If your home’s gutters are falling apart or malfunctioning, it’s only a matter of time before you face bigger problems. Corroding gutters, for instance, can become clogged easily. This, in turn, can prevent leaves and water from draining off your roof, ultimately causing leaks, rot, or a mold infestation. On the other hand, gutters that have slipped from their original location could fall and seriously injure someone on your property.
No matter what is specifically wrong with your gutters, if they aren’t in good working order, now is the time to consider investing in a new gutter system. Most homeowners are amazed by the difference new gutters make in regard to curb appeal, not to mention how nice it is to know that your gutters are working well without having to check them every time it rains. As you read this guide, you’ll discover a few of the things you should consider as you shop for gutters.
Decide on a material.
Modern gutters are made from a variety of materials that all have unique pros and cons. Homeowners have to decide what their priorities are while keeping their budgets in mind. Aluminum gutters, for example, are extremely popular, but may not withstand high winds from hurricanes; this can be problematic for people who live in Charleston, SC, the Outer Banks, and other coastal regions. Galvanized steel gutters are stronger, but even with zinc coatings, they rust and corrode faster than most other styles. Copper gutters are beautiful and last for a century, but are quite pricey, putting them out of financial reach for many homeowners. Vinyl gutters are very affordable but can crack, bend, and warp in overly hot or cold temperatures.
As you can see, you will need to do some serious research and talk to your contractor to figure out which material truly best suits your needs! It’s worth noting that many professionals ultimately recommend aluminum gutters due to their versatility and relatively low price-point; they tend to be considered the best overall value.
Consider which profile you like.
Many homeowners don’t even realize that gutters are available in twelve different shapes or profiles. The most common profile used on American homes is the “K” style, which is also called the ogee style. This option resembles crown molding and adds a decorative appearance to homes’ exteriors.
You may also see information about half round gutters as you conduct your research. These gutters are still available but have fallen out of vogue due to the fact that they quickly fill with debris, such as leaves and sticks, and subsequently overflows or backs-up.
Consider seamless gutters.
If you’ve been thinking about do-it-yourself gutter installation, be aware of the fact that your gutters will have seams. Not only does this not look as visually appealing as seamless installation, but it can lead to more problems, such as corrosion at the seams. If you are going to spend the money on new gutters, let the professionals handle the job and invest in seamless gutters that will look great for years to come.
The Hatch Homes team has performed seamless gutter installations for families throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. We look forward to meeting you in the near future and learning more about your upcoming project. Our experts will help you determine exactly what kind of gutter system is the best choice for your house, leaving you with no questions unanswered. We’re excited to get started!