Most people only think about their gutters when water ends up where it shouldn't, like on the eaves, down a wall or through the ceiling. By then the damage has usually been building for a while. Here's what we look for when we're up a ladder quoting.
Rust at the joins and corners
Steel gutters rust from the inside out. Leaves and silt hold moisture against the metal, and by the time you can see rust from the ground the gutter is often thin or holed. Spot rust on a newish gutter can sometimes be treated. Rust along a run or at several corners means replacement.
Overflow in normal rain
If gutters spill over in an average shower, they're either blocked, sagging or too small for the roof. Older homes often have gutters that were sized for a smaller roof before an extension went on. A bigger profile or an extra downpipe fixes it properly.
Water stains on the eaves
Brown marks or peeling paint on the eave lining usually mean water is getting behind the gutter. That points to rotting fascia or a gutter that has dropped away from the roof edge. It's worth acting on quickly because wet eaves lead to wet roof timbers.
Sagging and pulling away
Gutters need a steady fall towards the downpipes. When brackets fail or the fascia moves, water pools in low spots. Pooled water speeds up rust and adds weight, and the sag gets worse.
Repair or replace?
A single leaking joint or one bad corner can be repaired. Once there's rust in several places or the fascia is gone, patching costs more over time than replacing. New Colorbond gutters carry a 25-year material warranty, and we add 6 years on our workmanship.
Not sure which side of the line yours fall on? Book a free inspection and Todd will give you a straight answer. Read more about our gutter replacement service.
