Aluminum fixtures have an average life expectancy of 20 years. Many gutters today are made of aluminum because downspouts can last more than 30 years. Older and more luxurious homes use copper since it has an average lifespan of 50 years. As for copper downspouts, they can last 100 years.
Despite the long life expectancy of aluminum and copper, they can still experience wear and tear. You need to be aware of the signs so you can easily replace them. Here are some of the main signs to look out for so you know when it’s time to replace your gutters:
There are musky odours in or around your home.
Do you notice a musky smell or awful odour in your home? Have you tried to get rid of it to no avail? Moulds in the eavestrough may actually cause these smells.
Gutters lead away water from your home, but once it starts to wear and tear, holes may begin to form, allowing water to run down to the side of your house. Moisture can get inside your home, causing dampness. This dampness becomes the breeding ground for moulds.
Moulds are never a good sign because they can cause serious health problems. The best way to get rid of it is to replace the broken gutter. Hire an eavestrough replacement service to do the job for you.
Water is leaking into your home.
If you notice that there are leaks in your gutters, you need to have them replaced. The reason for the leaks may be poor installation or misplaced joints. Usually, the gutter system should facilitate the smooth flow of water away from your home.
Poor workmanship can cause the gutter to pour over or below the eavestrough. Loose fasteners may also cause leaks. Aside from that, corrosion may also form holes in your gutters. You can try sealing the holes with caulk, but if leaks persist, you will need replacement.
The eavestrough is overflowing.
The main reason your eavestrough could be overflowing is that it can’t hold a large amount of water. It may also be because of improper installation. You need to hire the right installer to avoid any issues with the gutter. In some cases, it might just be debris or leaves clogging the gutter.
Your gutters are sagging.
The gutter should be able to carry water away from your house without any spills. However, if it is sagging, you need to replace it. If you ignore a sagging gutter, water can pool and spill into your home.
Fading paint in your home
When the paint on the gutters starts to fade, it is a sign your gutter has grown too old for use. You can repaint the old gutter, but you will need to replace it because it will slowly lose its functionality. You can always call an expert to inspect the gutter.
Conclusion
When you see any of these signs, you need to replace your gutter. It is best to call a professional for an inspection to avoid any further damage to your home. Do your best to schedule an inspection every year and replace old gutters when their time comes.
It is never late to schedule eavestrough repair in Ottawa. We at Gillespie Handyman offer a wide range of quality home improvement services at affordable prices. We are proud to serve the neighbourhoods of Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, and Orleans in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Call us today!