Your gutters are an integral part of your roof. They allow rain to properly drain down to the ground from your roof, eliminating the possibility of rain pooling on the roof. If your gutters are starting to get old and break down, your roof can be at risk for damage. Your best course of action is to hire a professional roofing company to install new gutters, but you may have questions about your new gutters. Keep reading for everything you need to know about getting new gutters.
Design
The two key pieces of the gutters themselves are the length and width of the gutters. The length is simple; Your gutters should run the perimeter of your home. However, the width is a bit more complicated. There may be zoning laws in your area requiring a specific width of your gutters. If there is not a requirement in your area, you find the width you need by calculating the square footage of your roof and the average rainfall you get in your area each year. The larger the roof and the more rain you receive, the larger width you’ll need. The common width for residential gutters is 5 inches.
Material
There are several different types of gutters, including aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Each one has its positives and negatives.
Aluminum:
These gutters are lightweight, rust-resistant, and less expensive for installation. Aluminum gutters can also be made to size on your property so it will be a great fit. However, aluminum is much less durable than other materials, allowing your gutters to be easily damaged.
Copper:
Copper gutters can be very expensive but great for curb appeal. You will need a skilled roofing company to install and maintain copper gutters. Many older homes have copper gutters to keep the original design alive.
Zinc:
These gutters are less expensive than copper and still offer great curb appeal. However, zinc gutters are more likely to solder, suffer from thermal expansion & contraction, and become brittle in cooler climates.
Steel:
Steel gutters are strong and have a low rate of thermal expansion & contraction. These types of gutters are great for areas that experience strong winds, hail storms, and snow. The steel gutters themselves are more expensive than aluminum gutters and have a higher installation cost due to their weight.
Cost
In relation to the cost of a gutter replacement, you will need to consider your expectations and your budget. Your budget and expectations will decide what type of material you will choose for your gutters since they vary in cost and installation expenses. You need to make sure that you can afford this gutter replacement to have it completed by a licensed and well-reviewed roofing company.
A few other costs to consider about new gutter installation are:
- A higher labor cost if you have a multiple-story home.
- If you have landscaping on your property that will make installing gutters difficult.
- Removing and disposing of your old gutter system.
Maintenance
The main maintenance needed for your gutters is a clean-out every three months. If you do not have a gutter protection system, debris, such as leaves and twigs, can easily get stuck. Your gutters can not flow rainwater properly if they are full of debris. If you do not feel comfortable cleaning out your gutters yourself or are worried about forgetting, hire a roofing company to come to clean your gutter each quarter.
If your gutters look worn down, are hanging off of your roof, or haven't been replaced in decades, it’s time for new gutters. Premiere Roofing is an experienced and licensed roofing company that can take care of your gutter installation. Give us a call to schedule a free inspection.