Is it better to replace old gutters or repair them?

As time goes by, the gutters on your house will be in worse and worse condition, failures will occur more often and more frequently. At some point, you will begin to wonder whether it would be better to repair the old drainage system or install a new one. In this article, we will analyze the pros and cons of this solution so that you can make the best possible decision.

Why Do Old Gutters Need Repairs?

As the provider of gutter repair services Evanston points out, the most common failure of gutters is severe blockages. Sometimes, however, due to high winds, hailstorms or the onslaught of large amounts of snow, gutters detach from their hooks, crack or bend. Sometimes, steel gutters rust, which also causes serious problems. And let's not forget about leaks and cracks - their occurrence completely deprives gutters of their purpose of existence, after all, they are supposed to drain water from the roof to one specific place, and so through outlets and downspouts to the ground in the garden.

What Makes More Sense? Gutter Repair or Gutter Replacement?

As a rule, gutter replacement is a relatively expensive service, as it requires a lot of specialists' time and a lot of materials. For most homes in the United States, a complete replacement of a drainage system involves an expense of more than $6,000, and often more than $10,000. This makes it more cost-effective to perform repairs over a longer period of time.

Consider, however, that while gutter clogging can be prevented by installing gutter guards, in many cases, the passage of time causes irreversible changes in the material's structure. Even the best-protected galvanized steel gutters will eventually begin to corrode, and the same is true of aluminum. For all intents and purposes, the only material that will last for many years without any deterioration of its mechanical performance is copper, but due to its weight and price, gutters made of this metal are found relatively rarely.

When to opt for gutter replacement?

First of all, find out how much such a service costs along with the purchase of the material. If you see that every year you spend a significant portion of this amount on repairs, or the condition of your gutters makes it possible to repair them effectively, permanently and sensibly, replacement will be a more reasonable solution. Count on the fact, however, that it's not worth deciding on budget solutions - usually, the best idea is to buy the higher-middle class and have them installed by a gutter contractor with extensive experience and reputation. It is the quality of the installation that has the greatest impact on the subsequent performance of the gutters, roof, windows or siding.