Rusted gutters are the last thing you want to be dealing with, however, they can become a frustrating problem if put to the back of your to-do list.
Ignoring gutters can give you some expensive problems down the line, so why should you care? This article will be your best guide to gutter issues and how you can pinpoint a problem. After all, without gutters, your home wouldn’t have a drainage system!
So, let’s look at why it’s non-negotiable to triple-check your gutters every season.
What are Guttering Systems?
Gutters protect your home’s structure and foundation from water damage. According to Housing Provisions Part 7.4, an eave gutter is a gutter fixed to a fascia (or eave) to catch rainwater running off a roof, forming part of the drainage system.
When rainwater runs down the roof and into your gutters, gutters channel this away from the house foundation and stop water pooling around the perimeter.
An eave gutter must be supported by a suitable fixed bracket at the stop ends and spaced no more than 1.m along the length of the gutter. Eave gutters need a minimum fall of 1:500 unless fixed to a metal fascia.
In a 2020 article, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) urged Victorians to clean their gutters and downpipes of debris and leaves. This action was to reduce the risk of water overflowing into homes and businesses.
When checking your own gutters, you need to follow the ladder safety rules on the WorkSafe website. The installation and placement of guttering (and most roofing components) must be completed by a registered or licensed plumber, and a compliance certificate must be issued upon completion of the work.
All in all, gutters keep your home comfortable and safe for your family.
Why Can Rusted Gutters Cause Issues?
Although gutters are generally durable, they are still prone to corrosion if not maintained. Let’s look at some major roof issues that can happen.
1. Clogged Gutters and Water Overflow
If rust eats through the metal, it creates holes and weak points, letting debris accumulate and clog the system. For example, Australian homes near eucalyptus trees often contend with compact, sticky leaf debris, which increases the chances of clogs.
When water cannot flow through the gutters, it overflows and spills onto the fascia boards and soffits. Over time, this can lead to wood rot, leaks, and internal mould growth (a big health issue). For example, a humid climate is more likely to cause mould and mildew, affecting indoor air quality and the structural integrity of your property.
How can you fix this problem? Regular cleaning and inspections (especially after heavy storms or seasonal changes) and installing gutter guards can help reduce debris from piling up, while replacing severely rusted sections ensures long-term functionality. For homes in areas with heavy tree coverage, consider scheduling professional cleaning at least twice a year.
The NCC requires overflow measures capable of coping with a 5-minute duration rainfall intensity and an annual exceedance probability of 1%. These overflow measures can be continuous or dedicated. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a roofing expert.
2. Compromised Structural Integrity
Rust weakens gutters, and this can risk sagging, bending, or detachment. And if you live on the coast, salty air accelerates corrosion in traditional steel gutters.
Detached gutters can cause cascading water to damage roofing materials or siding, while sagging gutters fail to direct water properly. For instance, sagging can create uneven water flow, leading to pooling and eventual leaks along the roofline. It’s not fun to look at.
How can you keep your structure strong? With five layers of strength, COLORBOND® steel gutters are corrosion-resistant and last up to 50 years in harsh conditions. You can also reinforce weak spots with brackets or fasteners and replace heavily corroded sections. A professional roofer can inspect your gutters, clear debris, tighten loose fasteners, check for proper slope, and get your gutters working.
3. Water Damage to the Roof Deck and Underlayment
Overflowing water from rusted or clogged gutters can seep into the roof deck and underlayment, causing frustrating roof leaks.
For example, homes during rainy seasons often experience roof deck rot due to clogged or rusted gutters. Over time, this weakens the roof structure, making it susceptible to expensive repairs.
How can you prevent water damage? Regularly inspect for early signs of water damage, such as discoloured patches on the ceiling or peeling paint near rooflines. For example, a poor gutter slope towards downspouts stops water from pooling (which adds weight to the gutters). If you don’t have the right gutter size for your roof, they may be too small to handle the volume of water.
Replace damaged roof components as soon as possible.
4. Ice Dam Formation
Although it’s not super common in Australia, snowy weather conditions (mainly during Victoria winters), insulation levels, ventilation, roof pitch, and, yes, rusted gutters, can cause ice dam formation. Water can become trapped in gutters and freeze during cold nights, creating a barrier that prevents drainage.
As water backs up behind the ice dam, it can seep under shingles, leading to leaks and internal water damage. Adding the weight of ice and trapped water can stress weakened gutters.
How do you prevent it? Use a roof rake to get rid of snow (especially the lower portion of the roof, near the eaves), keep your gutters and downspouts clear, or call up a roofing contractor for advice and recommendations.
5. Foundation Damage
Yes, rusted gutters, over time, can affect your foundation. When gutters fail to direct water away from the house, it pools around the foundation. Over time, this washes away the soil that holds up your home, cracks in the walls, doors that don’t fit, and even interior flooding. Here are some things to keep in mind and look for:
- Make sure that there is proper grading around your home to direct water away from the foundation.
- Can you see cracks on the outer wall of your home or the window glass?
- Has your house been built on a slab or on stumps? The foundations could be constantly damp. You’ll need to consider the soil type where the foundation has been laid. If the slab is deemed to be fine, you may need to look at drainage for your land.
- Is there sandstone bedrock beneath the foundations (and does it secure the slab?) Never underestimate rusty steel!
If your property is quite old and on stumps, slight unevenness can be normal, but if your gutters aren’t in good shape, you might have a bigger issue.
How can the Xclusive Roofing team help with a rusted gutter or general maintenance? We offer:
- Gutter replacements such as guttering and downpipes are at the forefront of element exposure
- Box gutters, which are defined as a graded channel rectangular shape for the conveyance of rainwater
- Custom-made flashing, a thin sheet or strip of Colorbond steel, which is a water-resistant material
- Downpipes, which help to direct rainwater away from the foundation of your building
- Klip-Lok roofing, which is perfect for low-pitched roofs and can be used as concealed fix roof and wall cladding
Whether you need maintained or restored gutters in Carrum Downs, Narre Warren, Mornington, Hallam, Berwick, or anywhere in Melbourne, Xclusive Roofing improves the value of your home or commercial property!
Roof Repairs in Melbourne: Call Xclusive Roofing!
Rusted gutters are more than a minor inconvenience—they are a hazard to your roof, foundation, and overall property. With customised solutions, expert services, free quotes, and timely completion, Xclusive Roofing offers high-quality, reliable, and stylish roofing products that work for your home, business, strata community or investment property.
We are a family-owned business supporting you with after-hours emergencies. Contact us today at 03 5978 6473, email quotes@xclusiveroofing.com.au or visit our store in Cranbourne South.
We can help you with roof restorations, Colorbond roofing, downpipes, and we always take the time to listen to what you need. Request a quote!
