Cleaning out gutters and downpipes is something that many Australian households have to do at least twice a year if they want to keep their roofs dry and damage-free. However, if you find yourself having to clean your gutters more frequently, or you routinely have to replace broken components and patch up holes, it may be a sign that your gutters need replacing.
No matter how well you maintain your gutters, there may come a time when you have to invest in the gutter replacement Melbourne locals rely on for more effective drainage. Since gutters aren’t items that you may be replacing every other day, you may not be sure where to start.
Don’t Rush into a Gutter System Purchase
If you’ve finally decided to replace your gutters, your first instinct may be to buy another system like the one you have. After all, one gutter is surely like another? And your gutter has been working just fine until it got old, right? It’s important to give this answer some thought. Here are our tips to consider before jumping into a gutter purchase.
1. Request a Professional Assessment
Gutter replacement can be costly, depending on the size of your house. Since gutters are among the most durable home attachments, it’s a good idea to have them assessed before opting for replacement.
Few homeowners are aware that gutters can be repaired several times before they need to be replaced. This is because they were originally designed to last more than 50 years if correctly maintained. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to have your roof and gutters assessed before opting for replacement right off the bat.
The roofing team will do a full assessment and advise you of replacement or repair options. Gutter repairs usually include cleaning, removing clogs and blockages, and checking for and repairing rust and corrosion.
2. Assess Climate Change in Your Area
If you’re going ahead with the gutter replacement, then the first tip to consider should be to establish how the weather has changed in your area. Recent years have seen significant rainfall patterns and climate changes that may make your current guttering system inadequate.
If there’s more rain in your area, it may be time to upgrade to a larger, more robust guttering system that can handle the load. It’s crucial to point out that stronger gutters may also result in fewer blockages and water overflowing. Upgrading your gutter allows you to change your downpipes and which area of your garden or yard they flow into. Speak to your roofer for recommendations for your area.
3. Consider the Current Location
Replacement gutters don’t have to be installed in the same place where the old ones were. Gutters that have been placed in the incorrect place won’t drain correctly and may end up contributing to water damage in your home. Speak to your roofer about suggestions for the best location. This is especially crucial if you’re going to upgrade to a larger system.
4. Decide on the Materials for Your New Gutters
Gutters don’t only differ in shape and size, but also in the materials they’re made from. Many Australian homeowners are opting to replace older gutters with aluminium because it’s not only more durable but also more cost-effective.
5. Add Gutter Guards
Installing new gutters and downpipes should go hand in hand with installing other components that make overall roof maintenance easier and more efficient. The most common example here is opting to include gutter guards.
For the most part, gutter guards are metal covers that are placed on top of your gutter. Their primary goal is to prevent organic materials such as leaves and twigs that usually falling into your gutter during the rainy and windy seasons. The wind will blow the bulk of the leaves off your gutter guards, meaning you won’t have to scoop leaves and mud out during your routine maintenance.
6. Assess the Rest of Your Roof
If your guttering system is damaged, old, or rusted, there’s a very good chance that your roof may have some damage as well. This is because full gutters would have caused water to pool on the roof, which can lead to water damage. This type of pooling can also damage fascia boards. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to fix these issues before you have your new gutters installed.
It’s always a good idea to request a full roof assessment. It may be more cost-effective to do a roof restoration while you’re having the gutters replaced. Many roofing companies offer packages that may include a mini restoration. Sealing and painting your roof will add to the general aesthetic of your new guttering system.
Final Thoughts
Continuously having to clean and repair old gutters can be tiresome and costly. If your gutters are worn, you may find yourself up on the roof more than you’d like. You can avoid this by opting to install new gutters. Use our tips to help you choose the most effective gutters and downpipes for your home. Not only will your cleaning duties be fewer, but you will also have a more efficient drainage system, guaranteed to last for years!
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