Your gutters are an integral part of your roofing system. They are designed to allow water to drain properly off of your roof and minimise the amount of damage that occurs to your roof as a result. Directing water away from your home through gutters is vital, but you need to be sure that your gutters are functioning properly. Over time your gutters will begin to wear and work less effectively. Instead of just having your gutters repaired, you need to be aware of the warning signs that indicate you will require a new guttering system to ensure that water is directed away from the foundation of your property.

• Cracks. The biggest indicator that you have a problem with your gutters that is beyond repair is the presence of cracks. A small crack in your gutters might seem like a non-issue, but this is a major problem. Water will make the small crack larger over time and can also move through the crack to damage the fascia boards that are positioned behind the guttering system. When the fascia boards become damaged, you will have to repair the siding on the home to remove all water damage.
• Paint. It is also a good idea to inspect the paint that is near the gutters. If you begin to notice that the paint around your guttering is peeling or features orange flecks, it is most likely time to have your gutters replaced. When the paint peels, this often results in rusting due to water that is present continuously. The constant presence of water means that the gutters are not effectively directing the water away from the property. This is an early warning sign that you should look out for because it is typically present before a crack occurs in the guttering.
• Water. Another sign that your gutters need to be replaced is the accumulation of pools of water near the foundation of your home. The main purpose of a gutter is to keep water away from the foundation, which means that pooling water around your foundation is a telltale sign that you have a major problem. In most cases, you have a larger problem beyond just a clog that is causing the water to pool. This is often linked to a crack in your gutters that is allowing water to move freely without being redirected away from the foundation in any way. Foundation damage can only be avoided if the gutters are replaced.