How Long Do Gutters Last? A Guide On When To Replace Gutters

a professional gutter installer installing a gutter on a house

Gutters are imperative to protecting your roof, siding, and foundation from water damage. However, knowing when to replace gutters can be difficult to determine, especially if you don’t know how long the current gutters have been there.

If you’re unsure how often to replace gutters or when your gutters may require other repairs, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your home maintained and protected for years.

a white house with seamless gutters

Knowing when to replace windows is another way to keep your home protected from the elements and large energy bills. 

How Long Should Gutters Last?

Gutters are integral to keeping your home safe from the elements, but how long do gutters last? The lifespan of gutters depends on the material they’re made of and the environmental conditions they’re regularly exposed to. Some of the most common materials utilized for gutters include:

  • Vinyl: 10-15 years
  • Stainless Steel: 20-40 years
  • Aluminum: 25-30 years
  • Copper: 50+ years

The weather where you live will also affect the longevity of your gutters. For example, Midwestern winters can be difficult on homes, bringing plenty of snow and rain. This is why Asher Lasting Exteriors prioritizes aluminum or stainless steel gutters, as they’re proven to withstand various weather conditions.

So, when looking into how often gutters should be replaced, be sure to consider the weather where you live, along with the type of material that may be best suited for your environment.

How Often Do Gutters Need To Be Replaced?

Other factors can influence when you should replace your gutters. This is why it’s imperative to perform regular inspections and maintenance to extend the lifespan of both your gutters and your home.

Knowing how to identify and prevent ice dams can also increase the longevity of your home’s gutters.

a gutter pulling away from a house that needs to be replaced

4 Signs Of Gutter Problems And Urgency Of When To Replace Gutters

How long do gutters last on a house? Gutters can last much longer when homeowners are proactive about recognizing the early signs of gutter damage or failure. You should conduct regular inspections of your home, either by yourself or by scheduling a consultation with a professional. This way, you can ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to the longevity and protection of your home.

Some signs of gutter problems to be aware of include:

  • Damage To Gutter Like Cracks Or Holes
  • Sagging Or Separation From The House
  • Water Damage Or Landscaping Erosion Below Gutters
  • Peeling Paint Or Rust Formation

Damage To Gutter Like Cracks Or Holes

If you notice small cracks or holes anywhere on your gutters while cleaning or looking at them, this is a surefire sign that it is time to replace your gutters, as this can quickly lead to water damage both inside and outside your home. Most commonly, these cracks open up at the seams of where gutters meet each other, which is why Asher offers our Seamless Gutters to reduce leaks, damage, and other maintenance issues.

Sagging Or Separation From The House

If gutters are sagging or you notice a gutter pulling away from the house entirely, this means that the gutter system is failing to perform its primary function. Thankfully, this is one of the easiest issues to spot, meaning you can quickly call in for a repair or replacement before water starts to damage your foundation or exterior.

Water Damage Or Landscaping Erosion Below Gutters

Suppose you start to notice water spilling from your gutters, pooling around your foundation or windows, or signs of water damage such as rotting wood and landscaping erosion. In that case, this may indicate that your gutters aren’t working properly. Make sure you immediately call in a professional to help evaluate how much damage your home may have and promptly fix the problem at the source.

Peeling Paint Or Rust Formation

Almost all gutters are coated either in paint or weatherproofing. Peeling paint may not seem like the most pressing issue to have fixed, but it can actually indicate that your gutter system isn’t moving water the way it should be. If you catch this problem soon enough, you may be able to opt for a simple repair instead of an entire replacement.

Cleaning your gutters regularly can help ensure they stay maintained for years to come. 

How Long Does It Take To Replace Gutters?

The process for having your gutters replaced varies depending on how big your home is and the scope of the project, so it’s difficult to provide an exact estimate of how long it will take. However, the gutter replacement generally only takes a few hours to a day to complete. As long as your installation company has the materials ready and can come out to your home quickly, it’s a relatively straightforward process.

Are gutters included in roof replacement? This question depends on the installer, but many companies provide gutter installation when you get a new roof.

Asher Lasting Exterior team

Asher: Western Wisconsin’s Gutter Replacement Experts

Are you looking to replace your home’s gutter system? Asher Lasting Exteriors is here to help. Our gutter replacement experts excel in providing you with resilient, beautiful gutters that will protect your home for decades to come.

Our Seamless Gutters are designed to carry 33% more water away than traditional systems, and our magnum-sized downspouts also divert twice as much water away from the base of your home. We only work with the best system to ensure your home gets the best care. No matter what type of replacement or repair you may need, Asher can help. Get in touch with our team today for a free estimate.