Well-maintained gutters are known for their exceptional durability, but just as with other structures around a house, they do have an expiration. If your gutters are displaying signs of wear and are in need of replacement, it's essential to make this update promptly to avoid further damage.

However, you want to perform some research first. Learn what key areas you want to focus on before installing new gutters.

1. The Condition of the Roof

A roofs' condition is an important factor when installing new gutters. When gutters aren't performing efficiently, they may not be the problem. A failing roof may be the concern and replacing gutters when the roof is in dire condition isn't a solution.

For example, aging gutters sometimes separate from the structure, which allows water to pool around the foundation or inside the basement. A homeowner might see the pooling water and automatically assume that their gutters have failed.

However, if the home has an asphalt shingle roof, as it aged, its granules could have likely collected in the gutters and created a clog. This scenario would also send water flowing down the side of your home and settling around the foundation and inside the basement.

Replacing the gutters without addressing the roofing issues won't offer a solution. Have the roof inspected to ensure it's in good condition, as you may not need gutters or you may need gutters and a new roof.

2. The Size of the Gutters

It's important for you to understand that your new gutters don't necessarily need to be identical to your existing gutters. The size of a gutter is not a one-size-fits-all selection; as the total drainage square footage, you must weigh the pitch of the roof and the rainfall intensity level for the region in order to determine what size gutters are best.

For this reason, you might currently have 5-inch gutters installed on your home, but given the angle of your roof, 6-inch gutters might be the more effective solution for collecting rainwater. You may even find that your gutters are too large.

If you live in an older home, it's recommended that you check the size of the gutters to ensure they are the right fit, as size has a significant effect on how efficiently the gutters will perform.

3. The Condition of the Fascia

The condition of the fascia also matters when replacing gutters. The fascia is the sheet metal or wood structure that runs along the base of the roof section that extends over the sidewalls of your home. This fixture is also the structure that your gutters are attached to. The fascia must be in good condition to support your gutters.

If there is any warping, rotting, or other signs of damage, this will lessen the stability of the gutter connection and possibly lead to early failure. If you have your roof inspected by a professional, an inspection of the fascia is often included within this service, so don't overlook its importance.

If your home doesn't have a fascia in place, this does not mean you can't have new gutters installed. However, a roof strap system will need to be installed first to secure the gutters to the roof. A professional installer will be able to perform this step for you.

Take these factors into mind to ensure you're getting the most out of your new installation. Not sure if your gutters need replacing? No worries. A representative from Rain-Flow Systems, LLC will be happy to inspect the condition of your gutters, provide you with an estimation, and assist you with your installation needs.​