Gutters and downspouts work tirelessly year-after-year to channel storm water away from homes. And although yours may have contributed decades of faithful, mostly trouble-free service, every installation has an expiration date.

Here are some common signs that your gutters may be approaching the end of their useful life.

Cracking

Cracked gutters can result in water leakage in unwanted places. While larger cracks can be plainly visible, smaller ones may only become apparent during rainfall. Regardless of the size, cracks defeat the purpose of a drainage system and need to be taken seriously. Individual cracks may be repaired, but extensive cracking is a reason to consider replacement.

Seam Stress

Average gutters are vulnerable at the seams where two sections meet. Both leaks and separations are common, with each type of failure leading to any number of undesirable outcomes, whether outside or inside the home.

Peeling Paint

Malfunctioning gutters can ruin a perfectly good paint job. Check your exterior siding for any paint that has bubbled up or peeled away due to excess moisture. If you find an area of compromised paint, be sure to check the condition of the nearest gutter. You may have a leak.

Rot

When failing gutters allow rain to cascade over the siding of a home, exterior wood trim elements like window sills and door jambs become moisture soaked as well. When this happens, drywall can also damage the inside of your home.

Mold

Mold can be a serious condition that affects the health of the inhabitants of a home. Water accumulating near a foundation can leak into the basement and cause unhealthy mold growth. If you discover mold in a formerly dry area, damaged gutters are the likely cause.

Gutters perform important work to protect structures, but when they show any signs of the above conditions, it may be time to look at a new installation.