When Should I Replace My Rain Gutters?
12 Warning Signs Your Gutters Are Failing — And Why Waiting Could Cost You More

When Should I Replace My Rain Gutters?
Your rain gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. Namely, they serve to quietly guide rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation — but like any part of your home, they don’t last forever. With time and age, gutters can wear down, sag, leak, or simply stop doing their job. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your rain gutters, here are key signs to watch for:
1. Cracks, Splits, or Fractures
Small cracks might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, they can grow and lead to leaks. If you notice several visible cracks or splits, especially after a heavy storm, it’s a clear sign that your gutters are breaking down.
2. Peeling Paint or Orange Flecks
Peeling exterior paint around your gutters, or small orange specks (a sign of rust) on steel gutters can mean water is escaping where it shouldn’t. This often points to standing water, persistent leaks, or poor drainage.
3. Water Pooling or Mildew Around Foundation
Since your rain gutters’ sole job is to channel water away from your foundation, if you spot puddles or mildew forming at the base of your home, your gutters may be failing. This is a clear indicator that your rain gutters may need to be replaced or that your landscaping needs attention.
4. Sagging Gutters or Gaps
If you notice that sections of your gutters are pulling away from the house, sagging, or detached completely, it usually means they’re no longer structurally sound. This could be caused by rotting fascia boards, broken fasteners, or long-term water damage; you will want to get this checked out by a professional you can trust.
5. Water Marks Beneath Gutters
Water stains or streaks running down the siding beneath your gutters indicate that water is overflowing or leaking. Often this happens when gutters are clogged or misaligned. If it’s reoccurring, however, then it may be time for replacement.
6. Rust or Corrosion
Gutters made of galvanized steel need to be monitored for corrosion. Rust weakens the structure, eventually leading to holes. Once rust takes hold of several areas, replacement is usually more cost-effective than constant repairs. Old-school steel gutters can corrode, but the new steel we install is covered under our 20-year Seamless Warranty against peeling and rusting.
7. Frequent Clogs
If you’re clearing out leaves and debris regularly but still find your gutters overflowing, the problem could be with the gutter shape, size, or pitch. Modern gutter systems may be better equipped to handle water flow from your roofline.
8. Broken Fasteners or Nails on the Ground
Finding gutter fasteners, screws, or nails on the ground is a red flag. When gutters come loose from your home, they lose the ability to direct water efficiently; quickly leading to major issues.
9. Mold or Rot on Fascia Boards
Fascia boards are located right behind your gutters. If they show signs of mold, mildew, or rot, your gutters are likely leaking or overflowing onto them. That moisture damage caused by the leak or overflow can spread to your roof and attic if left unaddressed.
10. Flooded Basement
A flooded or damp basement might be caused by poorly performing gutters. When water isn’t properly diverted, it can seep into the ground and infiltrate your home’s lower levels.
11. Seam Separation
Traditional sectional gutters are made of multiple connected pieces and if the seams begin to separate, water can leak through the gaps, leading to foundation issues or damage to your siding. If you’re noticing repeated seam problems, upgrading to seamless gutters could be the smarter choice.
12. Age
Depending on the material and climate, most rain gutters have a 20-30 year lifespan. If your gutters are pushing that limit and starting to have multiple issues, replacing them may be more efficient — and more cost-effective — than continuing to repair them.
Is It Time for a Gutter Upgrade?
If you’re seeing any of the signs above, it’s probably time to consider replacing your rain gutters. Investing in a new, properly installed gutter system helps protect your roof, walls, landscaping, and foundation from serious — and expensive — water damage.
Installing rain gutters is a specialized service. The crew at Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters is here for you. Founded in 1992, our family-owned business employs a team of tradesman and experts who offer over 100 years of combined and accumulated experience, industry-knowledge, and local support. As lifelong residents of the Spokane area, we take pride in the service and products our team provides. If you have questions about gutters, we have the answers. Contact Rainman Seamless Rain Gutters for more information.








