Why Does My Home Need Gutters?

Gutters Protect Your Home From Roof to Foundation

Gutters and Downspouts are silent workhorses that protect your home from decay, rot and structural compromise. Often times the astute homeowner will discover the need for gutters immediately during or after a rainstorm—wet basement, wet crawl space, pooled water at the outside wall of the home…

More often however, the damage caused to a home by the absence of gutters and downspouts is slow and steady erosion that happens over time. And then one day the homeowner is shocked to discover serious damage. Uncontrolled backsplash as well as pooled water slowly can cause damage to windows, walls and foundation—stained and rotted siding, damaged paint and rotted windows. In severe cases this kind of erosion can even cause structural compromise to the foundation.

Will the gutters leak?

No More Leaky Gutters — Leaking gutters are usually one of the most common problems that arise from the many joints that occur when stick gutters have been installed on a home. Stick (or stock) gutters come in many different lengths which means that many joints are needed. Our industrial fabricating equipment allows us to create seamless gutters systems for homeowner at their location. No joints means no leaks.

Will leaves ever build up in the gutter?

Best to Cover Gutters — In order to avoid your gutters from filling with leaves, twigs, nests, and debris, you must have gutter covers. Once the gutters fill, then they become useless. Continue reading…

Why do I need gutter toppers/covers?

No More Plugged Gutters — When rainwater is unable to rapidly exit through downspouts the overflow can cause the same problems that the gutters themselves were originally created to solve. It is important that gutters be regularly cleared of debris and cleaned. That task is not always achievable. No matter what one’s age—or lifestyle, getting up on a ladder a few times a year to clean gutters is inconvenient, messy, and often unsafe. For some homeowners, due to the design of their home, gutter cleaning is also expensive since professionals have to be called in to accomplish this task several times a year.

Why should I consult with an expert?

With each and every application it is important that a homeowner consult with an experienced expert gutter and downspout professional. Your home should be inspected to determine if there are special problem areas that need solution, repair, and product application that will prevent future damage. An expert will be able to advise on products, materials and applications that are best suited for each home.

Vinyl vs. Aluminum

 

It can be difficult to contrast vinyl and aluminum rain gutters because they seem very similar at times. They are both inexpensive, relatively easy to install and resist rust. Furthermore, both can easily be found in the most common gutter shapes, including K-Style and Square (or Box).

At the same time, they both have different strengths and weaknesses that you’ll have to consider before choosing the right material for your home. Vinyl is most commonly used with do-it-yourselfers because it’s so easy to install, but aluminum has been the most popular choice throughout the years.

 

Vinyl Rain Gutters

-Pros-

• Vinyl is one of the easiest materials to install, largely due to its light weight and flexibility, making it the go-to choice for DIY projects.
• This is the cheapest material out of all the available materials for rain gutters. However, initial savings are slightly diminished due to vinyl’s lifespan.
• Aluminum can be loud when redirecting water, but vinyl is very quiet. You’ll barely hear water or snow running through the gutter.

-Cons-

• Vinyl has a relatively short lifespan. If you live in a moderate climate and properly care for the material, then it can last up to 20 years. If you aren’t careful, then the vinyl can last less than 10 years.
• These gutters have a tendency to bend from heavy rain or snow. They are not ideal for harsh climates.

 

Aluminium Rain Gutters

-Pros-

• Resists rust and rotting like vinyl, but aluminum will also resist thinning. It’s very hard for hail or snow to wear the metal away.
• Aluminum rain gutters come in over 25 different colors. This allows you to easily find the best color to match your house.
• Aluminum gutters will last over 20 years in nearly any climate.

-Cons-

• Though aluminum will not bend like vinyl, it will dent. Small dents won’t affect the gutter’s performance, but larger dents required skilled repairs.
• Rapid temperature changes will cause aluminum to expand and contract. If the weather is too erratic, then this might cause a split or tear.
• These gutters are typically coated with enamel that will chip with yearly wear and tear. Repainting will likely be required in order to maintain their initial appearance.

Rain gutters are one of your home’s most important protections against the elements. Gathering the runoff from your roof caused by rain and melting snow and diverting it away from your siding and foundation to where it will do the least amount of harm. Because rain gutters are such an important aspect in maintaining the integrity of any home, it’s important that you make an educated and informed decision as you look at available styles and materials so that you can make the best choice for your home and budget.

Below is a list of the most common gutter materials, as well as their benefits and drawbacks, so that you can move ahead with your next rain gutter purchase with confidence.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters have quickly become a homeowner favorite because of their ease of installation, the fact that they never rust or corrode, and due to their cheap purchase price. Because they are so lightweight and sections easily snap together, they are very easy for the do-it-yourselfer to manage and install.

Furthermore, when used in milder climates they function just as well other materials, especially when installed correctly. Poor installation can result in sagging sections, however, and vinyl gutters do have a reputation for growing brittle and cracking over time and in extreme cold. These home gutters are a good solution if you’re in need of new gutters while on a tight budget.

Aluminum Gutters

Next on the list of cost efficiency are aluminum rain gutters. Like vinyl gutters, aluminum house gutters also have the advantages of being lightweight, rust-proof, and relatively easy to work with. Unlike vinyl, however, they are weather-resistant across the board and maintain their integrity in cold climates. Add to that the fact that they hold paint well (again something that vinyl gutters can’t claim) and can be manufactured in seamless models (we’ll talk more about this later), and it’s clear why many homeowners and gutter contractors prefer aluminum home gutters over all other materials.

Their only drawback is that they aren’t structurally as strong as many other materials, they will dent, and they can be misshapen by poorly placed ladders and the like. This can be mitigated to some extent by purchasing gutters made of primary aluminum, which is thicker and of a higher quality compared to secondary aluminum products made mostly of recycled materials.

Steel and Copper Gutters

As with aluminum gutter products, steel gutters come in a few different varieties. Galvanized steel rain gutters are by the far most popular as they are very competitive cost-wise and are sturdier than their aluminum counterparts when it comes to damage incurred by falling branches and ladders. The main drawback of galvanized steel is the rust factor. Eventually rust will take its toll with this brand of steel and they will rust through, though with proper maintenance they can still last for a very long time.

Need to find a pro for your gutters?
 

Stainless Steel

These puppies are virtually indestructible, shine for years on end, won’t rust, and are pretty well accepted as one of, if not the, strongest materials in the industry. The one drawback is price. These gutters will run two-to-four times as much as gutters manufactured from lesser materials, so be prepared to shell out a few more peanuts if you go this route. Finally, copper gutters are perhaps the most beautiful rain gutters on the market, and like stainless steel are virtually indestructible. The only barrier here is price as well, as copper would easily win first place if there was a “most expensive gutter material” category at the county fair.

Wood Gutters

Wood gutters used to be the norm a hundred years past, though with the advent of cheaper, mass-produced materials that are more weather resistant, this home gutter material has mostly dropped out of favor. Wood rain gutters made of cedar, redwood, and fir are still available however, and are most often used in renovations of older, historic houses, where staying true to the original building materials takes precedence over longevity. Be prepared to spend a bundle as well if you choose this classic house gutter material.

Sectional vs. Seamless

The final thing to consider is whether you want sectional versus seamless gutters. Most materials are only available in sections that are joined and fastened together as they are installed. Aluminum gutters, however, are now available in seamless varieties, custom made to fit your home out of single, long sheets of metal. The advantages here are obvious. The most common place a gutter fails after years of wear is at the joints and seams. A seamless gutter will never have this problem, making it a popular choice for those who can afford the extra cost.

Whether you’re looking for maximum savings or are more concerned with stunning looks, there’s a rain gutter out there to meet your specific house gutter needs. Talk to a certified gutter installer or gutter contractor in order to find out which material is going to work best for your home and your budget, and to ensure that your gutters are installed correctly so that you won’t have to worry about them anytime in the foreseeable future.