Maintaining your home can be difficult due to the different tasks that are necessary to keep systems functional and appeal in good condition. From washing the siding and changing light bulbs to caulking cracks and crevices, the amount of maintenance can be overwhelming. Thankfully, maintaining your roof does not have to be difficult if you have a good quality gutter system. With this guide, you will learn the signs your gutters are in distress and need cleaning or repairs.

1. Outdated

The average lifespan of gutters will depend on the specific material used to make them. For example, some materials, such as copper, are stronger than others. If you are like most homeowners, your gutters are made out of aluminum. While durable, aluminum does not last forever. On average, you can expect a lifespan of 20 to 40 years if you have aluminum gutters. Combine this age with one or more of these other signs, and you should definitely consider replacing your gutters.

2. Stressed Seams

Most gutter systems are pieced together and connected at different seams around your home's exterior. When the gutters fill up with rain, leaves, and other debris, an excess amount of weight and stress will be placed on the seams. If you notice seams are coming apart or the gutter pieces closest to the seams are starting to buckle and warp, your gutters are in distress and need repair to ensure the system can move water off the roof and away from the home efficiently.

For the best results, consider replacing worn gutters with seamless gutters. Although there are some seams necessary to piece the system together, seamless gutters do have fewer seams, which means there will be fewer chances of leaks.

3. Mildew and Mold

As the gutters move rain off the roof, it should also move this moisture away from your home's exterior siding and foundation. Unfortunately, old, damaged gutters cannot move this rain down the house and away from the exterior with ease. Therefore, the moisture will build up on the roof, siding, and foundation, increasing the risk of mildew and mold growth.

If you have patches of green, brown, or black growth on the home's siding and foundation, it may be due to improperly-functioning gutters. Be sure to clean the mildew and mold using an antibacterial solution, such as bleach or vinegar, before replacing your gutters.

The gutters may not be the most interesting part of your home, but they are an important part of your home. This guide will help you determine when and if it is time to replace your gutter system.