Gutter Replacements Near Me? Quick Answer

STATE ISLAND, N.Y. – Gutters play an important role in protecting your home by draining water and melting snow. When your gutters are secure and working properly, water will flow efficiently through a drainage system, channeling it away from your home and out of the way. When your gutters are damaged, filled with leaves, or disconnected from the downspout, water tumbles erratically from the eaves of your roof, causing erosion in the ground below, puddling around your foundation, and worse, ice jam.

How often you replace your gutters will depend on the weather conditions in your area, but routine maintenance can extend their lifespan. Typically, galvanized steel or aluminum gutters have an average life expectancy of 20 years, while copper gutters can last up to 50 years. By inspecting and cleaning your gutters twice a year, you should be able to spot problems before they become bigger problems.

If you’re replacing your roof, it’s a good time to consider replacing your gutters and guard rails, as doing them at the same time can often result in overall savings.

There are some signs that your gutters need replacing:

1. Problems with the foundation of your house. Gutters that are clogged or leak water towards your foundation instead of directing water away from it can cause cracks in your foundation.

2. Water is leaking into your basement. Clogged, damaged, or worn gutters are the leading causes of basement leaks.

3. Mold in your basement. Leaking gutters create moisture in your basement, which leads to mold growth.

4. Your home’s paint is peeling, wood is corroding in areas behind the gutter, or you see rust spots on your home. This is caused by water splashing back or overflowing from the gutter and running down the back of the gutter along the outside of your home. Your gutters could be worn, misaligned, or clogged.

5. You find nails or broken fasteners on the floor that have fallen from loose gutters.

6. Water gullies are forming in your landscaping or parts of your landscaping are being washed out or eroded. These are signs that your gutters are not working properly.

7. Gutter sags, pulls away from your home, droops, or slopes forward more than is level, or seamed gutters are loose or pulling apart at the seams and are too worn to reattach.

8. Your gutters are bent, dented, or have irreparable holes or tears.

9. Standing water in your gutters. This is a sure sign of non-working gutters.

10. You can see gaps either between gutter connectors or between the gutters and the fascia boards they are attached to.

The spring and fall seasons are the best times to have your gutters cleaned and inspected. A professional inspection company will look for wear and tear, assess alignment, assess whether your gutter system is working properly, and clean your gutters and downspouts. If you clean your gutters today and blow the leaves off your patio or garden, the next time you see leaves out there, there will be leaves in the gutters too.

When you’ve decided it’s time to replace your gutters, invest in a proper system. When interviewing potential contractors, make sure they are licensed and insured, and ask for references from homeowners who have recently worked with the contractor. It’s also important that you have a contract that includes the warranty and a payment schedule. Never pay for an order before the services rendered are rendered.

As far as installation goes, there are some standard practices that should be followed by the contractor. The gutter supports should be two feet apart and the back of the gutter should be behind the roof to prevent water from leaking between the gutter and the gutter. It’s also good practice to use oversized downspouts so they can hold the weight when there’s heavy downpours or a lot of melting snow. Excessive weight can cause gutters to sag, detach from the house, or become bent. Oversized downspouts drain much faster and don’t clog as easily.

Some worry about the appearance of larger downspouts, but standard downspouts are two inches by three inches and oversized downspouts are three inches by four inches. They’re only an inch wider in each direction, but it doubles the capacity.

If trees surround your home, consider a foliage screen. A leaf guard or screen can help keep your maintenance to a minimum. Look for screens that have a clog guarantee. There are also fixed blade guards. These have a curved bullnose so when the water reaches that nose it actually wraps around itself due to surface tension and enters the opening as the debris falls to the ground.

Hardly anyone buys partial channels anymore. With seamless gutters your only leaks are in the corners, but with sections you have more leaks. Also, it takes a bit more time to install sections.

Aluminum gutters come in many different colors. It’s rare that you don’t find a workable match for your home. Luckily, these gutters can also be painted over if you change the color of your home.

When designing your drainage system, a professional will determine where the downspouts go, but typically they are placed on the outside corners of the home. It is also recommended to place an additional downspout in the middle of long runs.

There are times when a splash guard is used with a gutter system. Its only function is to break the impact of water coming out of an elbow at the base of a downspout. If you have a bordered flower bed or some other reason to get the water further away then you would typically install a downspout extension.

Most installs can be done with downspout extensions, but lots that are truly flat or slope towards the house may require underground drainage.

Investing in a proper gutter system with the right company can save you a lot of headaches and maintenance over the years. Regular maintenance along with a good gutter system can protect your home from foundation problems, wood rot, erosion and pest infestations.

Kamil Maras, President – ​​B&B Siding LLC

Learning Center » Gutters

Look for warning signs that your gutter system needs cleaning, repairing, or replacing.

Gutters are an important part of your home. They channel water away from your home’s exterior walls, windows, doors, and foundations, preventing water from getting inside. Although cleaning your gutters several times a year will extend the longevity of your system, most gutters will eventually need to be repaired or replaced to protect your home.

Look for these five signs to know when it’s time to replace your home’s gutter system:

1. Cracks or tears of any kind

While small cracks in your gutters may not seem like a big problem, small cracks eventually turn into big ones and it can happen sooner than you think. If you allow cracks to remain open, not only can water further damage gutters, it can also damage the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles over the gutter, and the foundation below.

2. Paint flakes on or around your gutters and/or orange patches

The color of your gutter is designed to withstand typical wear and tear over the seasons. Unless your gutters are very old, peeling paint or orange stains from the early stages of rust are indicators that water is constantly present. This could indicate that water is not being removed from the gutter or that cracks or other damage may be present.

3. Puddles of water or signs of mold around the foundation of your home

Gutters are designed with the purpose of keeping water away from the foundation of your home. If you notice puddles of water or mold near the foundation, it may indicate that the gutters are not working as intended. This can be caused by something as simple as a clog or something as complex as a defect in the gutter system. Water can easily cause foundation damage resulting in costly and time-consuming repairs.

4. Water damage or water stains just under the gutters

Check your gutters at least once a year on a day that’s relatively sunny and rain-free. Water damage or stains under the gutter indicate that water is leaking or overflowing from the gutter. This type of water ingress can damage your soffit and fascia.

5. Gutters are sagging or starting to separate from the house

This is one of the easiest ways to tell if gutters need repairing or replacing, since you don’t have to be on a ladder to notice. Gutters should never sag or separate from the house. This may indicate that the gutters are full of water and are pulling away from the house due to the weight. Sagging gutters can cause significant expense or effort to repair. A full gutter means the gutter system may not be right for the home, it may not drain properly, or debris may be causing clogs.

Your gutters are your home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature. They divert rain to your drainage system to keep your property looking as shiny and new as it was when it was built. There are reasons contractors install gutters on every home they build. Water is one of the most destructive forces on the planet.

It created the Grand Canyon and will try to create the same effects in your home. Your rain gutters prevent this destruction and add a sharp edge to your roofline. But that doesn’t mean they last forever. They are just as vulnerable to damage as any other part of your home.

How long should gutters last?

Galvanized steel and aluminum gutters typically last around two decades, but if you’ve invested in heavy-duty copper gutters, that lifespan extends to 50 years. Mother Nature is a little less destructive to downspouts, allowing you to add an extra decade to their lifespan.

Love and care can add years to your gutter, so proper maintenance is worth the effort. Cleaning every six months and reapplying sealer regularly will have an impressive effect on your wear. Avoiding harsh chemicals and mechanical damage can delay gutter replacement even longer. Gutter Keepers will support these activities.

Few homeowners realize the importance of regular maintenance. Don’t become one of them. An annual inspection and maintenance will take care of minor gutter problems before they become catastrophic.

Remember, malfunctioning gutters damage more than just your siding and foundation. They can erode your soil and seep into your yard. All it takes is a small clog or ice dam, so make visual gutter inspections a regular part of your daily life.

Signs that your gutters are damaged

A sloppy gutter installation renders them worthless before they even catch a drop of rain. If your pitching doesn’t provide pitch of at least a quarter inch per 10 feet, they need to be realigned.

Even well-installed gutters can develop peeling paint and waterlogging. These are the first signs of gutter failure, so treat them with respect. Given enough time, they will develop into mildew and black mold infestations, especially near your foundation. You will soon see signs of water damage and corrosion under your gutters.

Cracks can spoil the sense of your drainage system, but if you get them fixed in time, you may be able to avoid a complete replacement. Worn gutters are also prone to showing signs of seam stress, but these are easier to repair. You can identify the problem by detachments and leaks where your horizontal gutter meets.

How do you know if you need new gutters?

Your gutters aren’t as sturdy as you might think. They can only absorb a limited amount of water. If drainage is compromised and your hardware is taking on more weight than it can handle, your incline can go wrong. That’s the start of a domino effect that will eventually leave your home vulnerable to water damage.

If you ignore gutter stress long enough, you will end up with irreparable damage. The key to winning this fight is to act immediately when you spot a problem. Replacing gutters is expensive, so call and get advice as soon as possible.

Some gutter problems are easy to fix, others require serious re-evaluation. Your downspouts rely on a clear drainage system to stay in excellent condition. If this path is compromised, your hardware can begin to sag and pull away from your siding. If you leave these symptoms unattended long enough, this withered weight will destroy your roofs and siding.

Sagging gutters will eventually collapse, but if you catch them early enough you can potentially prevent catastrophic damage. If a screwdriver and a couple of screws don’t restore full functionality, you probably need a replacement. Serious tears and punctures aren’t always fixable either, but you’d be surprised how much a dab of caulk can do. When even metal patches don’t help, it’s probably time to call the professionals.

What time of year is ideal for replacing the gutter?

Spring is the perfect month to install any type of gutter. The dry skies and warm days are ideal for a professional installation unhindered by showers. However, that doesn’t mean you have to wait. Winter installs might be a little more difficult, but they’re not impossible. You might even be able to negotiate a lower price out of season.

Those humble gutters might not seem like much, but they are one of your home’s most important defenses. Without them, your entire foundation can take serious damage, and that’s before you include basement flooding in the mix. It’s now time to take care of those pesky cracks and holes.

Need help with a gutter project? Arrange a free estimate here.

Vinyl vs Aluminum Guttering: Which is Best?

Gutters do a lot to protect your home from potential damage. They channel rain and melted snow away from your home to prevent damage and leaks to your windows and roof, and protect your foundation from erosion. However, not all gutters are the same. There are different types of gutters made from different materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Today we take a look at vinyl gutters and aluminum gutters. To learn more about the pros and cons of each, read on below.

Vinyl gutters

Vinyl gutters are popular because they are affordable and lighter than other materials used for gutters. Because they are so lightweight, vinyl gutters are the first choice for many as they are quick and easy to install which also helps save money.

Vinyl gutters don’t require much maintenance as they don’t rust or corrode. The material holds up well against dents, dents and scratches. They come in a wide range of colors so you don’t have to paint them to match your home.

However, because vinyl gutters are lighter, they don’t hold up well in wetter climates. A lot of rain and snow can become too heavy for them and cause them to break, sag or tear. Because of the many unwelded seams required with vinyl gutters, leaks are more likely than with a metal gutter.

With correct installation, proper maintenance and the right climate, vinyl gutters can last around 20 years. In wetter areas, these gutters might last 8 to 10 years.

Aluminum gutters

Many people choose aluminum gutters because they have many of the positive qualities of vinyl gutters without the disadvantages. Like vinyl gutters, aluminum gutters don’t rust, are lighter (than steel gutters), and are relatively affordable. They’re easy to install and come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to choose one that matches the style of your home.

Aluminum gutters are more durable than vinyl gutters. They won’t sag and can last 20 or more years in most climates. Coastal areas can cause corrosion in aluminum gutters due to exposure to moisture and salt. However, heavy snowfall, hail and wind can cause aluminum gutters to become dented or even damaged.

If your roof has algae-resistant copper sheets or shingles, you should not use aluminum gutters. The copper washed off your roof can cause the aluminum to corrode faster. To keep aluminum gutters looking their best, they will likely need to be painted at some point as the enamel coating wears off.

Contact M&M Gutters

Due to Utah’s humid climate, aluminum gutters are a better choice for your home. M&M Gutters are the Utah experts when it comes to rain gutters! We have years of experience installing gutter systems in Utah. In addition to rain gutters, we specialize in siding and ice melting systems. Call M&M Gutters today for your free estimate.

Your gutters play an essential role in keeping your home looking attractive and protecting it from water damage. Without functioning gutters, rainwater and melting snow on your roof can erode your home’s foundation, damage your landscaping, rot windows, and cause leaks in the roof itself. Because of this, you want to choose the best gutters possible.

Although you can find gutters made from many different materials, some options are better than others. Two of the most common gutter materials – vinyl and aluminum – despite similarities at the surface level, behave very differently. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at vinyl and aluminum gutters.

Are vinyl gutters or aluminum gutters better?

Aluminum gutters are a type of light metal gutter of the same name. They have been widely used for both residential and commercial buildings for many years. Vinyl gutters are made from a lightweight plastic material. You may also know them as “PVC gutters” or “plastic gutters”. They feature a snap together installation method, which led to their initial popularity in the home improvement market.

Whether you choose vinyl or metal gutters depends on many factors, including the qualities you value most and the unique needs of your home and climate. For most Pennsylvania homeowners, aluminum gutters are a better choice.

When considering vinyl and aluminum gutter options for your home, consider these factors:

Ease of installation

PVC gutters allow for do-it-yourself installation by snapping them together, but they’re more difficult to install than aluminum. Vinyl gutters have a lot of seams which means installation is time consuming for even the most experienced DIYer. If you choose professional installation, you may also have trouble finding an installer who works with vinyl gutters.

Aluminum gutters are as light as vinyl and far easier to install because they have fewer seams – and some are even seamless. Most gutter installation professionals prefer to work with aluminum, so you can easily find someone to do the project for you.

perfomance

Vinyl gutters don’t typically hold up in high wind, rain, or snow climates due to their light weight. They tend to do better in dry, mild areas. Although they are rust resistant, they can sag and crack under the weight of heavy rainfall. Unlike aluminum gutters which come with seamless options, vinyl gutters are only available in sections. As a result, they are more likely to leak. The average lifespan of vinyl gutters is around a couple of decades due to their sensitivity to weather.

Aluminum gutters can withstand adverse weather conditions better. The metal itself can rust, but thick gutters can last a long time without wearing out, and you can paint aluminum gutters to make them last even longer. Because of their performance and strength, aluminum gutters can last up to half a century. Although they require regular maintenance, they can hold more water than vinyl gutters.

durability

When comparing vinyl and aluminum gutters, durability is perhaps the most important factor. Aluminum gutters offer excellent durability for the price. They don’t bend and rarely rust, and most aluminum gutter systems last in excess of 20 years in any climate. Aluminum gutters also withstand snow and ice, making them perfect for the harsh Pennsylvania winters. However, remember that installing aluminum gutters in coastal climates exposes them to moisture and salt, which can lead to rusting.

Vinyl also resists rust and corrosion, but has lower durability. Repeated exposure to heat and cold causes vinyl to become brittle and crack, and winter ice and snow can warp the material, reducing performance and sometimes causing irreparable damage. Although vinyl gutter can last up to 20 years in dry, mild climates, Pennsylvania vinyl gutter systems may need to be replaced in as little as 10 years.

material costs

Many homeowners look to inexpensive materials when installing gutter systems. Vinyl and aluminum both have low material costs compared to other options like steel. The choice of vinyl gutters can initially make more sense due to their lower acquisition costs. On the other hand, because vinyl has a shorter lifespan than aluminum, these gutters can cost more money to repair and replace over time.

Although aluminum costs a little more than vinyl, gutters made from this material offer an excellent return on investment due to their performance and long service life. They also cost less to install than other gutter materials. The difference in price is partly due to aluminum’s light weight and ubiquity.

Other reasons to choose aluminum gutters over vinyl

When choosing vinyl vs. aluminum gutters, most Pennsylvania homeowners decide that the cost, durability, and ease of installation make aluminum the most affordable option. Other reasons to choose aluminum gutters over PVC are:

Seamless Design: Unlike vinyl gutters, aluminum gutters can be made seamless. This design prevents leakage and looks nicer on the outside of a home. It also makes them more convenient and less expensive to install.

Unlike vinyl gutters, aluminum gutters can be made seamless. This design prevents leakage and looks nicer on the outside of a home. It also makes them more convenient and less expensive to install. Easier to Repair: Because aluminum is thicker and heavier than vinyl, it tends to perform better in most weather conditions. Gutter repair professionals can quickly iron out any dents that may appear. These gutters also rarely rust, so they don’t require the same treatment as vinyl gutters.

Because aluminum is thicker and heavier than vinyl, it performs better in most weather conditions. Gutter repair professionals can quickly iron out any dents that may appear. These gutters also rarely rust, so they don’t require the same treatment as vinyl gutters. Color Options: Choose the right gutters to enhance your curb appeal and increase your resale value. Aluminum gutters are available in a variety of colors to match the look of your home and make an impressive first impression for guests and potential buyers. At All Season Gutters we offer aluminum gutters in 21 different color options ranging from light neutrals to dark reds, blues and greens. They can also be repainted and shaped if you ever want to update their look.

Choosing the right gutters will improve your curb appeal and increase your resale value. Aluminum gutters are available in a variety of colors to match the look of your home and make an impressive first impression for guests and potential buyers. At All Season Gutters we offer aluminum gutters in 21 different color options ranging from light neutrals to dark reds, blues and greens. They can also be repainted and shaped if you ever want to update their look. Great popularity: Aluminum gutters have proven themselves. They are popular with many homeowners and inspire more buying confidence than DIY vinyl gutters. Therefore, choosing aluminum can help preserve the value of your Pennsylvania home. Aluminum gutters can also attract potential home buyers when it comes time to sell your property in the future. Because they are more widely available in Pennsylvania, you are more likely to find a contractor who can install, repair, or replace your gutters.

Aluminum gutters have stood the test of time. They are popular with many homeowners and inspire more buying confidence than DIY vinyl gutters. Therefore, choosing aluminum can help preserve the value of your Pennsylvania home. Aluminum gutters can also attract potential home buyers when it comes time to sell your property in the future. Because they are more widely available in Pennsylvania, you are more likely to find a contractor who can install, repair, or replace your gutters. Eco-friendliness: If you want to make your home more eco-friendly, aluminum gutters are better for your property. Vinyl contains PVC plastic with toxic chemicals that can harm the environment and people who handle the materials. It also releases harmful chemicals into the air when burned. On the other hand, aluminum is fully recyclable should you ever need to replace your gutters.

Let All Season Gutters help with gutter installation

It is clear that aluminum gutters offer more advantages overall than vinyl gutters. That’s why we make our seamless gutters from thick, high-quality aluminum. If you have decided to install new gutters for your home in Lemoyne, Camp Hill, Harrisburg or any other part of Pennsylvania, All Season Gutters can help. With more than 13 years of experience, we can answer all your questions about gutter materials.

Contact us today to speak to a representative or arrange a free estimate.

Installing gutters is a tricky, time-consuming, and downright dangerous job that many homeowners wisely avoid. Here are three specific times when it pays to hire a reputable, local company rather than attempting to install a gutter yourself:

If you have no installation experience

If you’ve climbed a ladder many times to clean your old gutters, you might mistakenly think that installing new gutters can’t be that difficult. In reality, gutter installation is complicated, and it takes skill and experience to properly size the gutters, place the hangers correctly, ensure the spacing is accurate, and then securely assemble and bolt/stake all the components together. If you screw up any aspect of the installation, you’ve wasted time and money on a leaky or ineffective gutter system that can cause significant damage to your home and property.

If you have an intricate roof design

Installing new gutters on a multi-level roof with different slopes requires careful planning in advance. To get it right, you need to perform various complex calculations based on roof square footage, local rainfall data, and slope and drop lengths to find out:

The right gutter size for specific roof sections

The right number of downspouts needed

Where are downspouts placed so water is properly drained from different sections

Identify any areas that should have additional screws or rivets

To be sure that your new gutter system is designed correctly, it is best to hire a gutter specialist who knows exactly how to do it.

When you want the most bang for your buck

If you want to save money but also value quality, installing seamless gutters is the best option. Seamless gutters are made from a thicker material than what you’ll find at hardware stores and are made to the exact measurements of your home, making them durable and waterproof. Large do-it-yourself gutters come in sections that you must piece together during installation, making them more likely to leak. When you’re weighing cost versus quality, remember that custom seamless gutters also come with a materials and workmanship guarantee, and you lose that valuable benefit by going the DIY route.

At Quality Gutter Systems, we’re here to help you avoid the headache and hassle of installing guttering yourself. Contact us today for a free gutter system estimate!

“A glossary of definitions and terminology explaining all parts and accessories of the gutter system.”

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your entire gutter system or just need to replace a few parts, this gutter index has you covered. In this guide we explain all the gutter components that make up the gutter system. Currently you can purchase these from your local gutter supplier and in some cases Home Depot or Lowes. Our gutter definition list is divided into categories for easier browsing.

Links to related articles are included in this guide.

parts of the gutter system

gutter

The gutter itself is the most important part of the gutter system. It runs horizontally along the edge of the roof and collects water to direct it away from the house. In fact, the purpose of gutters is to prevent water from eroding your home’s foundation. It also prevents the water from running down your exterior walls and eventually damaging the exterior of your home.

downpipe

Vertical pipes that carry the water from the gutter to the ground are called downspouts. In addition, they are also known as gargoyles, downspouts, drainpipes or drainpipes.

gutter styles

K style

half round

box style

K-style gutter

The most popular gutter style that you will see in most homes is the K-style gutter. Because they are the strongest, handle the most water flow and look the best. For example, they are designed to complement the exterior of the home by resembling crown moldings. Finally, their name comes from the “K” shape they simulate.

semi-circular gutter

If you are looking for a vintage look for your home, half round gutters are the way to go. For example, half-round gutters offer a more historic and elegant look than the standard K-style gutters. They are basically “half a circle”. You can find these in older homes to complement the rustic look.

box gutter

Larger gutters (6″ and up) are usually box-style gutters. For example, caste styles are mostly found in commercial buildings. They’re designed to hold a lot more water than regular gutters, which is why you’ll find them in commercial buildings with larger roofs.

Gutter with high back

K-style, half-round and box gutters are available in high-backed versions. Basically, the back of the gutter has an extra section that is meant to be tucked under a metal roofing system. It is designed in such a way that water has no chance of getting under the shingles. In addition, these gutters must be installed prior to installing the roof, so they are not very popular.

Seamless gutter

The most popular option for K-style or half-round gutters are seamless. Basically, this means that an entire length of gutter is one solid piece with no seams. First, houses are measured. Next, the gutters are custom made to fit the home’s specifications. In summary, the more seams you have, the more leaks you will have. Because of this, seamless is always the best option.

cutting gutter

Section gutters are the opposite of seamless gutters. They are available in 10 or 20 foot sections that are joined together with “slip joints”. Therefore, the disadvantage of sectional gutters is the presence of many seams. On the other hand, if a section is damaged, you only need to replace that one section compared to the entire gutter if it is seamless.

gutter materials

Vinyl gutters

Galvanized steel gutters

copper gutters

Aluminum gutters

The most popular material from which gutters are made is aluminum. Because aluminum gutters resist rust and the metal does not thin over time. They are designed to last longer than copper or steel. Because they are lighter, they are also easier to install. Additionally, aluminum gutters come in a variety of color options, allowing you to match them to the exterior of your home.

copper gutters

The most expensive type of gutters you can buy are copper gutters. For example, you will mostly see these in a half-round style. They are used in older homes to complement the more traditional look. However, always remember that copper will oxidize over time and form a patina, eventually causing these gutters to turn green.

Vinyl gutters

Vinyl gutters are pretty self-explanatory: vinyl, plastic, or PVC gutters. If you went to Home Depot or Lowes to buy gutters, you would find these. For one, they never corrode or dent, which is a plus. However, they don’t last as long as traditional gutters because they tend to bend or warp.

Galvanized steel gutters

Galvanized steel gutters are made from hot-dip galvanized steel. They’re stronger and more durable than aluminum or copper, but they’re also much heavier, making them easier to detach. Because the high weight is an enormous burden for the gutter hangers. Also, note that these rust very quickly and deteriorate much faster than any other gutter.

Gutter Accessories

Outer miter box

strip miter

Inner miter box

Outer miter box

If you have two gutter sections coming into a corner on the outside of the house, a miter box will join them together. For example, it is called an outside miter when the corner is on the outside edge of the house. Miter boxes are corner connectors for gutters. The 2 gutter sections slide into the box like sleeves.

CLICK HERE for more information on resealing or replacing gutters

Inner miter box

If you have two gutter sections that meet at an inside corner, an inside miter box will join them together. Likewise, the 2 channel sections slide into the sleeves of the miter, then they are closed.

strip miter

Strip miters fulfill the same task as miter boxes. The only difference, however, is that it is a small strip instead of a large box. They are a small sleeve that covers the seam. Strip mitres can also be used for inside or outside corners.

Gutter End Cap

channel sliding joint

splash guard

end cap

End caps are fitted to the ends of the gutter sections to give a more finished look. They also prevent water leakage when properly sealed.

sliding joint

When joining 2 profile channels on a straight wall, the seam is covered by a sliding joint.

Gutter Splashguard

Some homes have problems with water splashing up and over the gutters. The technicians can also attach splash guards to the existing gutter so that the water splashes back into the gutter. For example, water will splash over the gutter if it is below a flashing.

Gutter Hardware

gutter hanger

Screw-in hidden hanger

Gutter Brackets

All of the different types of hangers, nails, screws, and brackets used to attach the gutters to the wall are called gutter brackets.

gutter hanger

Gutter hangers are the fasteners used to hang half round gutters. However, unlike most other ways to hang gutters, these hangers mount to the fascia “in front” of the gutter. Finally, once the gutter hangers are properly installed, you can drop and secure the gutter into place.

Screw-in hidden hangers

The new industry standard for K-style gutters are heavy-duty, hidden, screw-in aluminum hangers. They clip onto the edge and back of the gutter, pulling it evenly against the wall. In summary, when combined with a self-tapping thread screw, these last much longer than traditional gutter spikes.

gutter tips

gutter screws

Ferrules with gutter screws

gutter tips

Gutter spikes are gutter nails that go through the outside of the gutter and into the gutter. It should be noted that they will loosen over time and will need to be pinned or “tightened” back in place. However, you can only tighten the gutter tips enough times until the hole is too worn. As a result, they no longer grip and often become detached.

CLICK HERE for more information on loose gutter spikes.

gutter screw

Gutter bolts are exactly the same as a gutter mandrel. They also go through the outside of the gutter and into the bulkhead. The only difference is that a gutter screw is a giant threaded screw instead of a giant nail. You can also replace loose gutter tips with gutter screws. Because they grip where the nail can’t find a hold.

CLICK HERE for more information on gutter screws.

ferrule

A ferrule is a spacer that goes around the gutter mandrel or gutter screw inside the gutter. Its basic function is to space the gutter and prevent it from collapsing from tightening the hardware. In summary, using ferrules ensures that the gutter is exactly the same width throughout the house.

Downspout Materials

You can buy downspouts in the same styles or materials as gutters

Downspouts are available in the same materials as their gutter counterparts. Also, you must use the same material that you used for your gutters as your downspouts. For example, certain metals react differently with other metals, causing them to corrode.

Aluminum downpipe

Aluminum gutters and downspouts are the most commonly used gutter material in the world. For one, they are known for offering the best value for money. Because they work better and last longer than most.

Copper downpipe

Copper gutters and downspouts are known to be the most expensive. In addition, they are strictly decorative.

vinyl downspout

Vinyl gutters and downspouts are known for being rust, corrosion and dent resistant. Due to their light weight, they are easy for the average person to install. The price is on the lower end of gutter materials.

Galvanized steel downpipe

Galvanized steel gutters and downspouts are, as the name suggests, made of steel. They are much heavier than all other gutter options, making them difficult to install. Consequently, the extra weight is a constant burden on your home, making this option the most common to fall off the wall.

downspout styles

Square downspout

Corrugated square downpipe

Round downpipe

Square downspout

This type of downspout is typically used for larger commercial buildings that use box-style gutters. They are actually rectangular in shape (not square) and come in sizes like 2×3, 3×4, 4×6, etc.

Corrugated square downpipe

The most popular type of downspout is the corrugated square downspout. Corrugated edges give the sheet metal downpipe structure and support. These are typically used with K style gutters. Just like the Square Downspout, these come in rectangular sizes like 2×3, 3×4, 4×6, etc.

Round downpipe

Round downspouts are circular. They offer a much sleeker look than the wavy style and are also much more popular. These are available in sizes from 2″ to 8″.

Corrugated round downpipe

The same as a round downspout but these have the knurled ribs to provide support and durability. You can also see them in combination with galvanized steel gutters.

Downspout Parts & Accessories

Decorative conductor’s head

scupper box

At home with several conductor heads

conductor head

A ladder head, commonly referred to as a “rain ladder” or “gutter ladder,” is a funnel at the top of a downspout. These are used to control flow and keep run-off to a minimum. They come in many shapes and sizes, but all serve the same function. Keep in mind that these decorative ladders are mostly found on copper gutters.

scupper boxes

Whenever the gutter needs to be routed through a wall, a scupper is usually involved. Scupper boxes have the same function as the conductor’s head. They are usually attached to the top of the downspout and direct the water in the right direction. More commonly used in conjunction with flat roofs to drain excess water. Another common use is to channel water through a roof or wall to the outside of the building.

Downpipe Y-connection

Y connector to run 2 downpipes in 1

downpipe diverter

Other downspout diverters

An adapter that allows 2 downpipes to be connected and routed into 1. These get their name from their “Y”-like shape.

Gutter downpipe diverter

These are basically an inverted “Y” adapter with a switch to divert the water to 2 separate locations. Often used with a rain barrel, once the barrel fills with water you can flip the switch and the water will be diverted to the other downspout.

Gutter Downspout Extension

Corrugated flex pipe downpipe extensions

Aluminum downpipe extensions

Homeowners commonly add a downspout extension to their existing downspout to divert water away from the home’s foundation. Common downspout extension ideas can range from additional gutter sections to corrugated PVC flex pipe.

CLICK HERE for more information on downspout extensions.

CLICK HERE for more information on top level downspout extensions.

downpipe drain

downpipe drain

Underground downpipe drain is installed

Better known as “underground drain” because these drains are installed underground when the house is built. These drains direct the water underground and usually lead to the street or the sewage system. It is always recommended to cover your entire gutter system with gutter covers if you have underground drains. Because they can clog and potentially crack underground fairly easily, they often flood your home.

CLICK HERE for more information on clogged underground drains.

downspout brackets

Brackets for attaching the downpipe to the wall. There are many shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same function. It should be noted that certain metals will react with other metals, so you should check which fittings are compatible with your gutter material.

Downspout adapter

Downspout adapters come in many shapes and sizes, but generally they all do the same thing, connect downspouts. You can connect a square downspout to a round downspout, or even a 3″ downspout to a 5″ downspout. Or maybe you have an odd angle and there isn’t an elbow available that works. In this case you can get a flexible downpipe adapter.

Downspout adapter

Downspout adapter

Bracket for downpipes

Downspout Elbow

Downspout elbows are attached to the underside of the downspout. They are set at an angle so water is directed away from the house. Elbows can also be used throughout the downspout to make it around corners, bulges and other obstacles in the downspout’s path.

A-style elbows

These bends are used for rectangular gutters. An “A-style” elbow seems to be coming your way. This is the type of elbow commonly used at the bottom of downspouts to direct the water out of the home. When attached, it diverts water either forward or backward.

B style elbows

Also used for rectangular gutters. The “B-Style” elbows are used to rotate the downspout in a different direction. For example, if you need to move your downspout right or left, you would use a B-style elbow.

Round downpipe elbow

Simple square downpipe bend

Staggered downpipe bend

Round Elbows

Rounded elbows cannot be considered either “A” or “B” elbows as they can be used for either function. These elbows are only used with other non-corrugated round downpipes.

Square Elbows

These square bends are used exclusively with square downspouts. They are available in “A” or “B” bends and perform the same functions as all other downspout bends.

Offset elbows

Better known as “bump-out” elbows. These arches are used when there is a small or large brick ledge or other obstacle blocking a straight path from the gutter to the ground.

Gutter covers / gutter protection

CLICK HERE for more information on what types of gutter covers we recommend.

Brush gutter protection

gutter brush

gutter brush

Brush style gutter guard is one of the least recommended styles on the market. They are basically a long round brush that goes into your gutter. Brush gutter guards catch debris and block water flow, two things you never want in your gutters.

Foam gutter protection

Gutter protection with foam insert

Example of a foam gutter protector

Better known as “foam insert”. This is another of the least popular types of gutter covers. Also, as its name speaks for itself, it is a foam insert that fits inside your gutter rather than on top like most covers. If not cleaned regularly, plants can take root and grow in your foam insert. Mold is also a common problem with these.

gutter screens

gutter screen

Waterfall gutter cover

Micro mesh gutter

Gutter screens are the most common type of gutter covers as they are the cheapest and easiest to install. They come in many shapes, styles, and materials, but they all offer the same coverage. They are good at letting all the water down the gutter. But with the larger holes, they let much smaller debris into the gutter system, like pine needles and seeds.

Covers for waterfall gutters

These gutter covers are designed with layers of channels, allowing debris to flow directly over the gutter and onto the floor. However, smaller debris such as pine needles have been known to get stuck in the channels and prevent water from entering the gutter system. For example, once this happens you will have waterfalls all around your house.

Micro mesh screens

Micro Mesh Screens are a 2-part system. The bottom layer usually features an offset vertical pitch system designed to allow water in and keep dirt out. Sometimes the bottom layer is just a simple gutter screen. The top layer is always a mesh screen, usually metal, which keeps the fine debris and particles out of the slots. In summary, these work well against pine needles and seed pods.

Inverted curve gutter guard

gutter helmet

gutter hood

Reverse curve/surface tension gutter guards have more common names such as “gutter helmet” or “gutter hood”. They are designed so that all leaves and debris fall to the ground while catching as much water as possible. The water doesn’t always flow into the gutter and often tumbles right over the edge, earning this style the nickname “waterfall”.

Perforated gutter covers

Perforated gutter cover

Perforated copper gutter cover

Perforated gutter cover

We rate this as the best performing and most durable gutter cover on the market. Therefore, this is the only type of gutter cover we work with at all. For example, it performs best against smaller debris like pine needles or even gravel. The perforated holes allow the maximum amount of water to flow into the gutter system while keeping most debris out.

CLICK HERE for more information on Perforated Gutter Covers.

Gutter helmet colors

Some gutter covers come in a variety of colors to match your gutter hardware. While other brands may only come in one color. Keep in mind that most types of gutter covers are not visible from the ground, so color isn’t important.

eaves

While not technically part of the gutter system, the components at the eaves are just as important. These parts ensure that water does not get behind your walls or under your roof shingles.

drip edge

Drip edge is inserted under the roof shingles at the edge of the roof and directs the water into the gutter. It is to ensure that no water gets under the shingles or behind the gutter.

CLICK HERE for more information on Drip Edge.

Fascia board and abacus

Most gutters mount to this cladding panel, called the fascia panel. It covers the gap left at the edge of the rafters. The purpose is to ensure that water and pests cannot get into your attic and walls. Over time, water will damage your bezel and cause it to rot. In the photo below you can see a fascia that is beginning to separate from the rafters. We’ve included this photo because it shows you the functions of the aperture. (cover rafters and install gutters)

CLICK HERE for more information on front bezel damage.

Abacus board is similar to fascia board as it is exactly the same type of wood. The only difference is that abacus are beveled and used for roofing. In the photo below you can see an abacus and if you look closely you can see the drip edge stripe running across the top.

“Wrapped” abacus

Fascia wraps and calculation wraps

To prevent water damage to your front wall and abacus, you can have them wrapped in materials like aluminum or vinyl. This new protective shield will help your fascia board or abacus last 2 to 3 times longer than unprotected wood.

CLICK HERE for more information on Fascia Wrap or Rake Wrap.

how did we do

Was every search term covered? Do you also have suggestions for new terms to add to our glossary? Let us know in the comments.

If you have any questions, be sure to leave a comment. We’ll get back to you!

Visit My Gutter Pro’s official Talking Gutters blog spot for more helpful articles like this one!

Contact the experts at My Gutter Pro

My Gutter Pro

93 Monocacy Blvd. Unit A-6

Frederick, MD 21701

301-898-2880

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Gutters are an essential fixture in virtually every home. They protect your home from water damage by collecting rainwater and directing it to the ground and away from the foundation. Since gutter installation isn’t one of the more complicated construction projects, sometimes homeowners can do the job themselves or hire someone who doesn’t have the expertise to install their gutters. However, as with many other endeavors, many mistakes can occur during installation, some of which can render the entire gutter system unusable. Learn about common gutter installation mistakes and things to look out for in your system.

Common gutter installation mistakes to watch out for:

The following are some of the most common pitfalls when installing a gutter:

1. Incorrect gutter placement

The placement of your downspouts can significantly affect how your system works, as can the number of downspouts you use. Not having enough downspouts installed in the right places can lead to many unwanted problems such as standing water or overflowing during heavy rains. Improper placement can also lead to soil erosion around your home, insect infestations in the gutters, and damage to the siding or foundation. And all of these problems are often expensive to fix.

It is recommended that gutters be placed under or “behind” the drip edge of your roof. A drip edge refers to a component that hangs above the roof and has an outwardly projecting lower edge. The water then follows the line of the drip edge through a process called capillary action and eventually “drips” straight into the gutter. When functioning correctly, the drip edge and gutter work together to control the direction in which dripping water flows and help protect the underlying components of the building. If gutters are installed below the drip edge, water can drip behind the gutter and damage the supporting wood of the gutter system.

2. Choosing the wrong type of gutter

Buying gutters can be an overwhelming experience as they come in many materials, sizes, thicknesses and shapes. When choosing a gutter, we recommend the following specifications:

aluminum metal

A thick gauge like .032

Strong Hidden Hangers like Raytec Hidden Hangers

Minimum .019 thickness for all elbows and downspouts

A color to match your home (usually the metal on the eaves of your house)

A reasonable size for the amount of water flow

3. Choose the cheaper option

Many homeowners are tempted to choose a more economical gutter system, but the less expensive options tend to be made from inferior materials. A proper gutter system should last as long as you live in the house, and some can last the life of the house if installed correctly. Although a cheaper system may seem the same, the weaker materials can result in many types of damage or even need to be replaced at a cost greater than what you saved. Any gutter materials that can be purchased at a hardware store are not as strong as what is offered by a professional gutter company. For this reason, we recommend only installing high-quality channel systems.

4. Incorrect gutter size

Gutter size is the width of the gutter, and size determines how much rainfall can drain away when it rains. If your gutters are too small, the system can become overloaded during heavy rains. This leads to inefficient drainage and can also cause damage to your gutters and maybe even your foundation.

When deciding on the right size of your gutter, you should consider the following three factors:

The average rainfall where you live

The size of your roof

The pitch of your roof

All areas that overflow

If your roof is wider than normal or you live in an area with above average rainfall, you will need a larger gutter. Talk to your supplier or roofer about what dimensions will work best for your home. Most homes today use 5 to 6 inch wide gutters. Both sizes can be installed on a house. If a specific area is a problem, the larger one can be installed in that section, with the standard size being installed in the rest of the home.

5. Wrong pitch

Unless you look closely, gutters on a house appear to be level. However, they are actually slightly inclined.

The angle or distance at which your gutters are hung will affect how well water drains from your home. If your pitch is too steep or not steep enough, it will cause problems. If your pitch is not steep enough, the water will remain in the gutters and not drain away. If, on the other hand, it is too steep, the rainwater flows through the gutters too quickly and overflows. Both consequences can cause damage and other problems around the exterior of your home.

A good rule of thumb – make sure your gutters are sloped a quarter of an inch to your downspouts every 10 feet of your gutter. A professional gutter installation company will use a bubble level during installation to ensure the gutters are pitched. This will ensure that the water drains properly.

6. Incorrect hanger spacing

Gutter hangers are another important part of your system and refer to the components that connect your gutters to your home.

Even if your gutters are installed at the correct pitch, it can all be for naught if your hangers aren’t spaced properly. If the spacing isn’t right, your gutters can sag, causing water build-up. In turn, the added stress of this puddle water can cause the gutters to detach from your home.

When checking your hangers, it’s important that they are no more than 2 feet apart. If you live in colder climates where the weight of snow and ice can put additional stress on the gutters, space them less than 2 feet apart. It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for spacing. Don’t hesitate to ask the installer where the hangers will be placed or ask for more hangers if you have concerns. This should be easy to accommodate.

7. Too many seams

Seams are the areas most prone to damage, so keep seams to a minimum. Older gutter systems used to have a seam every 10 inches which inevitably leaked. You can avoid this trap entirely by having your gutter installation company install seamless gutters, which must be custom made for your home by a professional contractor. Seamless gutters are fabricated on site to the length required for your home and should overhang the shingles by approximately 1 inch. Many customers have the impression that this eliminates all seams. However, there is a seam at every end cap and every corner that may need to be resealed after a few years. However, this is a huge improvement over sealing a seam every 10 minutes.

8. Damage to gutters during installation

If you plan to have gutter fitters hang aluminum gutters, which is the material we recommend, special care is required during installation. It doesn’t take much to bend or dent your gutters – all they have to do is fall to the ground or get hit by your ladder. In this case, the entire section must be replaced. It is very important to hire a professional company that has the expertise to install very long gutter sections and work safely from ladders.

Choose All Season Guttering to install your gutters

While installing gutters may not be as difficult or dangerous as many other home improvement projects, beginners should not attempt it. Leave it to All Season Gutters experienced installers who know how to install gutters properly.

Based in Lemoyne, our family business has proudly served the central Pennsylvania region for over 13 years. We strive to offer first class installations, quality materials and excellent customer service.

Most of the gutters we install are seamless, meaning they are less prone to damage than their traditional counterparts. Seamless gutters are the most popular gutter type, accounting for three quarters of all gutters installed in the United States. The reasons for their popularity are many:

More attractive: They do without unsightly seams.

They have no unsightly seams. Fewer leaks: This is also due to the lack of seams.

This is also due to the lack of seams. Low maintenance: they are protected by an enamel coating and never need to be painted.

They are protected by an enamel finish and never need painting. More Attractive Garden: Due to the less leakage, your house and landscape will look more attractive.

Because of the fewer leaks, your house and landscape will look more attractive. Perfect Fit: Seamless gutters are fabricated on site to ensure measurements are accurate.

Seamless gutters are fabricated on site to ensure measurements are accurate. Fast Installation: Most seamless gutter installations are completed within a day.

Most seamless gutter installations are completed within a day. Customizable: Seamless gutters are available in a variety of colors.

In addition to our seamless gutter installations, we also perform a variety of other services including:

Gutter Guard Installations: As mentioned above, gutter guards are useful barriers that are installed on gutters to prevent debris from building up. With gutter guards, you don’t have to risk your safety by climbing a ladder and routinely cleaning your gutters. You can also avoid the problems that result from clogged gutters, including erosion of your landscape, dry rot, peeling paint, leaking windows, water build-up in your basement, and problems with your foundation. All Season Gutters offers a variety of gutter guard options to suit a variety of budgets and house styles.

As mentioned above, gutter guards are useful barriers that are installed on gutters to prevent debris from building up. With gutter guards, you don’t have to risk your safety by climbing a ladder and routinely cleaning your gutters. You can also avoid the problems that result from clogged gutters, including erosion of your landscape, dry rot, peeling paint, leaking windows, water build-up in your basement, and problems with your foundation. All Season Gutters offers a variety of gutter guard options to suit a variety of budgets and house styles. Roof Installation: Everyone will agree that roofs are one of the most important aspects of a home, both aesthetically and functionally. For this reason, it is extremely important to have a quality roof and to keep it in good condition. Fortunately, this is one of our areas of expertise. We offer professional advice to help you choose a new roof and the materials that best suit your needs, budget and the architectural style of your home. A new roof not only protects you from bad weather, but also improves the value of your property, increases the attractiveness of your home and leads to further energy savings.

Everyone will agree that roofs are one of the most important aspects of a home, both aesthetically and functionally. For this reason, it is extremely important to have a quality roof and to keep it in good condition. Fortunately, this is one of our areas of expertise. We offer professional advice to help you choose a new roof and the materials that best suit your needs, budget and the architectural style of your home. A new roof not only protects you from bad weather, but also improves the value of your property, increases the attractiveness of your home and leads to further energy savings. Facing and Fascia: It takes more than quality clapboards and siding to give your home an attractive appearance. If you get a new roof, make sure you buy a new soffit and fascia as well. You can install both of these things at any time, and it’s a quick and effective way to transform the look of your home, making it both sturdier and more attractive.

It takes more than quality clapboards and siding to give your home an attractive appearance. If you get a new roof, make sure you buy a new soffit and fascia as well. You can install both of these things at any time, and it’s a quick and effective way to transform the look of your home, making it both sturdier and more attractive. Gutter Cleaning: We recommend having your gutters cleaned twice a year – once in the spring in preparation for heavy rains and once in either the summer or early fall in preparation for the winter months. If your home is near a lot of pine trees, which are known to shed their needles year-round, you should clean your gutters at least four times a year.

To receive a no-pressure estimate for a gutter installation or any of our services, please contact us online or call us at 717-315-3810. We are happy to hear from them!

Do I need gutters all around my house? There are several factors that can help you determine this. Element Exteriors states that you may or may not need them. There are some homes that come with specific designs that do not require the installation of gutters. If you live in a place that gets a lot of rain, you may need to install gutters so they can protect your home. Some other factors that will determine if you need the gutters around your home are the following:

Do you have a roof that overhangs more than 10 inches?

If your roof overhangs more than 10 inches, you don’t need the gutters. If the roof overhang is short, you need to install the gutters. The gutters play a big role when it comes to protecting the house walls from rain damage. If the overhang is long, you have protected the walls.

Is there an apron of gravel, concrete or stone around the house?

If there is a strong apron, gravel or concrete slab, you may not need gutters as your home will be protected accordingly. You should always check your roof so you know if you really need the gutters. Hiring a professional roof inspector can make your job easier as you can easily see if the roof needs more protection by installing the gutters or opting for the house construction without the gutters.

Is the terrain sloped away from the house?

If the ground slopes away from the house, rainwater will drain away easily, avoiding instances where the basement can be affected by rainwater. If you check the area around your house and find that it doesn’t slope away from the house, you need to install the gutters.

Is an effective rainwater diversion installed?

The gutters play a role in directing rain away from the home. If you don’t have stormwater diversions in place, you’ll need to make an effort and install gutters that can collect and direct water away from your building. It is a great idea that you can adopt to achieve excellent home protection. The baffles should be installed well to give you the necessary house foundation protection.

Does it rain a lot where you live?

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, don’t miss the gutters. They play a big role in managing the rainwater that can pose a hazard to your roof. Check the design of the roof and determine if the gutters need to be installed. If you can use the right inspection processes, you can easily have the best roof in place.

Do I need gutters all around my house? The above factors can play a big role in deciding whether or not you need gutters. There are several benefits you enjoy by installing the right gutters around your property that can save you from potential rain damage in the future.

It depends on.

On paper, rain gutters can last at least 20 years with proper maintenance and care. But besides proper care and maintenance, there are other factors that play a role in the longevity of gutters. One is the gutter material. Vinyl, for example, is a less durable gutter material than steel and aluminum, so it’s also likely to need to be replaced sooner – especially in areas with severe weather.

In this post, we’ll go over why gutters are so important, how to ensure gutter longevity, and when you know it’s time to replace your gutters.

Why are gutters so important?

When working properly, gutters play an important role in preventing water ingress and deteriorating your property’s foundation.

Simply put, gutters are designed to safely direct rain runoff and snowmelt away from your property so it doesn’t pool or pool around your foundation. If this occurs, there is also a possibility of water ingress. If even a small amount of water enters your property, it can cause significant water damage to the lower floors of your home. Water damage restoration is expensive and can also lead to subsequent problems such as mold growth.

Ideally, your gutter system is free-flowing and the downspouts are positioned so water drains away from your home, not towards it. If your gutters are clogged, water will likely fill up and flow directly onto the ground below, which can cause foundation problems. The excess weight can also cause the gutters to sag and detach from the house. And if downspouts aren’t positioned correctly, they’re likely to result in water pooling around the foundation and not draining away safely. This can also lead to significant problems.

Tips for ensuring the longevity of gutters

So what can be done to ensure the longevity of the gutter? There are many things you should consider to ensure your gutters are in good condition and properly draining roof runoff. Here’s a look:

Clean them regularly

You should clean your gutters at least twice a year, more often if you live in areas with heavy foliage. When leaves, twigs, and other debris fall onto your roof, they will eventually find their way into your gutters. In this case, they can clog downspouts and prevent water from draining freely. In addition, the accumulation of water and other debris can place significant stress on the gutters, causing them to sag and/or separate from the roofline. Cleaning the gutters can prevent this.

If you don’t like cleaning your gutters, consider investing in gutter guards. These fit right over the top of your gutters and prevent larger debris from entering your gutters while still allowing water to flow through easily. Think of it as a gutter filter. Gutter protection can be particularly helpful in areas with dense tree populations.

Monitor for leaks

Gutters take a lot of wear and tear so it’s not uncommon for them to leak over time – especially at seams where sealing can be compromised a bit. However, you should regularly check for leaks and repair them if necessary. It’s pretty easy to do.

Next time it rains, just grab an umbrella and head outside. Walk around your house and pay attention to your gutters. Do they drain freely, or are there parts in the system that are leaking? Be sure to fix any leaks to avoid problems with water entering your home and to keep small problems from becoming bigger ones.

Trim Back Landscaping

Trees, bushes, and other landscaping that might come into contact with your gutters should also be kept in mind. This is especially true in the winter when ice and snowfall can put significant stress on branches that can scratch and damage your gutters.

It’s always a good idea to make sure all trees are pruned properly so they don’t come into contact with any part of the home. This is best done in the fall before the winter months set in.

Be careful of ice dams

Ice dams form when snow melted from the roof refreezes around the roofline or in the gutters during the winter months. When this happens, it can prevent proper water flow and possibly even lead to water infiltration into the attic.

There are a few ways to prevent ice dams. First, make sure your gutters are clear of debris so any runoff can drain freely. Second, you may want to invest in a roof rake, a rake that is specifically designed to work on the roof of your home. Use it after a heavy snowfall to remove snow from the roofline of your home to allow water to drain freely.

Ice dams can weigh down gutters and cause significant damage should they form. Tired of them during the winter months and act if necessary.

How to know when it’s time to replace your gutters

So let’s close this post and discuss how to know when it’s time to replace your gutters. Aside from age, there are a few signs to look out for:

Are they so badly damaged that it would be easier to replace than repair?

Are nails or fasteners that hold the gutters in place worn out?

Are the gutters sagging or pulling away from your home?

Are the gutters bent, dented or damaged?

Are your gutters no longer sloped enough to allow water to drain?

Contact K-Guard

Contact K-Guard today for more information on when it’s time to replace your gutters.

Posted by Kevin Leahy on March 28, 2018

Rain gutters are typically the invisible workhorses of your home. They perform an important function by diverting rainwater away from your home, but most of the time you don’t even realize they’re there.

If you’ve never really thought about whether your house has a gutter system, it’s probably time to really look up and pay attention, especially if you’ve had water damage in your house and don’t know why.

If you find that you don’t have gutters and haven’t identified any water issues in your home, you may be wondering, are gutters really necessary?

Gutters vs. no gutters. Here’s what you need to know.

First of all, not all homes require a gutter system. If you live in an arid climate and don’t experience periods of heavy rain, this may not be necessary. But most homes need a good gutter system to collect the rainwater that lands on the roof and direct it away from the house to prevent damage to your home’s structure and to protect your foundation, driveway, and sidewalk from water build-up your house. And who wants to regularly clean clogged gutters if you don’t have to?

Why are rain gutters so important?

Rain gutters not only protect your home’s roof and overall structure, but also prevent soil erosion and protect your garden beds. With rain gutters, rain simply drains off your roof, washing away soil with every rain, causing soil erosion. And if you have built garden beds next to your house, soil erosion will cause puddles of water to drown your plants and flowers.

Soil erosion is serious business. It can also cause your foundation to settle, resulting in uneven floors and cracked walls and chimney cracks.

When are gutters not necessary?

If you get a lot of basement flooding and have rotted siding on your home, these could also be signs that you don’t have gutters and you should, or that you have gutters that are clogged or damaged.

Think you need gutters? What now?

Rain gutters come in both DIY and professionally installed styles. DIY gutter systems are available at any of your local hardware stores in vinyl, sheet metal, and aluminum, allowing you to put up the gutters yourself. Or you can have a professional gutter company come and do the installation for you.

Look for these common measurements:

U shape or K shape

Ducts are typically 4, 5, or 6 inches in diameter

Commonly, suitable downspouts are 2″ x 3″ or 3″ x 4″ rectangular or 3″ or 4″ round pieces.

If you’re going the DIY route, then vinyl gutter systems are the most popular and easily found at any local hardware store. If you want the gutters to be a specific color, aluminum gutters are the best choice as they come in over 25 different colors. Another option is to use galvanized sheet metal. It’s a lot more durable than the aluminum, which is a plus, but it would need to be painted the color you want. Gutter systems, which are no longer often used today, can also be made of wood for older, historic houses.

If you decide to have your gutter system professionally installed, one of your options is seamless gutters that prevent seam leakage. These types of systems are usually made from aluminium, copper or factory painted steel.

Taking care of your gutters is also important

Taking care of your gutters is also important. In order for them to function properly, you must keep gutters and downspouts free of leaves and debris, which requires regular maintenance. You either have to climb the ladder and do it yourself, or you have to hire a professional gutter cleaning company to do it. As a rule of thumb, you should clean your gutters at least twice a year, but more frequently if you have a lot of trees hanging over your home or you live in an area that gets a lot of storms.

If you have concerns about safely getting on and off the ladder, it’s safest to hire a professional cleaning company. If you do it yourself, make sure you have a sturdy ladder and never stand on the top two rungs.

How to clean your gutters:

A leaf blower or hose – but make sure you wear safety goggles and a dust mask and heavy work gloves.

Purchase a gutter cleaning kit that attaches to your leaf blower.

Use a garden trowel or gutter shovel to clean it by hand. For best results, start at the drain near the bottom of the gutter. Then simply toss in a bucket to dispose of when you’re done. It’s best to do it when the leaves are only slightly damp and not actually soggy.

Don’t just focus on what’s in the gutters at the moment, use the leaf blower to blow any leaves or debris off the roof itself so the next time it rains it doesn’t end up in the gutters.

One product that can make maintaining your gutter system easier is TheSpoutOff. It’s especially helpful if you have small gutter outlets, as TheSpoutoff outlets are designed with a larger opening, allowing water to drain down even if other parts of the gutter are clogged. Another big plus is that these outlets are easy to keep clean with the detachable downspout so you can check the outlets without having to climb a ladder. With TheSpoutOff, a fear of heights or balance issues will no longer stop you from tending your home, and it’s a lot cheaper than hiring a professional cleaner to come regularly to clear all the debris.

The SpoutOff can be retrofitted to your current gutter system or added to a new one as required. The instructions are relatively easy to follow so you can easily install it yourself, but any local gutter company can do it for you as well.

Want to learn more about how TheSpoutOff can make your seasonal outdoor tasks a lot easier? Contact TheSpoutOff today to learn how to effortlessly clean your gutters.

Installing gutters is a tricky, time-consuming, and downright dangerous job that many homeowners wisely avoid. Here are three specific times when it pays to hire a reputable, local company rather than attempting to install a gutter yourself:

If you have no installation experience

If you’ve climbed a ladder many times to clean your old gutters, you might mistakenly think that installing new gutters can’t be that difficult. In reality, gutter installation is complicated, and it takes skill and experience to properly size the gutters, place the hangers correctly, ensure the spacing is accurate, and then securely assemble and bolt/stake all the components together. If you screw up any aspect of the installation, you’ve wasted time and money on a leaky or ineffective gutter system that can cause significant damage to your home and property.

If you have an intricate roof design

Installing new gutters on a multi-level roof with different slopes requires careful planning in advance. To get it right, you need to perform various complex calculations based on roof square footage, local rainfall data, and slope and drop lengths to find out:

The right gutter size for specific roof sections

The right number of downspouts needed

Where are downspouts placed so water is properly drained from different sections

Identify any areas that should have additional screws or rivets

To be sure that your new gutter system is designed correctly, it is best to hire a gutter specialist who knows exactly how to do it.

When you want the most bang for your buck

If you want to save money but also value quality, installing seamless gutters is the best option. Seamless gutters are made from a thicker material than what you’ll find at hardware stores and are made to the exact measurements of your home, making them durable and waterproof. Large do-it-yourself gutters come in sections that you must piece together during installation, making them more likely to leak. When you’re weighing cost versus quality, remember that custom seamless gutters also come with a materials and workmanship guarantee, and you lose that valuable benefit by going the DIY route.

At Quality Gutter Systems, we’re here to help you avoid the headache and hassle of installing guttering yourself. Contact us today for a free gutter system estimate!

A quick question and answer about gutters for your new or existing Florida home

Q: How much do gutters cost?

A: Today, an average Florida home is approximately 2,400 square feet. There are several factors that contribute to an accurate estimate regarding the fabrication and installation of commercial residential aluminum (CRA) guttering in your home. It is most notable when your home is one or two stories. Other contributing factors include:

1. Number of sides of your home where gutters are to be installed.

2. Type of roof, hipped or gabled?

3. Number of downspouts required for the job.

4. Do you want *hidden hangers?

In general, the average cost to fabricate and install gutters in your Florida home is about $4 per linear foot.

Q: How long do gutters last?

A: This is also a question that has influencing factors. CRA warrants our gutters to be free from manufacturing defects and installation problems for a period of one year. Well-maintained gutters should last for years and years with a little regular care, which primarily includes:

Proper cleaning of standing debris in gutters including leaves, dirt, branches causing poor drainage and excess weight in both the gutters and downspouts.

Q: How long does it take for CRA to fabricate and install gutters on my home?

A: Our professional gutter teams are a two man team and will typically install your gutters in a day or less. We leave your garden as we found it. We can typically have your gutters installed within one business week of accepting our formal quote where we verify your dimensions and the number of downspouts required for your project.

Q: What makes CRA different from other manufacturers/installers for my gutters?

A: There are many factors that make CRA the leader in seamless gutter manufacturing and installation on the Florida Gulf Coast that some of our competitors may not consider or may skip all together, including:

1: Professionally mitred corners

2. Hidden stainless steel hangers

3. Sealants used by CRA are premium gutter sealing products

4. Full size downspouts

5. Downspout Extensions

6. Color coding of downspouts according to house color

7. Color coding of downspouts to fascia

8. Optional Splash Blocks

9. Properly insured work crews

Call or email CRA today for a “quick quote” on your gutter project. You will not regret it. Serves Greater Sarasota and Florida Gulf Coast.

For over 20 years, Commercial ResidentialAluminum has built, installed and serviced seamless gutters, pool cages, privacy surrounds, lanais, front entrances, fences, privacy screens, re-screening, privacy screen replacement, gutters, fascia and fascia, aluminum railings, covered walkways, windows and more for Sarasota , Venice, Manatee County, Bradenton, Fort Myers and Naples.