that they're practically invisible. One way to confirm this is to go outside and observe your gutters when it's raining. Pay attention to any water seeping out of the gutters along the entire roof edge.

Mildew

Mildew growing around your foundation inside and outside of your home is a strong warning sign that your gutters are damaged or faulty. Rainwater that's allowed to get too close to your home will lead to mildew that can damage the foundation and your health. You definitely want to avoid living around areas with mildew. If you do find mildew, a gutter service can likely assist you or tell you how to get it resolved. You may need to replace your gutters if the mildew continues to be a problem.

Rusting

Rust is almost always a sign that your gutters are nearing the end of their lifespan. It means that the protective coating has been worn away and the metal is beginning to degrade. Because rust spreads across uncoated metal, you'll eventually need to replace your gutters entirely. If one spot starts to rust, then others likely will too. You can replace or repair small patches of rusty metal, but this is an issue that shouldn't be ignored.

Peeling Paint

Paint peeling from your gutters is another indicator that the coating is wearing off and the life of your gutters is coming to an end. This really should only be happening on older gutters. If it's happening and your gutters are relatively new, it could mean there's standing water in your system. This could be due to a clog or improper installation. Paint peeling on your home's siding, however, could be due to water that's been leaking and dripping down from your gutters. As mentioned previously, you should watch your gutters while it rains to see if this is the case.

Most of these problems will come with age. According to Angi, a common sign that your gutters require replacement is when they hit the 15-20 year mark. But sometimes, a heavy storm can damage your gutters beyond repair. If you notice one or two of these issues, you can probably opt for a repair or some maintenance. But if you notice multiple issues like cracking, sagging, and rusting along your gutters, it's probably time for a replacement.

The only way to know if you need a replacement for sure is to call the professionals. Get in touch with Gutter Guys Inc for any and everything to do with your home gutters. Call for a free estimate today.