Seamless Gutters: What’s All The Fuss?
If there’s one thing homeowner’s take for granted- it’s their gutters.
If you’ve read this blog or had me out for a roofing estimate, you know that gutters are a top priority. Every seasonal maintenance post on Martin’s blog, every article about healthy roof practices, and even winter ice questions–
“Vern,” you might say, “are gutters really that special?”
Yes! Those humble gutters pull their weight and more when it comes to keeping your home safe from every type of storm.
Why mention them so often?
Gutters aren’t glamorous. They’re easy to forget- and all-too-often they get pushed to the end of the to-do list.
It isn’t until the wet Pennsylvania spring sets in that most of our customers realize how much they need their gutters to work. Unwelcome leaks mean the crew at Martin Roofing and Siding spend a good portion of our calendar on roofs. A good gutter system is essential if you’re the type of homeowner who doesn’t want to take out an insurance claim during the heavy spring rain.
Although we help dozens of homeowners fix and maintain traditional gutter systems every year, when it comes to new installs? I’m a fan of seamless gutters.
Considering a new gutter system this spring?
Let me give you an insider’s look at the seamless gutter system we use to protect homes.
First: What Do Gutters Do?
It sounds simple: Gutters channel water (rainwater, ice melt, etc) off your roof and away from your house.
Channeling water off your roof
- Protects your siding and keeps it from wearing out before its time
- Protects your walls, shuttling water away from seeping into your home through windows and other entry points
- And protects your landscaping, preventing pooling, flooding, and mud in your yard or garden
But that simple task isn’t always as straightforward as it should be.
Traditional gutters, typically aluminum or vinyl, are delivered to suppliers from manufacturers in 10’ or 20’ lengths. There, an installer pieces together the gutter to fit the length of the building.
More pieces = more seams. And more seams? That means more “weak points” where fasteners and sealants can fail.
In the mid-1970s, the invention of portable seamless gutter machines allowed gutters to be created on-site. Speciality equipment meant this new system wasn’t suited for DIYers, but it became a great choice for homeowners looking for professional installation.
I love seamless gutters because it’s one of those instances where technology made everything more simple for the homeowner. The benefits are easy to understand:
Fewer seams mean stronger, more reliable, and longer lasting gutter systems.
While seamless gutters don’t inherently do anything different than traditional gutters, they shed water with less maintenance and fewer failures than the “piece together” units.
But at what cost?
Are Seamless Gutters More Expensive than Traditional Gutters?
First- let me be honest.
If your traditional gutter system is working well with only a few minor leaks, I’d never push you to replace your entire system.
Leaks in traditional gutter systems could be a one-off instance of
- a sealant that didn’t stick,
- a fastener that wasn’t quite sunk far enough,
- or a heavy storm that damaged just a small part of your system.
But if you find your gutters leaking out multiple seams, falling off your roof, and backing up in the lightest drizzle?
It’s time for a new system.
Yes, seamless gutters are a bit more expensive than traditional piece-together systems. Our preferred material, a seamless “k” profile 5” gutter, can cost around 20% more than your cheapest plastic gutter system. (To get an exact quote, give me a call here)
But the advantages of spending a couple hundred dollars extra on your gutter system are enormous when factored over the decades of protection.
Going Seamless: Pros from a Roofing Pro
You install a seamless gutter system on your roof. Great! What advantages can you expect to see?
- Strength and Durability : This is a BIG one. As a contractor in one of the wettest, stormiest areas of the country, a gutter system that performs well and holds up to high winds is a must for me.
When you replace your existing gutters with a seamless system, you’ll get the peace of mind of knowing you’ve installed the most weather-resistant drainage system for your roof.
- Low Maintenance: Fewer seams mean fewer places for dirt, shingle particulate, and runoff to “build up” in your gutters. Seamless gutter owners experience fewer clogs and don’t have to work as hard when it comes time for a seasonal clean out.
- Longevity: With proper installation and regular maintenance, seamless gutters last decades. When you factor out the extra expense of installation, the ‘cost’ for the added durability and reduced maintenance comes out to less than <$75/year.
Unless you love spending time on your roof cleaning out your gutters….I think you’ll agree that it’s worth it!
Should I Replace My Gutters When I Replace My Roof?
Most roofing materials outlast common gutter systems.
If your gutters are original to your roof, and you’re on the books for a roofing replacement? Then yes you should absolutely consider replacing your gutters at the same time. By making sure both of these systems are up-to-date, you’re giving your home the maximum protection possible from rain and winter precipitation.
But what if your gutters have been replaced in the last few years?
There’s no better time to have a professional take a close look at your gutter performance than when replacing your roof.
Want an honest assessment of your roof and gutter system’s performance? Call us at 570.345.0406! We’d love to help you protect your home this spring.
Have a question about your roof, your siding, or any other home maintenance inquiry? Email me at Vernon@martincarpentryinc.com and get a professional answer fast.
Talk soon!
Vern
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