Gutters don’t last forever, even if they were installed impeccably with the finest materials. While replacing them prematurely is a waste of time, money and resources, you don’t want to wait too long and jeopardize your home’s safety and stability.
Still, the more you maintain your gutters, the more you extend their life, similar to your roofing system. Read on as Patriot Roofing discusses the signs you need to replace your gutters right now.
Material Age
Gutters and downspouts may not always be made of the same material. In this case, they won’t age and corrode at the same rate, even if they were installed at the same time. If you have the budget for it, copper gutters and downspouts are the best at outliving anything your roof is made out of. Failing that, galvanized steel is second best, as its zinc oxide coating can allow it to prolong its life span.
Seamless vs. Sectional
Seamless gutters are, as their name suggests, have no seams or joints, which can allow leaks to happen. In other words, because water has a corrosive effect on anything it touches all the time, gutters that leak more often age far faster. Sectional gutters, meanwhile, are prefabricated, which means they’re not only prone to leaks, they’re also far older than a seamless gutter system. Any roof repair contractor would say that if you want to replace your gutters less frequently, seamless gutters are the way to go.
Maintenance
As mentioned, maintenance is the one magic bullet that can lengthen the life of your gutter system. No matter how great it was installed, anything that’s made of human hands will eventually deteriorate. Schedule regular roofing inspections and maintenance, and make sure your gutters are free of clogging. Moist or rotting organic material can accelerate corrosion, so ensure that only water is flowing through your gutters.
Patriot Roofing isn’t just about gutter installation but we’re experts in roof replacement and repair as well. Contact us today at (405) 289-8807 to learn more about our services. You can also fill out our form to get started. We serve residents of Edmond, OK, and nearby areas.