Gutters help keep your home dry to protect your roofing and siding, but they don't last forever. According to Bob Vila, rain gutters can last anywhere from 10 years for vinyl to 50 years for copper. If you're a homeowner, watch for these five signs that it's time for gutter repair.

1. Cracks

Your gutters are designed to direct water toward the downspout to get it away from your home, but they can't do that if they're cracked. Cracks in your gutters are a sign that the material is starting to fail, so you might need new gutters if replacing sections doesn't help.

2. Pooling Water

Water should flow along your gutters toward your downspouts, but clogs and other issues can prevent water from flowing properly. If you notice water pooling up in your gutters and overflowing over the sides near your home, you need to get your gutters fixed before you compromise your home's foundation.

3. Sagging Gutters

Sagging is a sign that your gutters are detaching from your roof, which means they're not graded properly to allow water to drain anymore. If you notice your gutters sagging, they need to be reattached to your home at the very least.

4. Rust or Paint Damage

With all the dirt and water your gutters are exposed to, it's no surprise that the paint doesn't last forever. When the paint starts to peel off your gutters, you might notice rust spots forming on the bare metal. Even if you've got vinyl gutters, peeling paint can be a sign that it's time for gutter repair.

5. Gaps

Gutters need to be tightly attached to each other to keep water flowing toward the downspouts, but gaps can form over time. If you notice gaps in your gutters, you've got a problem on your hands. Call a professional to figure out whether those gaps can be fixed by securing your gutters properly or whether that section of the gutter needs to be replaced.

Your gutters do a lot to protect your roofing and foundation, so cleaning and maintaining them is important. It's best to entrust these tasks to a trained professional. If you notice any of these five warning signs, call Custom Gutters to have a gutter repair expert check out your gutters today.