So much about our home’s gutters is determined on a case-by-case basis. In this article, you’ll have a clearer answer about whether you should repair or replace, and how you can find a specialist to make the job easier.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace Gutters?
Typically, if the opportunity presents itself, it is always better to repair your gutters before you attempt to replace them fully. The exception to this rule is that sometimes, gutters sustain too much damage or wear over time to be repaired.
Furthermore, you should consider whether your gutters’ repair costs are outgrowing the cost to replace the system at once.
Once the projected cost of repairs become about equal to the cost of replacing the whole system, it’s time to reconsider your options.
Your gutters are your home’s primary asset in protecting it against water damage. It’s important to consider your options and make careful decisions with the professional advice of a gutter repair specialist by your side.
Dealing with Damaged Guttering
When you become a homeowner, you agree to handle a lot of home repair work than you might initially think. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with it yourself, but you do need a professional to help you.
Dealing with damaged guttering doesn’t have to be a hassle.
Simply look for a gutter repair or replacement specialist on Same Day Pros. Using your zip code to help you find local pros, we connect you with reliable contractors who can get the job done in no time at all.
It’s Important to Stay on Top of Repairs and Maintenance
Staying on top of gutter repairs and maintenance is one of the best things you can do for your gutter. (1) Not only will regular maintenance reduce the strain on the normal functions of the gutter system, but it will also help keep it in good repair year-round.
“If your home is surrounded by tall pine trees or trees that shed a lot of seeds (like my house), you may find yourself having to clean your gutters every month during the summer. If there are no trees nearby, once a year is probably enough.”
– Forbes
A well-maintained gutter in good condition will last longer without any need for repair or replacement, allowing you to stretch its lifespan as long as possible. If you’re lucky, you may wind up replacing the roof long before you replace your gutter system.
Dangers of Leaving Your Gutters Damaged
Leaving your gutters in disrepair is harmful not just to the gutter system itself, but to the interior of your home.
Because gutters divert a large amount of water away from the foundation and roofline, it protects the home from collecting water inside. If the gutters are damaged, they are no longer able to perform this basic function as well, which means it is adding wear to the inside of your home as well.
Water damage is an expensive home repair bill that many homeowners wish to avoid. Leaving your gutters in a damaged state is an easy way to make the damages worse as time goes on. With each new rainstorm or leaf that blows into the gutters’ channels, the worse the damage gets as the gutter must withstand the pressure and water, often putting the most stress on the damaged areas.
Can You Replace Part of a Gutter?
Yes, you can replace part of a gutter instead of replacing the entire system. This does, however, assume that these sections are the only ones affected by the damage or wear that made the replacement necessary in the first place.
Fortunately, the ability to replace gutter systems in pieces allows homeowners to take their gutter replacement step-by-step and make it a little more affordable. Many frugal homeowners looking for a way to spread out their home repair expenses may be surprised to learn that gutter replacement can happen in steps.
So long as the other sections of the gutter system are functioning correctly, it is completely safe to replace individual sections at a time.
When you decide to replace only a section or two of the whole system, it is important that you are doing so with the guidance of a local repair or replacement professional, as they will be able to advise you based on the current situation, assessing each section of the gutter on a case-by-case basis.
How Often Should Gutters Be Replaced?
Gutters should be replaced whenever they need it, just like a roof.
Many gutters, depending on the local climate conditions, the material of the gutter, and how well it is taken care of, can last for 20 years or more. Unfortunately, it may be best to replace the gutter sooner than this if it is damaged in a storm or other causes.
Just like a roof, gutters can sustain damages if a particularly strong storm rolls through. Any manner of natural occurrences can damage gutters, from a fallen tree to large hail.
If your gutter sustains damages in a way that cannot be repaired easily or cost-effectively, you should replace the system with a new one.
If the gutter is newer and was professionally installed, it may still be under warranty and the replacement may be covered depending on the warranty’s policies.
How Long Do Gutters Last?
Home gutter systems last for a long time. On average, with proper maintenance and proactive repairs, a new system can last anywhere from 15-25 years.
Other types of gutter materials are more able to withstand the typical conditions gutters are subjected to. Copper, for example, can last for 50 years or more before needing to be replaced. It is, however, not an inexpensive fix should it need repairs.
For this reason, most people choose to replace their gutters whenever they replace the roof. It’s an opportune time to have the work done since the area is being stripped of any previous fixtures.
If you want your gutter system to last a long time, it’s important to take care of it. This means hiring a professional to inspect and clean it twice a year, make proactive repairs, and – when the time comes – replace it.
Replacing a gutter system isn’t easy, but leaving a gutter in place that has worn out spells disaster for your home’s foundation and can cause significant water damage to the interior.
For All Your Gutter Needs, Same Day Pros Can Help
Gutter repairs don’t have to be complicated; you just need a reliable professional who helps ensure your home is in good hands.
A healthy home starts with healthy gutters. No matter what gutter repair services you need, you can find a professional to help. But it won’t be easy.
Or will it? Same Day Pros is dedicated to helping customers connect with professionals easily and hassle-free. Simply search for gutter repair services and add your zip code and we’ll filter through our list of the top pros local to your area. Select one that best matches your needs, get a quote, and get to repairing the gutters!
References:
- Forbes, Ask the Contractor: 7 Things You Don’t Know About Your Gutters, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/ask-the-contractor-gutters/
