You Probably Don't Need to Replace Your Gutters

If you have ever had a roofing job done, chances are that the contractor also recommended that the gutters be replaced as well. Most people are unaware of the purpose of having gutters or how to assess gutter condition, so most would agree to the gutter replacement. While this is not a bad practice per se, sometimes these replacements are unnecessary.

For those that are not well-versed in assessing the condition of gutters, a general rule of thumb would be that if the current gutters are still straight and thick and do not leak, then there is no need to replace them. With this in mind, what causes gutter damage?

Gutter damage usually happens due to a clogged gutter system. Clogs occur when there is an accumulation of debris, such as twigs and leaves, due to an exposed gutter. If left unattended, the backed-up water accumulated by the clog can cause gutters to rust or warp due to the added weight of the water. Sometimes, the weight is enough to detach some gutter systems (in which case replacing the gutters would be a good idea). This scenario can easily be avoided by clearing debris from your gutter every few months.

Or you could always invest in a gutter guard. Not only does this save you time spent in cleaning the gutters, it can also spare you from having to replace your gutters, thus saving you money in the long run.