How often should gutters be replaced?
Gutters don't need replacing on a fixed schedule; they need replacing when they fail. uPVC gutters typically last around 20 to 30 years, aluminium a similar time or longer, and well-maintained cast iron gutters can last a century or more.
Updated October 2026
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How long do different gutter materials last?
Different gutter materials last for very different lengths of time:
| Material | Typical lifespan | What shortens it |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | Around 20 to 30 years | Sunlight making the plastic brittle; perished joint seals |
| Aluminium | Around 20 years or more | Damaged coating; poor fixings |
| Cast iron | Many decades, often 100 years or more | Rust where paint has failed; cracks from impact |
These are rough guides. Good fitting, regular cleaning and prompt repairs all make gutters last longer.
Do coastal homes need new gutters sooner?
Coastal homes can need new gutters sooner, because salt carried on the sea air speeds up corrosion. In Paignton, homes near the seafront at Preston, Paignton and Goodrington are most exposed. Metal brackets, screws and unpainted cast iron rust faster, and timber fascias behind the gutters weather more quickly. Repainting cast iron and choosing corrosion-resistant fixings both help.
What are the signs gutters need replacing?
The signs gutters need replacing are:
- leaks returning at several joints along the run
- uPVC that is faded, brittle or cracks when handled
- cast iron rusted through, with holes or flaking along its length
- gutters repeatedly pulling away from the fascia
- sagging that comes back after brackets are re-fixed
- old asbestos cement gutters, found on some post-war homes, which should be assessed and removed by a contractor who handles asbestos
Is it cheaper to keep repairing?
It's cheaper to keep repairing while faults are isolated to a joint or bracket. Once repairs are needed every year, or in several places at once, replacement is usually better value. See gutter repairs and how much it costs to replace a part of a gutter.
How old are the gutters on Paignton homes?
The gutters on Paignton homes vary with the age of the house. Victorian and Edwardian villas in Old Paignton, Polsham and Roundham may still have original cast iron. Many homes on later estates such as Roselands, Foxhole, Hookhills and Clennon were built or refitted with uPVC, and some of those systems are now old enough for joints and seals to fail.
What should you do if yours are reaching the end?
If yours are reaching the end, get a contractor to inspect them and recommend repair or replacement. Ask whether the fascias need attention at the same time. Read gutter replacement and whether roofers replace guttering.
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