Is it Time to Replace YOUR Home's Gutters?

Gutters have been rightly described as the 'unsung heroes' of a property, continuously performing the vital function of safely and appropriately directing water away from it. Like any property element subject to such constant use, gutters can become worn and damaged over time. This edition of the Greengates builders merchants blog looks at some of the many problems that can be caused by old gutters that are no longer functioning to their full potential.

One of the first signs that gutters need replacing is water overflowing from them. There may also be visible cracks in the guttering. It is not only the gutters themselves that can suffer damage: the fixtures and fittings that hold the gutters in place may also become damaged over time, causing the gutter to sag away from the roofline and impairing function.

When water cannot flow properly through old and inefficient gutters, it will inevitably overflow onto and into other parts of the property. Water that runs down an outside wall quickly causes staining and damage to the brickwork; the water can even migrate through pores in the masonry, causing damp issues in the internal environment. Such issues include damaged decorative surfaces, condensation and the growth of malodorous, unsightly and health-damaging mould and mildew.

Water has damaging effects on woodwork as well as masonry, so things like porches and door/window frames affected by water overflowing from gutters will soon cause these elements to become rotten. Excess moisture also damages paintwork, causing it to flake and wear away.

If water from an overflowing gutter reaches ground level, it can begin to seep into the foundations and undermine them. Where a property has a basement, the water can ingress and cause flooding. Patches of water on paths and other walking surfaces create a slip hazard, which is even more pronounced if that water should freeze during the colder months.

Gutters that are not functioning properly may not overflow; instead the water simply stays in the gutter, adding excess weight to the roof. In winter, such pools of water can freeze creating an 'ice dam' that puts the roof under severe structural strain. 

At Greengates builders merchant Accrington, we stock a comprehensive collection of gutters and accessories which are collated together in a single section of our website for your convenience. Please browse this section for full details and do not hesitate to get in touch with our expert technical team if you require further information or advice.