Signs Your Gutters Need Replacing (Before They Damage Your Home)

Gutter Basics
Written By Aaron Last Name

Your gutters play a bigger role than most homeowners realize. When they stop working properly, water can quietly cause major damage to your roofline, siding, landscaping, and even your home’s foundation. Many problems start small — almost invisible — but quickly turn into expensive repairs if ignored.

Here are the 5 most common signs your gutters may need to be replaced before they cause real trouble.

1. Water Overflowing During Rain

If water is spilling over the edges instead of flowing through the gutters, something is wrong.

Overflow often means:

  • Gutters are too small for the amount of water

  • They’ve lost their pitch (tilt)

  • Seams or corners are separated

  • They’re sagging away from the house

Overflow is one of the biggest causes of foundation erosion and basement leaks, so it’s important to address it quickly.

2. Visible Cracks, Holes, or Separation

Even small cracks or gaps can lead to big problems.

Look for:

  • Separated gutter joints

  • Rust spots

  • Holes forming along the bottom

  • Water dripping even after the rain stops

Once gutters begin cracking or separating, they rarely improve over time — replacement is often the safest and most cost-effective solution.

3. Gutters Sagging or Pulling Away from the Home

Sagging gutters are a major red flag.

This usually means:

  • The gutters are full of water (not draining)

  • The fascia board behind the gutters is rotting

  • Fasteners, nails, or brackets have failed

  • The gutters are too old or bent

When gutters pull away from the home, they can’t do their job — and they may even fall during heavy rain or snow.

4. Peeling Paint, Rotting Wood, or Water Stains

Water running behind or over the gutters leaves clues.

Inside and outside your home, look for:

  • Peeling paint on the fascia

  • Rotting or soft wood

  • Water stains on siding

  • Mold or mildew around the foundation

If you’re seeing any of these, water is reaching places it absolutely shouldn’t.

5. Pools of Water or Erosion Around Your Foundation

This is one of the most serious signs.

Improper drainage can cause:

  • Soil erosion

  • Cracks in your foundation

  • Wet basements or crawlspaces

  • Pest and mosquito problems

If rainwater isn’t moving away from your home, your gutter system is no longer functioning properly — and replacement may be needed.

When Should You Replace Your Gutters?

Most aluminum gutters last around 20 years — less if they’ve been damaged or clogged frequently. If you notice more than one of the signs above, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace the system rather than continue repairing it.

Need Your Gutters Inspected? We Can Help.

Apex Gutter Systems provides:

  • Seamless aluminum gutter installation

  • Gutter guard installation

  • Gutter repair

  • Fascia & soffit repair

  • Free home drainage assessments

Serving Greenup, Russell, Flatwoods, Ashland, Ironton, South Point, and surrounding areas.

Get a free, no-pressure estimate today.

Request A Free Estimate


Aaron Last Name