The gutters on your home can provide good service for decades. Experts say that aluminum and steel gutters have an average lifespan of about 20 years, while copper gutters can last as long as 50 years. However, during your gutters' lifetime, issues like build-ups of leaves, damage from ladders and branches or other potential hazards can reduce their lifespan. Also, if you have purchased an already-existing home, you may not know the age of the gutters and whether they are ready for replacement. It's a good idea to be on top of this maintenance issue because of the damage leaking gutters can do to your home. Not sure if it's time yet? These signs can show that your gutters are ready for replacement:

You can see rust spots, cracks and holes.

If there are only minor holes and cracks, you may be able to repair them with sealant. However, larger numbers of holes, cracks and spots that are getting rusty is an indication that your gutters are wearing out. The first signs of rust may be stains on the wall below.

Your gutters are separating.

Are the corners of your gutter coming apart altogether? Gutters that are coming apart cannot effectively channel water away from your house. Time for new ones.

Your gutters are pulling away from the house.

When spaces begin to appear between your gutters and the house, this is a sign that the fascia boards may be rotting. You'll know for sure if you reattach the gutters and they pull off again. Rotting fascia can also be replaced along with new gutters, adding new life and protection to your home.

Peeling paint around your house.

Paint starts peeling when water is seeping down over the inner corners of your gutters. Left untouched, this can eventually lead to serious structural damage to your home.

Water is pooling around your home or there are signs of mildew.

Are you noticing pools of water or mildew stains on your sidewalk and the lower parts of your home's walls? This can be a sign that your gutters are not channeling water away the way that they are supposed to. While you may be able to correct this issue, if it is ongoing, it can be a sign that your gutters are worn and warped.

Your basement is flooding.

When your gutters aren't doing their job, water can pool around your foundation and seep inside. The result is flooding in your basement, where mold, mildew and costly damage can result. If your gutters are the culprit, replacing them can stop water from getting inside your home.

There are water marks or orange stains on your walls beneath the gutters.

Orange stains are an indication that your gutters are rusting and leaking. Water marks beneath the gutters on your home indicate that water is either spilling over the top of your gutters or leaking out of unseen cracks. This sort of water intrusion, if left unchecked, can cause expensive damage to your fascia boards and soffit.

If you think there are issues with the gutters on your home, it's best not to wait. Even if you're selling a home in a popular market like Suncrest, buyers will want to see your home is in good repair. The longer a water-related problem persists, the higher the chance that you will suffer expensive damage. Check your gutters regularly for indications that they are not working the way that they should. A gutter replacement can cut your chance of serious damage to your home and provide peace of mind.