FAQ

Gutters are a crucial part of any home. The main job of a gutter system is to keep rainwater away from the exterior of your home and the foundation as it runs off of your roof. Gutters will protect your roof, siding, and the foundation of your home from soil erosion and water damage. In many places, a gutter system is required to keep your home up to code. Gutters are an investment in the future of your home and will play a pivotal role in your home’s longevity.

Rain gutters without downspouts defeat the purpose of having gutters at all. Without downspouts, your home will be subjected to many of the same problems that it would if you didn’t have any type of gutter system. Downspouts are attached to the corners of your home and are used to transfer the water from your gutters to the drainage location that was selected. The amounts and locations of downspouts will be unique to each job. They are required to create a tight drainage system that doesn’t leak.

Downspouts will help to direct the flow of rainwater away from your home quickly and efficiently. Most of the time, a downspout should be added about every 20 or 30 feet of the gutter. However, depending on the slope of your roof and your home’s rooflines, you may need more to control the flow of water. If your area is prone to heavy rainfall, we may also decide to add downspouts on each of a gutter run, even if it’s only around 20 feet.

The most popular material for gutters is typically aluminum. Seamless aluminum gutters to be exact. Aluminum gutters are available in numerous color options and will last for years before they start to rust. Aluminum also affords homeowners with the lowest annual costs of any gutter material. Other gutter materials include copper and galvanized steel. Copper lasts longer than many other materials; however, it’s also the most expensive. Galvanized steel can withstand almost any weather conditions but it requires more maintenance than the other materials and comes in fewer colors. The least expensive material is vinyl, though it doesn’t last anywhere near as long as the other materials.

That all depends on the type of gutter system you have. If you have gutter caps, then you should never have to clean them. However, if you don’t have gutter caps then you should clean your gutters at least twice a year. Specifically, once in the spring and once in the fall. If you allow your gutters to become clogged, it can lead to a lot of problems. You could wind up with a damaged roof or a cracking foundation. Keeping your gutters clean also lowers their weight, which will keep them from sagging or even falling off of your home.

There are several reasons that can come up to replace your gutters. If your gutters are leaking or holding water, they can lead to problems for your home. Old gutters may not be draining properly or could be pulling away from your home. Some older gutters that are bent cannot be repaired, which can cause clogs and other drainage problems. Of course, you may just want to replace your gutters for aesthetic reasons to match the style and color of your home.

Unless you’re seeing the damage after it’s already too late, it’s easy to forget about your gutters. One of the best ways to know if your gutters working properly is to do an inspection. The simplest thing to do is to check your gutters after you’ve just cleaned them. Inspect your downspouts and seams, if applicable, for separation or cracking. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are all aligned. Another sign that your gutters may not be working is if you notice peeling paint on the exterior of your home. If you see that something seems wrong or out of place, give us a call right away!

When your gutters are properly installed and maintained, the typical aluminum gutters should last for around 20 years before needing to be replaced. If you have gutter guards, like K-guard gutters, then your gutters will last roughly 20 years with little to no maintenance. Copper gutters are the longest lasting systems available. Most copper gutters can last as long as 50 years before requiring a replacement. However, they are also the most expensive gutters available as well.

If you’re thinking about having a new gutter system installed or replacing your old system, there a couple of factors that go into calculating the cost. The price is dependant on the material you choose for your gutters to be made from and how many feet of guttering your home will require. The average cost to install an aluminum gutter system with downspouts is roughly $850, with the majority of homeowners spending anywhere between $ 650 and $950 for installation.