Despite your roof being the primary line of defence against the elements for your home's interior, it can be easy to overlook its guttering system. A good number of homeowners tend to focus on ensuring their roofing supplies are in top-notch condition yet forgetting that their gutters are worse for wear then water ingress is bound to happen.

Although gutter cleaning is an important part of their maintenance, factors such as constant exposure to the changing weather patterns coupled with normal ageing and wear can lead to the need for replacement. Nonetheless, if you do not discern the symptoms of disrepair then you will have to contend with additional issues such as foundation problems, damaged walls and more. This piece highlights just two signs that should help you spot the indicators of the imminent need for gutter replacement.

Physical damage

One sign of impending gutter replacement is physical damage to the structures. At the onset, damage can manifest as what seems to be minor cracks or holes in the gutters. However, you should note that any cracks mean that water flowing through the gutters will be leaking directly onto your walls and foundation. This damage should be stopped by enlisting roofing repairs immediately.

If the cracks and holes are left unchecked, then your gutters could end up splitting and you will find that some of the sections that have come apart. Moreover, you could also notice that rust has begun forming on these segments. Rather than have the gutters repaired it is advisable to opt for replacement and choose seamless gutters for the installation.

Mould on your walls and drainpipes

The second sign of imminent gutter replacement is mould forming on the walls adjacent to the gutters as well as the drainpipes. Mould thrives in environments that are damp and shaded away from the sun. When mould starts to grow adjacent to the guttering, it is an indicator of the fact that the moisture is neither being redirected correctly nor is it exposed to sunlight for it to dry. Mould may seem harmless if located outdoors, but you aren't taking into consideration that the spores can easily make their way into your home too.

Furthermore, if you are harvesting rainwater and the drainpipes are harbouring mould, the water collected will be contaminated. It is essential to have a roofing contractor come to investigate the source of the underlying leaks and potentially replace the gutters with functional structures that will redirect the rainwater correctly.