Should you replace guttering that is more than 20 years old?

How long does guttering usually last?

How long guttering lasts depends mainly on the material and how well it's looked after:

• uPVC often lasts 20 to 30 years or more. Sunlight slowly makes it brittle, and the rubber seals in the joints usually wear out before the gutter itself.
• Aluminium can last 30 years or more and doesn't rust.
• Cast iron can last a century or more if it's painted and kept clear. Neglected cast iron rusts from the inside out.

So a 20-year-old system may be close to the end of its life, or have plenty of years left.

What signs show that old guttering needs replacing?

Signs that old guttering needs replacing include:

• Plastic that's faded, chalky or brittle, with cracks along the length rather than at joints
• Joints that start leaking again within a year of being resealed
• Rust holes, flaking or splits in cast iron or steel
• Several sections sagging, or gutters that have lost their fall and hold water
• Gutters too small for the roof, so they overflow in heavy rain even when clean
• Parts no longer made, so repairs need mismatched fittings

When is repairing old gutters still worthwhile?

Repairing old gutters is still worthwhile when the material is sound and the fault is local, such as one leaking joint, a broken bracket or a cracked corner. Many 20-year-old uPVC systems only need new seals and a few brackets. Old cast iron can often be restored by cleaning, resealing joints and repainting.

What do Blackburn homes need to consider?

Blackburn homes need to consider heavy, frequent rain, which shows up undersized or tired gutters quickly. On terraced streets with shared gutter runs, replacing your section means the joins with your neighbours' gutters must match, so it's worth talking to them first. Older stone terraces in conservation areas may be expected to keep cast iron or a similar look.

How can you decide?

You can decide by asking a contractor to check the whole system and quote for both repair and replacement. Compare the cost of repairs with how long they're likely to last. If repairs would cost a large share of a new system, replacement usually makes more sense. You can also read about how much homeowners usually pay for gutter repair.