Gutters play a subtle yet important role. Expertly diverting water away from the roof, brickwork and foundations, your gutters are essential in reducing opportunities for larger property issues to develop. But what if your gutters stop functioning correctly? Should you repair or replace your gutters? Could a quick fix return everything to normal, or are you better off replacing them with something brand new?
Well, much depends on the condition of the gutters and the extent of the damage. Some issues only require a patch-up; others require you to replace the guttering system entirely. In this blog, we’ll look at what you should do and when.
What are the signs of gutter damage?
Several factors will indicate that your gutters are damaged, and whether they need repairing or replacing will depend on the extent of the issue.
Visible cracks
Cracks in your gutter may start small, only having tiny trickles of water escaping through them. At first, this may not seem like a problem at all, but failing to address these cracks quickly could lead to significant issues in the future. Even small amounts of water can lead to long-term damage, especially if it continually runs down external walls. Once the cracks get large, the amount of water escaping will increase, too, and this will only speed up the damage to your property. It would be best to source a London gutter repair company as soon as possible, so the problems can be addressed quickly and professionally. This way, you can also stop the issue from becoming something severe.
Weed or plants growing in gutters
If you’ve started to notice plants or weeds growing in your gutters, they are likely blocked. This can lead to multiple problems as the added weight of water, plants, and other debris will cause the gutter to become weaker, causing further damage to the structure. Not only will you have blockages to deal with, but you could also have unstable or cracked guttering.
Water stains or peeling paint on walls
If areas of your walls appear stained or have peeling paintwork, it could be a sign that water is dripping, or maybe even pouring from your gutters and running down them. Over time, this could cause more than aesthetic damage as the constant flow (no matter how slow) may lead to moisture issues and perhaps hinder the property’s structure.
Overflowing water
If you notice water constantly overflowing from your gutters, it’s likely due to a blockage somewhere within the system. Over time, this can soon become a big problem. The constant flow of water onto the ground below could affect the foundations, external features and even compromise the landscaping around your home. Furthermore, the gutter may become weaker and start to pull away from the home.
Gutters pulling away from the home or missing sections
This issue not only leads to potential property problems but could also see your home lose some of its kerb appeal. Gutters pulling away from your home do not appear attractive to potential buyers!
Additionally, the heightened risk of the gutter collapsing demonstrates that a serious safety issue needs addressing. Even if the gutter is secure enough, the missing sections or misalignment could lead to excessive water pooling on the floor or running down the walls.
What damage can a leaking gutter cause?
As we’ve seen in the examples above, a leaking gutter can cause varying levels of property damage and put people at risk of injury.
- Damaged foundations
- Damage to exterior walls
- Increased chances of rising damp
- Flooded garages or basements
- Damage to external features of the property
- Potential injury to occupant and passers by
How do I know if I should repair or replace gutters?
This all depends on the severity of the problem. Some minor issues, such as a small split or crack, can be repaired before they escalate to something more severe. However, a gutter pulling away from the roof or a gutter with excessive rust may be better off being replaced.
It’s perhaps worth consulting a property expert like London Property Services. We can assess the status of the gutter and advise on suitable repair methods, or whether a replacement would be more beneficial.
If you feel safe enough to conduct your own investigation, you can, but ensure you prioritise safety before proceeding. Wear appropriate clothing, have a second person support the ladder and don’t rely on the gutter to support you.
Then look for:
- Cracks or splits
- Signs of rust
- Signs of plant growth
- Sagging or missing sections
- Blockages
Once you’ve detected one or more of these, or similar issues, think about how old the gutters are, whether this isn’t your first trip up the ladder and whether previous repairs have ever been carried out.
If your gutters are old, you’ve been investigating issues frequently, or you’ve had several repairs conducted already, it may be time to consider replacing your gutters.
Are there benefits to repairing gutters over replacing them?
Primarily, you won’t be spending a large sum of money repairing your gutters instead of replacing them; however, constant and varying levels of repair could mean that long-term, you spend close to, or more than, you would on a new gutter installation.
It all comes down to the severity of the problem. Small leaks can be rectified cheaply, and when addressed early enough, they can be prevented from escalating into much larger issues. Keeping on top of maintenance will also mean repairs are more likely to be sufficient if issues arise. Regular clearing of gutters and sealing small leaks prolongs the life of your existing gutter, meaning a replacement can be either irrelevant or only required when you have the funds to proceed.
How much does gutter repair cost?
It depends on the type of problem you have. Minor issues can cost just a few pounds to repair, while more severe problems can run into the hundreds. It also depends on whether you decide to tackle the problem yourself or hire a specialist repair company. Whilst conducting repairs yourself may be the cheaper option, the quality of the repair is unlikely to match that of the professionals, and this could mean that you spend more money constantly trying to rectify problems.
When should I replace gutters instead of repairing them?
If your initial investigation, or that of a professional gutter specialist, uncovers severe issues with your guttering, you should immediately consider replacing it. Replacement is also a worthwhile option if you’ve started to notice that you are spending more and more time fixing cracks, replacing parts or dealing with leaks.
How much does it cost to replace guttering?
Having a new guttering system installed isn’t as expensive as you may think. The size of the property, the type of guttering and the materials used will all play a part in determining the price. It’s not uncommon for gutters to cost more than £1,000, but they can also cost significantly less.
Often, even when a quick repair may be sufficient, replacing the gutters can be the best option. This is especially the case when you’ve made multiple call-outs to roofing specialists to fix smaller issues and built up a rather extensive number of call-out charges.
How long should gutters last?
It depends on what materials the gutters are made of and whether you keep up with general maintenance. A high-quality, expensive gutter could last the same length of time as a cheap equivalent if it’s not regularly cleaned and maintained. In general, you should expect between twenty and forty years from a well-maintained gutter; however, rust, blockages, and poor-quality installation will reduce its lifespan.
London Property Services is the leading property service specialist for the city. With skilled London roofers on hand to provide emergency and non-emergency roof and gutter repairs or replacements, we ensure residential and commercial properties remain well-maintained, safe and compliant. Contact us today to speak with a guttering expert and have your issues tackled fast.
