Are you dealing with clogged, leaky rain gutters? If you’ve found yourself asking “How long do gutters last?” this is the perfect post for you!
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: functional gutters are an essential part of a fully operational roofing system.
Gutters that are broken, have cracks, or are clogged can harm the rest of your roof. This can then lead to issues with the rest of your home, including water damage. For this reason, gutter maintenance is a must. In this post, we’ll break down some tips and tricks for ensuring your gutters last as long as possible.
How Long Do Gutters Last (Based on Materials)
The tricky thing about a gutter system’s lifespan is that it’s dependent on the materials it’s made out of.
Here is a breakdown of the expected lifespan for gutters, according to the National Association of Homebuilders:
- Copper – 50 years
- Galvanized Steel – 20 years
- Aluminum – 20 years
- Aluminum downspouts – 30
- Copper downspouts – 90
- Vinyl – 25 years
Because the numbers vary greatly depending on what the gutters are made out of, it’s important to put some thought into which type of gutters you choose if you’re redoing your roof. For example, while vinyl and aluminum will be cheaper initially, consider the value you’ll get with copper, which will last more than twice the length of those materials.
Of course, it’s not always possible to spring for the more expensive option—and 20 years is still a good amount of time for a gutter system to last. Regardless of what type of material you opt for with your gutters, ensuring that it is well-taken care of will improve its ability to last (possibly even beyond its expected lifespan).
Here are some tips for ensuring your gutters last as long as possible.
How to Make Your Gutters Last Longer
Clean Them Often
Don’t ignore the importance of regularly cleaning your gutters! Just like any part of your home, keeping something clean is one of the best ways to ensure it maintains its longevity. Clear out debris after storms, as well as leaves and branches in the fall. Check out our other tips on how to clean your gutters safely!
Avoid Resting Your Ladder on Your Gutters
Whether you’re getting on top of your home to clean your roof or are clearing out your gutters, be careful not to rest your ladder on your gutters. This can severely damage them. So, always be mindful of your ladder placement.
Use Leaf Guards to Limit Debris
Leaf or gutter guards are a great investment for keeping your gutter system fully functional. This list of some of the best gutter guards on the market is a great place to start!
Have a Professional Inspect Them From Time to Time
If you’re not sure what signs to look for when it comes to gutter damage, then call in a roofing professional. Many roofers—including Eagle Eye—will look over your roofing/gutter system to ensure that it is operating as it was intended. At Eagle Eye, if we notice issues, we’ll come to you with potential solutions. We’ll then help you make the best decision based on your budget and needs.
What to do if Your Gutters Need Repairs
There are some DIY actions you can take to remedy your gutters if you notice there are issues. Read about some tips for DIY gutter installation here.
Of course, we always recommend that—if you aren’t comfortable taking on the project by yourself—give us a call. At Eagle Eye, we truly understand the importance of gutters as they pertain to the integrity of the rest of your home.
If you suspect you have issues with your gutter or just want to be safe instead of sorry, give us a call or reach out to us! We’ll come by as soon as we can and give your roof an inspection.
