SIGNS YOUR GUTTERS NEED REPLACING - OUR 8 TOP TIPS!
Sign #1. Sagging or pulling away from your roof
Debris such as leaves and dirt build up in your gutters year round, blown up by wind or brought down by rain. This debris can build up to a point where your gutter simply can't carry any more weight and the support brackets will start giving way. Sagging or droopy gutters are an immediate red flag that you need to replace them ASAP.
Sign #2. Cracks or holes
Any cracks, holes or leaks in the gutters means it's time to replace your rain water system otherwise you risk damage to your homes foundation and internal property destruction. Especially if your rain water system has been installed by non experienced roofing contractors who use low quality materials (such as steel).
Sign #3. Rust or corrosion
Steel gutters will, over time corrode causing rust spots and weakening their structure resulting in the gutter and downpipes becoming totally non functional. If rust or corrosion is neglected, chances are your home could be in serious trouble! This is why Aalcan Guttering only use superior aluminium products that are rust proof.
Sign #4. Water damage or internal roof staining
If you notice water stains on the walls of your home; your gutters could be leaking internally as the flow of rain is not being directed toward your downpipes and into your storm water drain. If parts of your roof are discoloured or display water marks, it could indicate that your gutters aren't getting water off fast enough!
Sign #5. Overflowing during rain
Gutters that are carrying beyond their capacity will allow pools of water to flow over the top of your rain water system. This indicates your gutters are not deep enough nor able to drain the water build up to the connected downpipes. This is typically experienced when your home has steel low back gutters installed - superior Aluminium Ogee Gutter with its high back design will solve this problem for you!
Sign #6. Your gutters are frequently clogging up
If your gutters seem to clog frequently, even after regular inspections and maintenance it's time to replace them! Leaves, twigs, even birds and possum nests and debris can build up creating significant blockages rendering your guttering and rain water system useless.
Sign #7. Peeling paint or mould growth
The constant moisture from damaged gutters can cause peeling paint or mould growth in both the exterior and interior of your home. Peeling paint can be a sign of water penetration which may have already started to cause damage to underlying materials like wooden fascia or gyprock. Continued moisture exposure can weaken structural components, potentially leading to rot or even compromised foundation integrity. Mould is not just unsightly and damaging to your property; it is a health hazard. Mould spores can become airborne and are linked to various respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory health concerns. Don't let damaged gutters destroy your property; more importantly affect your health!
Sign #8. Age of your guttering
Even when your rain water system has been installed by an experienced Roofing Contractor using premium products, like all building materials they don't last forever! Wear and tear from the hot Australian sun, hail and rain storms is just one destructive element that your guttering is exposed to. Over time, the brackets, nails and sealants that support the gutters may loosen, corrode or pull away from the house. Eventually gutters may lose their slope (pitch) which means water won't drain properly towards the downpipes and can pool in sections leading to increased wear, sagging of the material, rotting and warping of the wooden fascia the gutters are attached to meaning it's definitely time to replace your guttering rainwater system.
