Gutter Repairs, Replacement and Installation: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Your gutters are a hugely important part of your home’s drainage system. When they’re blocked, broken, or disintegrating, this can spell big problems – leading to water damage to your roof, lawns, walls, and foundations. Overflowing water, sagging spouting, and moss-covered fascia boards are all tell-tale signs your gutters need some attention.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about guttering: from identifying issues, to the pros and cons of different gutter types, DIY vs professional installation, and tips for keeping your gutters in tip-top shape (hint: installing gutter guards is a great way to extend the life of your guttering!)

And if you need help to replace or fix gutters? Ezy Peazy can help by connecting you with local guttering specialists who can repair, replace or install gutters quickly and affordably. No need to climb the ladder yourself — just post a job on our easy-to-use platform and let us take care of the rest.

In this blog:

• Signs your gutters need repair or replacement 
• Gutter repair vs replacement - how to decide what you need
• Common types of guttering systems in New Zealand
• Pros and cons of DIY gutter replacement
• Maintenance and gutter guard installation tips
• How Ezy Peazy makes gutter repair and replacement stress-free

Signs your gutters need repair or replacement 

Are your gutters just blocked – or do they need repair or more extensive replacement? Here are a few red flags to look out for:

• Water overflowing: While overflowing water could simply be a sign your gutters need to be cleared of debris, it could also be caused by incorrect pitching (i.e., your guttering may be tilted too much), or guttering that’s too narrow. If you’ve cleared your gutters, and are satisfied they’re not blocked, you might need to adjust or replace them.
   
• Visible cracks or holes: Gutters that are cracked or full of holes aren’t going to do their job very well. This is especially common in older plastic guttering and spouting.
   
• Sagging or misaligned sections: This is often caused by rusted brackets or heavy debris, causing your gutters to pull away from your home. Eventually, they could even collapse. This can seriously damage your roofing if left unaddressed.
   
• Rust patches: Common in older metal guttering and spouting – this can lead to fascia and spouting damage over time.
   
• Leaking: Loose or disconnected gutter spouts or down-spouting can cause issues. Similarly, areas where sections of guttering join can be prone to leaks over time. Watch out for dripping water.
   
• Pooling water near your home’s foundations: Puddles of water pooling near the base of your house? Poorly functioning gutters, drainage for gutters, and/or down-spouting are often to blame.
   
• Peeling paint or stains on exterior walls: While this might not seem like an obvious sign, peeling paint, water damage, or stains on your exterior walls could be caused by water running where it shouldn’t be.

If you notice any of the above, it could be time to look into whether you’re in need of gutter or spouting repairs or consider whether it’s time to replace your gutters altogether.

Gutter repair vs gutter replacement: How to decide

Not all damaged or poorly functioning gutters need to be replaced. If the issue is minor — such as a small leak, a loose bracket, or a short section of sagging spouting — a quick fix might be all you need. In these cases, repairs are faster and more cost-effective than comprehensive guttering and spouting replacement.

But when the damage is widespread, or your gutters are rusted, warped, or constantly overflowing even after repeated cleaning, it may be time to consider a full gutter replacement. Keep in mind that over time, replacing your guttering could be the most cost-effective option, helping you avoid future expensive damage to your home. 

Feeling unsure? Here’s a quick guide to when it’s best to repair or replace:

Repair: 

• Minor leaks or cracks
• Loose or broken brackets
• Isolated sagging sections

Replace:

• Extensive rust
• Persistent overflowing water despite repeated cleaning
• Visible deterioration — like sagging and warping — across large areas

Types of guttering systems in NZ

If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your gutters, it’s worth understanding the different guttering systems available in New Zealand — and how much they might impact your bank balance.

Here’s a breakdown:

Box gutters are built into the roof structure and provide a flush, architectural look. Because they’re hidden from view, they’re ideal for modern homes with clean lines. However, box gutters are generally more expensive to install and maintain due to their complex design and the higher risk of internal water damage if blocked.

Hidden gutters (also called concealed gutters) also sit within your roofline, offering a seamless finish. While they’re aesthetically pleasing, they can be harder to access and inspect, making regular servicing essential. Like box gutters, hidden systems typically cost more than standard external guttering.

External gutters remain the most popular and affordable option for most Kiwi homes. PVC is a lightweight and cost-effective material, while aluminium offers good rust resistance at a slightly higher price point. Steel is the most durable (and usually the most expensive), making it ideal for regions with harsher climates — such as strong winds or heavy snowfall, more typical of places like Wellington or Central Otago.

Remember: your gutter replacement cost will depend on the size of your home, as this will influence total labour costs and the total length of guttering needed.

Pros and cons of DIY gutter replacement

Need to fix or replace gutters at your home? Considering doing it yourself? For confident DIYers, especially those in single-storey homes, putting up gutters can seem like a manageable job, and there are plenty of guttering and spouting materials and kits available from stores like Bunnings. 

Not sure whether you’re up for the job? Here are a few pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Cost savings: Hanging gutters yourself can save you the cost of labour, which will make up a significant portion of any guttering estimate.
• Flexibility: It goes without saying, but when you take the DIY approach, you can work on your own schedule, and tailor the project to suit your pace and preferences.

Cons:

• Safety risks: Working at height, even on a single-storey home, can be dangerous without the proper gear and experience.
• Potential damage: If your gutters are not installed correctly, you risk leaks, poor drainage, and even water damage to your home. This risk increases for more complex jobs, like aligning downpipes or joining multiple sections of spouting.

If in doubt, it’s always safest (and often more cost-effective in the long run) to bring in a professional.

Gutter guard installation and maintenance tips

Regular gutter maintenance is essential for keeping your home’s drainage system working as it should. When gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt — even birds’ nests — it can lead to water overflowing into your roof cavity or pooling around your foundation, or cause your gutters to sag and pull away from your house. Blocked gutters can also become a cosy home for pests like mice, rats and insects.

One of the easiest ways to reduce the need for constant cleaning is by installing gutter guards. These are protective barriers that sit over or inside your gutters to prevent debris from getting in to start with, while still allowing rainwater to flow freely. Most gutter guards can be installed yourself, and picked up from stores like Bunnings or Mitre 10. While you’ll still need to clear leaves from time to time, you won’t need to do this nearly as often. 

Types of gutter guards to consider

Brush gutter guards – also sometimes referred to as gutter whiskers, brush gutter guards look a bit like oversized pipe cleaners that sit inside your gutter channels. The bristles face upward, so when leaves, twigs or other debris fall in, they get caught, allowing rainwater to flow freely underneath. These are one of the most cost-effective options on the market and are relatively easy to install. Gutter whiskers can also be removed and cleaned when needed. Unlike some other types of gutter guards, brush gutter guards are more noticeable when looking at your gutters from the ground.

Average cost per metre: $8 - $11.

Foam gutter inserts: These are typically triangular or wedge-shaped pieces of porous polyurethane foam that sit inside your gutters, acting like a sponge. Water flows through them into the gutter, while leaves, twigs and other debris stay on top and eventually blow away or break down. Like gutter brushes, these are easy to install; however, they’re much more discreet and streamlined, and not visible from the ground. Note that foam gutter inserts may not be such a good bet for very rainy regions ,as they can become waterlogged, affecting their ability to allow water to flow through freely. 

Average cost per metre: $12 - $20.

Mesh gutter screens: One of the most popular types of gutter guards in New Zealand, mesh gutter screens are incredibly effective. They work by covering the top of your gutters with a perforated or woven mesh that blocks debris while allowing water to flow through. Micro gutter mesh is an ultra-fine version of this that works to stop the tiniest of particles, like pine needles and roof grit, from making their way into your gutters. Mesh gutter guards tend to be a bit more expensive than other options like gutter whiskers and foam, and can be a bit trickier to install yourself.

Average cost per metre: $15 - $30. Premium micro-mesh systems sitting at the higher end of this range. 

How Ezy Peazy makes gutter repairs and replacements stress-free

Do your gutters need some TLC? Not sure where to start, or short on time? 

With Ezy Peazy, taking care of your gutters is affordable and stress-free. Thanks to our extensive network of professional taskers up and down the country, professional gutter installation, plus affordable gutter repair and replacement services, are at your fingertips.

Need help with ongoing gutter cleaning or installing gutter guards? No problem — local taskers have you covered, no matter where you are in New Zealand, from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Dunedin, and everywhere in between. No stress. No climbing onto your roof required! 

Our friendly taskers can take care of everything end-to-end, from providing you with a no-obligation estimate through to helping you upgrade your entire system. Make worries about overflowing or leaky gutters a thing of the past! 

All you need to do is post your job, outlining what it is you need help with — whether that’s help to hang gutters or fix leaking sections — making sure you include your ideal budget, timeframe and location, and wait for quotes from local guttering installation professionals to roll in. Then, compare your quotes, select the one that suits you and sit back and relax while the hard work is taken care of. Safely, quickly and affordably. 

Ready to install new gutters, or replace or fix existing gutters? Post your job on Ezy Pezy today! 

About Ezy Peazy

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch — wherever you are in New Zealand, Ezy Peazy is an innovative digital platform that connects Kiwis across the country with expert taskers to help get all sorts of jobs done. Founded in 2019, we’ve built a wide network of skilled, highly rated professionals nationwide.

From mattress and furniture removal, gardening services and plaster repair through to trampoline assembly and e-waste disposal, Ezy Peazy makes it convenient, simple and safe to find reliable help for virtually any task you can think of. With transparent reviews, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly experience, Ezy Peazy is transforming the way tasks are completed.