How Long Do Seamless Gutters Last?

Like many home appliances, your gutter system can diminish over the years. Whether leaks, cracks, clogs, or other damage, you may risk your home becoming vulnerable to water damage if left unattended. If you are a homeowner, there is a chance you may have to replace your gutter system at least once, regardless of how well you take care of it throughout the years.

With that being said, because you are not physically using your gutter system daily like some other home features, it may be difficult to determine when it’s the right time to invest in a new gutter system. In addition, you may be trying to decide which gutter system is best suited for your home. One of the questions you might be trying to answer is, how long do seamless gutters last compared to others? We’ll dive further into this question to help you make a well-informed decision about which gutter system suits you best. Keep reading for more information.

How long do seamless gutters last?

When purchasing a new gutter system, you may be surprised to hear that there are several different types and styles. A popular choice amongst American homeowners is seamless gutters. Unlike sectional gutters, a seamless gutter system is measured precisely to the dimensions of your home before cutting from a continuous piece of materials. Because there aren’t as many connecting points between each component of your gutter channel as sectional gutters, less sealant is used, ultimately providing you with more protection against leaks.

With that being said, the lifespan of your seamless gutter system may depend on how well you take care of your gutters and the type of material used. Let’s take a closer look at the lifespan and other information of some common gutter materials below:

Vinyl

• Affordable material available for homeowners
• Less prone to rusting as a result of prolonged exposure to water and other elements
• Overtime can become brittle in extremely cold or hot temperatures
• Not as resilient as other gutter materials

Aluminum

• Mid-priced material
• Durable and resilient in severe weather conditions
• Does not rust over time

Copper

• Costly material to work with
• Highly durable against extreme weather conditions
• Does not rust over the years

How long do sectional gutters typically last?

As mentioned, sectional gutters may be more prone to damage throughout the year. This may be due to their design which requires you to connect pre-cut gutter channels together using sealant to create one full-length trough that sits horizontally across your home. As such, the sealant may become damaged over time, causing leaks throughout your gutter system and potential water damage. Thus, homeowners should regularly maintain their gutters to help avoid this type of damage.

When Should You Replace Your Gutters?

Furthermore, while your gutter system’s lifespan may be affected by how well they are maintained throughout the year, the type of material they are made of, and the style of gutter you have installed, you may still need to replace your gutters regardless of how old they are. It may be beneficial to speak to a professional installation company to review your options as well. Here is a list of signs you may want look out for before calling a professional gutter installation contractor to help with your home renovation project:

• Noticeable cracking or holes throughout your gutter system that are causing leaks and drips every time it rains
• If you have a sectional gutter system and you notice leaking at the seams where each piece connects
• Your gutters have begun to rust and peel
• You notice staining and water damage on the side of your property
• There are leaks and flooding in your basement or the upper levels of your home
• Your landscaping has begun to erode
• Exterior wood trim on your home has started to rot
• You notice mildew and mold along the exterior of your property
• Pests and insect infestations have become more frequent around your home

How Can You Make Your Seamless Gutters Last Longer?

To help ensure your seamless gutters last long, you may want to keep up with regular maintenance throughout the year. This may include:

• Cleaning out clogged gutters around twice a year to help ensure water drains away from your property
• Installing gutter guards to help prevent fallen leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other debris from collecting in your gutter channel to cause clogging over time
• Keeping the trees around your home trimmed to help reduce the amount of debris that may fall into your gutter channels
• Check for any cracks and holes along your gutter system to help ensure leaks are prevented
• Ensure your gutters are securely attached to your home to help prevent damage during severe weather conditions

What if I don’t know how old my gutters are?

Generally speaking, knowing the age of your gutters might not be that important. Instead, homeowners should keep an eye out for signs that could indicate their gutter system is damaged and not working properly, similar to the examples provided above. These signs could help you determine whether your system needs to be fixed or replaced immediately to help avoid water damage. Nonetheless, if you have lived on your property for over 20 years and have yet to replace your gutters, it may be beneficial to speak to a professional installation company to go over your options to keep your gutter system working optimally.

As you may see, as your gutter system ages and becomes damaged, you may put your home at a greater risk of water damage that could be costly with unexpected renovation costs. Therefore, if you’ve noticed any of the above-noted signs around your home the next time it rains, it may be beneficial to speak to a professional about whether it’s the right time to install a new gutter system.

Are you ready to install a new seamless gutter system, like LeafGuard® gutters, on your home? Book a free consultation with the home improvement team at Local Home Pro and our trusted professional gutter installation contractors in your area today.