Which Gutters Are Right For Your Home?
The number one thing to consider when you are planning to install new gutters is, “Why?” This pivotal question will help you answer the subsequent questions you’ll have before purchasing your final selection.
In our experience as a local gutter service, here are only three reasons homeowners will be in the market for new gutters:
An Upgrade – Installing new rain gutters can really impact the curb appeal of your home, improving its look in a subtler way than painting or landscaping.
A New Home – Building a new home comes with a lot of of decisions about appearance and functionality. Gutters included. Deciding on the gutters that go on your house is important because they should last approximately 15 years or more.
A Renovation – If the roof on your home been damaged, the gutters might have to be replaced, too. Or, they could just be getting too old and need to be replaced.
You know why you are replacing the gutters, but the reason typically has underlying motivations…
You want to sell your house.
You want to renovate but not spend too much money.
Your landscaping is being damaged by ineffective gutters.
Determining your “Why” will provide direction while you are shopping. You’ll know what features are important or if you can choose a more affordable product.
Here are the questions you’ll have when it’s time to purchase new gutters.
HOW TO CHOOSE GUTTER MATERIALS?
The fun part of choosing new gutters is choosing the style. Gutters can blend in or stand out against your home exterior, depending on your personal preference.
These are the options for materials, in order of cost:
VINYL & PLASTIC GUTTERS
Vinyl and plastic are affordable materials that are durable in most scenarios, except in cold climates, where they will deteriorate. Vinyl and plastic gutters are sufficient in nearly every region of the country, and they come in a wide variety of colors.
METAL & ALUMINUM GUTTERS
These reasonably priced options are attractive and durable. Both of these materials are available in a variety of colors too. They are fairly lightweight and easy to install. Galvanized metals (coated with zinc to protect them) withstand rust and corrosion even better.
COPPER & STAINLESS STEEL GUTTERS
Of all the rain gutter materials, copper and stainless steel are the most expensive, but are the most stylish as well. Homeowners in Pontiac who purchase these options are looking for an elegant touch, and that’s exactly what they’ll get!
WHAT ARE IMPORTANT GUTTER FEATURES?
Most of the gutter types above will offer both of these options below:
SECTIONAL OR SEAMLESS GUTTERS
Sectional gutters – These gutters come in smaller sections, so they’re easier to install. In fact, most homeowners choose to install their own sectional gutters on their own. This type is the more affordable choice, and they have more seams, which means more areas where leaks are going to occur.
Seamless gutters – Seamless gutters should be installed by a local contractor because they need special equipment. They are more expensive to order and to install, but less likely to leak than sectional gutters.
K-STYLE OR HALF-ROUND GUTTERS
K-Style – K-Style gutters are far more popular because they look great with every style of home. They are better for angled roofs, which are more common. This one of the reasons for their popularity. In addition, they are easy to install. Many homeowners are capable enough to install their own K-Style gutters by themselves.
Half-Round – Half-Round gutters are traditionally made of copper and steel, and they are best for rounded roofs, popular prior to 1950, so they provide homes a luxurious, classic curb appeal. However, modern styles made out of vinyl and plastic offer the best of both worlds, because they are both lightweight and functional. Half-Round gutters are a lot harder to install, but easier to clean out, when it’s time for gutter cleaning.
DOES CLIMATE AFFECT GUTTERS?
The climate of your region will determine a lot about what gutters you should purchase. Like we already mentioned, certain materials don’t hold up in cold climates.
The single most important climate factor to think about is how much work the gutters will have to do. Basically, how much rain or water are your gutters going to need to handle?
Professional gutter installers in Pontiac can take many factors into consideration to get a good idea of the size and type of rain gutters that will work the best for your home.
WHAT IS THE FORMULA?
Luckily, the formula professional gutter contractors use is not a secret. Here are the pieces of specific information you will need to decide how large your gutters should be:
Average Rainfall – This weather statistic can be found on the National Weather Service or the U.S. Weather Bureau website. You can also check the maximum rainfall intensity for your area. This is the maximum amount of rain that will occur within a 5-minute span.
Roof Square Footage – Square footage is a simple length times width calculation for standard roofs. However, you need to factor in all the surfaces of multi-faceted roofs.
Roof-Pitch Factor – A steep roof will collect more wind-blown rain than a less sloped roof. Knowing your roof-pitch factor is going to help to calculate how much rainfall will actually be collected, regardless of the average rainfall statistics.
DOES IT SNOW WHERE YOU LIVE?
Snowfall is going to be included in precipitation calculations, but you also want to consider the potential for ice dams. If it snows regularly in your city, you need to seek professional guidance about the type of gutters that best prevent ice dams from forming, which could severely damage your roof.
Of course, the last question is probably the most important …
HOW TO INSTALL GUTTERS?
You also have to ask yourself if you’re willing to try to do the work on your own, or if you are going to enlist the services of a professional to install your new gutters. Professional installation will ensure maximum efficiency, versus doing it yourself.
Most homeowners are better off paying a little extra for labor, knowing that the job will be done right. Another bonus of hiring Absolute Gutters, Inc. to install your new gutters is that we are able to help you answer all of your questions about gutters so that you are able to find the best style and type for your home.