Maintaining your gutters is essential for preventing water damage and ensuring the overall health of your home. Damaged or blocked gutters can lead to more serious problems, such as leaks, structural concerns, and sometimes mould growth.
In this guide, we’ll explore common guttering issues and how to fix them. We’ll also look into when it might be time to replace your gutters entirely.
If you’re looking for reliable and durable guttering solutions, be sure to check out Eurocell’s high-quality range of guttering and downpipe products to keep your home protected.
Why might your gutter need repairing?
Gutters are designed to direct rainwater away from your home, but there are various factors that can affect their performance over time. Knowing why your gutter might need repairing can help you to identify issues early on, before they turn into bigger problems.
Blocked gutter
One of the most common gutter problems is blockage. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can build up over time, preventing the flow of rainwater. This may cause the water to overflow, potentially causing damage to your roof. Blocked gutters are also a common cause of penetrative damp. Leaking caused by blocked gutters can cause damp spots on your walls over time if the water is dripping onto the exterior of walls.
But is it normal for gutters to overflow in heavy rain? While a small amount of overflow happens when it’s raining heavily, persistent overflowing usually indicates a blockage that needs to be looked at.
If you have a flat roof, regular gutter maintenance is particularly important, since flat roofs can experience pooling. Check out our recent guide ‘How long do flat roofs last’ to learn more about maintaining your roof’s longevity.
Leaking gutter
Leaking gutters are another issue that homeowners encounter. These leaks can occur at the seams, corners, or along the length of the gutter. Leaking gutters can cause water damage to your walls and windows in particular. It can also cause penetrative damp because the leak can seep through bricks leaving damp spots under your gutter.
Gutters tend to leak at the corners because the seams between gutter sections can weaken over time. Improper installation or deterioration of sealants can also cause leaks at the joints.
Wear and tear
Gutters are exposed to different weather conditions around the year, so naturally, they can become worn out over time. Common signs of wear include rusting, cracks, and sagging sections.
Regular maintenance can help to prevent these issues, but eventually, all gutters will need to be repaired or replaced.
Missing or damaged gutter brackets can also cause gutters to sag which leads to overflowing and moisture-related damage. The brackets will most likely have to be replaced.
Loose downpipe
The downpipe directs water from the gutter to the ground. A loose or disconnected downpipe can prevent water from draining properly, causing pooling around the house, which can lead to water damage.
Incorrect installation
Incorrectly installed gutters are another potential issue. A faulty slope, insufficient support brackets, or badly joined sections can all lead to water leakage or sagging. If your gutter system wasn’t installed correctly, it might need to be repaired sooner rather than later.
How to repair gutters
Repairing gutters can be a straightforward task if you know what to look for and have the correct tools. But gutter work requires working at height, so it’s best handled by a professional who can safely access them. If your home is two-bed or above, there’s a high chance that you will need scaffolding to repair or replace gutters.
Follow the step below to keep your guttering in good condition.
Inspect
An expert will carry out a thorough inspection of your gutters, searching for cracks, sagging, or leaks at the joints. The professional tradesperson will also search for blockages by seeing if water is pooling or overflowing while it rains.
Clean
The next step is to clean them.
The professional will use a ladder, scaffolding or platform to safely remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt that could be causing blockages.
Regularly cleaning your gutters can help to prevent future problems, so we recommend doing it at least twice a year, which we discuss in more detail in our recent article ‘How often should you clean your gutters’.
Remove blockage
After cleaning, any remaining blockages that could restrict water flow are removed using a gutter scoop or a hose with a spray attachment to dislodge any trapped debris. The downpipe will also be checked to ensure that it’s free from obstructions – a common cause of gutter overflow.
Use sealant or tape
The best way to seal a leaking gutter is with a quality sealant or specialist gutter tape. The tradesperson will ensure the area is clean and dry before applying the sealant or tape. For corner leaks, sealant will be applied along the joints and seams to create a watertight seal.
The best sealants for leaking gutters are silicone-based or rubber sealants because they remain flexible and waterproof, ensuring long-lasting results. The sealant used should be designed specifically for outdoor use.
Fill holes
If the gutter has small holes or cracks, they will be filled using a patch kit or roofing cement. It's important that it is fully sealed to prevent water from leaking through.
When do gutters need to be replaced?
While many gutter issues can be resolved with repairs, sometimes replacement is the best option. Knowing when to replace your gutters can save you time and money in the long run.
How often should gutters be replaced?
Gutters typically last around 20 to 30 years, depending on the material and how well they’ve been maintained. However, if you notice significant rust, cracks, or sagging that can’t be fixed, it might be time to invest in a new gutter system.
Speak to a professional to explore your options and let them handle installation for long lasting results. The system will need to be solid with no gaps or cracks, adequate space between brackets and the right level slope – all things an expert will know.
If you're dealing with constant leaks or water damage despite regular repairs, replacement could be more cost-effective long term.
Similarly, roofs can also require replacement after years of wear. Learn more in our recent guide ‘Polycarbonate sheet thickness: How to choose’ to see if it’s time to update your roof material too
Are gutters worth replacing?
Replacing your gutters can seem like a significant investment. However, it’s definitely worth the cost if you’re noticing faults in your current system that cannot be fixed. New gutters can prevent severe water damage and reduce the need for costly repairs in the future.
Taking care of your gutters is essential for protecting your home from water damage. Whether you're dealing with blockages, leaks, or more severe issues, timely repairs can make all the difference.
If your gutters are beyond fixing, replacing them with durable guttering and downpipe products from Eurocell will help you to avoid future problems. Contact us today to discuss your guttering and roofing needs.