Know when it's time for your gutters to call it quits
If you live in an area where it rains cats and dogs, you need long-lasting gutters to protect your home and its foundation. But how long do gutters last? The average life span of gutters is around 20 years, but depending on the gutter material and whether you go seamless, they can last as long as 100 years. Read on to learn about the life span of various gutter types and how to help them last for years to come.
How long your gutters will last depends largely on what they’re made of. For example, vinyl gutters have the shortest life span, lasting 10 to 15 years, while more sturdy materials such as copper can last up to 100 years. However, just because it’s the most durable material doesn’t mean copper is the right gutter choice for your home—plus, they’re quite pricey. To narrow down the best options, it’s best to talk to an experienced contractor who can recommend the right fit for you.
Below is a general gutter life span based on the type of gutters:
Aluminum: 25 years
Zinc: 50 years
Galvanized Stainless Steel: 15–20 years
Stainless Steel: 50 years
Vinyl: 10–15 years
Wood: 20–50 years
Copper: 100 years
Cast Iron: 50 years
“Ultimately, the more expensive the materials, often the longer lasting the gutter system,” says Jose Figueroa, Expert Review Board member and crew supervisor and sales representative at Artisan Quality Roofing in Apex, North Carolina. “However, unless you plan to live in your home for more than 20 years, seamless aluminum is an affordable, reliable option.”
To ensure your gutters reach their maximum life span, stay on top of cleaning and maintenance. This means cleaning your gutters at least two to four times a year, especially if you have several trees in your yard. You can also install gutter guard systems, which prevent debris from collecting in your gutters and eliminate the need to clean them regularly. If you notice any signs of damage to your gutters, call in a local gutter repair contractor ASAP to avoid any further damage.
To increase your gutters’ life span, clean them regularly. Ideally, you’ll want to clean your gutters twice a year, but you may need to do it up to four times a year. If you want to ensure the gutters are cleaned properly, hire a gutter cleaning service near you. The cost of cleaning gutters usually averages between $119 and $234, but depending on the type, length, and location, cleanings can cost up to $400.
If you have several tall trees near your home, you can install gutter guards to help keep gutters free from debris.
“Another way to extend the life of your gutters is to install quality gutter guards,” says Figueroa. “They keep debris out of the gutters—which can deteriorate and damage the gutters—and allow for proper water flow.”
You can also reapply gutter sealant to help improve your gutter system’s durability. This includes reapplying a seal to the gutters every five to 10 years, though you may need to reapply more often if you live in areas with heavy rain or snow.
If your gutters are cracked, leaking, overflowing, or not flowing at all, it is likely time to replace them. The best way to get a look at your gutters at work is to walk around the exterior of your home while it’s raining. This way, you can observe any trouble spots or see just how well (or not!) your gutters are doing their job. Other signs it’s time to replace your gutters are if they’re sagging, if nearby watermarks are present, or if the paint around the gutters is chipping.
Replacing damaged gutters can be a DIY job—depending on the extent of the replacement, the material, and the gutter style. But in most cases, gutter replacement projects are better left to the pros. It's important that you know how to install gutters before embarking on this project. Proper gutter installation involves having the correct slope and length to ensure water correctly drains through the gutter system without damaging your property.
Clogged gutters are one of the most common problems homeowners will face since excess debris from trees or other outside elements can prevent water from passing through properly. Other common problems include leaks and holes, which can usually be repaired with gutter sealant or caulk, as well as damaged gutters from strong storms or improperly pitched gutters.
If you are experiencing minor issues with your gutters, such as a small leak or cracks in one or two sections, it makes more sense to repair the issue than to replace your entire gutter system. However, you may need to replace your gutters if they’re frequently detaching from your home or if you notice a buildup of mold or mildew in your basement.
On average, the cost to replace gutters is about $1,900, depending on the size of the home. Costs can range anywhere from $4 to $30 per linear foot with less expensive materials falling closer to $4 per linear foot and higher-end materials falling more toward $30 per linear foot. The type of gutter you have installed will also make a difference. Half-round gutters are more cost-effective, while custom-built fascia gutters are pricier.
If you’re replacing your roof, you don’t need to worry about replacing your gutters as long as they’re functional and in good condition. Some roofers may recommend temporarily removing gutters to prevent them from damage during a roof replacement, but the right professional can reduce this risk. Replacing your gutters would only be necessary if your gutters are in bad shape and already need replacing.
