The History of Gutters

When it comes to home maintenance, your gutters may not always be your first thought, but they play a crucial role in protecting your home. Functionally, gutters direct water away from your home and safely into a drain; without them, water seeps into the ground around your home, erodes the soil, and weakens your home’s foundation.

Did you know that gutters were first created as far back as 3000 BC? Romans improved the concept with drainage systems, and they’ve been used in many cultures since. For example in medieval Gothic architecture, gargoyles redirected water away from buildings. Gutters have evolved a lot over the centuries, but this long history underscores their importance.

Gutters are vital when it comes to your home’s structural integrity, and so making sure they’re in good shape is essential for the preventative maintenance of your house. Over time, your gutters will naturally wear down even with good care—but how do you know if it’s time to replace them?

Let’s take a look at some signs your gutters might need to go.

Cracks

As gutters age, you might begin to see cracks. These are the most noticeable sign when it comes to gutters, as you can spot larger cracks even on dry days, and smaller cracks will become evident during heavy rain. If your gutters and downspouts are leaking, this defeats their entire purpose.



While individual cracks can be repaired, if you wait too long, they will spread and can damage the fascia boards behind the gutters, nearby shingles, and of course the foundation, as Angi points out. Depending on how bad the cracks are, it might be time to replace your gutters.

Pools of Water and Water Marks

When functioning properly, gutters and downspouts keep water away from your foundation. If you see mildew or water pooling near the foundation of your home, this is a clear sign that something is wrong with your gutters, though the cause could range from a simple clog to a deeper, more complex issue with your gutters signaling it’s time to have them replaced.



Similarly, if you see water marks under your gutters, your gutters might be leaking or overflowing. When this happens, it puts the soffit and fascia at risk of damage.

Sagging Gutters

Another easy sign you can observe without having to pull out a ladder is if your gutters are sagging. This occurs when they are full of water and weighted down too much. While this could again mean there’s debris clogging your gutters, it might also mean you don’t have the correct size of gutters. Five and six inch gutters are the most common sizes and despite what sounds like a small difference, six inch gutters can actually hold almost 50% more water than five inch gutters. If your five inch gutters can’t handle the amount of rainfall you see or the amount of rain your roof collects depending on its size, it might be time to replace your gutters with a different size.

Seam Stress

Segmented gutters should be joined very carefully to prevent leaks, but when that seal is broken, leaks and damage will surely follow. While these can be fixed individually, if it becomes a common occurrence, it’s time.

If you do have segmented gutters that are causing trouble, you might also want to consider seamless gutters. Without joints or seams, they are less likely to collect debris and clog. They’re also less prone to damage, meaning you spend less money on repairs and can rest easier knowing your home is better protected from damage.

Gutters can last 20-25 years on average, but this all depends on material and care. When you choose to replace your gutters, it’s an investment to protect your home that will last you for years to come so if you’re ready to get started, contact DanDan The Gutter Man today!