Gutters are an integral part of your home’s roof system, and without them, your home would be at the mercy of water and moisture. However, homeowners often consider gutters an invincible component of their roof that can go on for decades without repairs or replacement.
While it is true that gutters can last a long time, they should be regularly checked during roofing and gutter assessment to make sure they are in good shape. In general, gutters have a lifespan of about 30 years or more, and this gives homeowners an idea that they don’t have to replace them for a long time.
However, with regular inspections and knowing the material your roof gutters are made up of, you can easily understand when they need to be replaced. So if you are wondering how much useful life is left in your home gutters, then we suggest you read this article until the end.
The estimated lifespan of different gutter materials as per Roofing companies in Colorado
Here in Colorado, the weather will put your gutters to the test, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck with bad gutter channels in the middle of the rainy season. Luckily, if you know the material your home gutters are made up of and know when they were installed, you can get an accurate estimate of their useful life. Roofing companies in Colorado provide the following estimated lifespans for different materials:
Aluminum gutters: These are a popular material for channels due to their low cost and durability. Homes with aluminum gutters installed can expect to get more than 20 years of service out of them before they need to be replaced.
However, factors such as irregular maintenance and weather conditions can reduce the lifespan of aluminum gutters. Therefore it is essential to get your roof system regularly inspected by roofing companies such as Red Oak Exteriors. A roof and gutter assessment do not cost much, but it can give you an accurate idea about the useful life of your roof components.
Copper gutters: Copper was a popular material for gutter channels in the past, and you can find plenty of old homes with copper gutters to this day. While they are still installed on homes to give them a classic look and feel, they are a costlier alternative to aluminum gutters.
However, when it comes to the expected lifespan, they outshine their aluminum counterparts with a lifespan of more than 50 years. So if you have copper gutters installed at your home and built less than 50 years ago, chances are your gutters might still be in great shape.
Galvanized steel gutters: Galvanized steel gutters come with a specialized coating to make them rust-proof, and they are strong enough to withstand the harshest weather conditions. You can expect galvanized steel gutters to last anywhere between 30 and 40 years before a replacement is needed.
How can you extend the lifespan of gutters?
While gutter’s lifespan is limited by the quality and nature of the material used to make them, you can make sure to get the most out of your gutter channels by taking proper care of them. Cleaning and maintaining gutters is often considered a dangerous job.
Therefore, if you don’t have the appropriate equipment and experience, you should hire professionals. By cleaning gutters regularly and making sure they are in good shape, you can add years to their lifespan and keep your roof safe in the process.
Keep in mind that well-maintained gutters can also increase the lifespan of your home’s roof, so if you haven’t had gutter maintenance for a while, it might be time to call a roofing company.
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