Q: How do I know if my gutters need to be replaced?

• <div><p>With routine maintenance, gutters don&rsquo;t usually need to be replaced for 20 years, but there are warning signs that they might need early replacement. Signs that your gutters need to be replaced include sagging, visible cracks or holes, peeling paint, rust, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/standing-water-sign-your-gutters-need-repair.htm">standing water in your gutter</a>, and water leaking into your basement. Pushing off replacing your gutters can lead to extensive damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Regular maintenance can help your gutters last all 20 years &mdash; and sometimes, even longer. </p></div>

Q: Is it normal for gutters to overflow in heavy rain?

• <div><p>No&mdash;gutters should be designed and properly installed so they are ready to handle any level of rainflow from your roof. If you notice pooling water around your gutters or on the roof, it&rsquo;s imperative that you contact a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/gutter-repair/">gutter repair pro near you</a>&mdash;the slope of your gutters could be off and need adjusting.</p></div>

Q: Can I repair my own gutters?

• <div><p>It is possible to repair your own gutters, but we don&rsquo;t recommend it. First, gutters need to sit at a precise slope to direct water toward the downspouts but also appear level from the yard, and this task is challenging to get right through DIY gutter repair. Second, any mistakes you make could be costly if they cause water damage or foundation damage. It might seem unnecessary to spend <b>$400</b> on professional gutter repair, but it pales in comparison to what you might pay if you make a mistake doing the work yourself.</p></div>

Q: If I’m replacing the roof, should I also replace the gutters?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re replacing your roof, you don&rsquo;t need to worry about replacing your gutters as long as they&rsquo;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. </p></div>

Question 1

How do I know if my gutters need to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

•

With routine maintenance, gutters don’t usually need to be replaced for 20 years, but there are warning signs that they might need early replacement. Signs that your gutters need to be replaced include sagging, visible cracks or holes, peeling paint, rust, standing water in your gutter, and water leaking into your basement. Pushing off replacing your gutters can lead to extensive damage to both the interior and exterior of your home. Regular maintenance can help your gutters last all 20 years — and sometimes, even longer.

Question 2

​​Do buried downspouts freeze?

Accepted Answer

•

Buried downspouts can freeze during cold weather as cold water runs through them. If you’ve discovered your downspouts are frozen, you can carefully pour hot water down the top of the downspout to defrost them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to dig your downspout back up. Avoid trying to break the ice from the exterior using a hammer as this can cause cracks and damage to your downspout.

To avoid freezing the future, consider adding a heating cable to the exterior, which can adjust heat based on the surrounding temperature.

Question 3

Is it normal for gutters to overflow in heavy rain?

Accepted Answer

•

No—gutters should be designed and properly installed so they are ready to handle any level of rainflow from your roof. If you notice pooling water around your gutters or on the roof, it’s imperative that you contact a gutter repair pro near you—the slope of your gutters could be off and need adjusting.

Question 4

Can I repair my own gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

It is possible to repair your own gutters, but we don’t recommend it. First, gutters need to sit at a precise slope to direct water toward the downspouts but also appear level from the yard, and this task is challenging to get right through DIY gutter repair. Second, any mistakes you make could be costly if they cause water damage or foundation damage. It might seem unnecessary to spend $400 on professional gutter repair, but it pales in comparison to what you might pay if you make a mistake doing the work yourself.

Question 5

If I’m replacing the roof, should I also replace the gutters?

Accepted Answer

•

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.