Gutters

Gutters are the unsung heroes of a home’s exterior, quietly directing rainwater away from the foundation to protect your abode from water damage. But how long do these crucial components last?  

The lifespan of gutters varies depending on the materials used and how well they’re maintained. Let’s dive into the different types of gutters and what you can expect in terms of longevity. 

Types of Gutters and Their Lifespans

• Vinyl Gutters: Often chosen for their affordability and ease of installation, vinyl gutters are a popular choice among homeowners. But how long do vinyl gutters last? Typically, you can expect them to last about 20 years. However, they can become brittle and crack in extremely cold climates. 
• Aluminum Gutters: Aluminum gutters are a step up in terms of durability. How long do aluminum gutters last? On average, they can serve your home well for about 25 years. They’re resistant to rust and can handle a range of weather conditions, making them a versatile choice for many homes. 
• Copper Gutters: If you’re looking for longevity, copper gutters and downspouts are where it’s at. How long do copper gutters last? It’s not unusual for copper gutter systems to last 50 years to even 100 years with proper care. Their durability and the natural patina they develop over time add to the home’s curb appeal, making them a premium choice. 
• Seamless Gutter Systems: Regardless of the material, seamless gutters offer an advantage in terms of lifespan because they minimize leaks. A seamless gutter can last as long as the material it’s made from, if not longer due to reduced risks of leaks and damage. 

Factors Influencing Gutter Lifespan

The material is a significant factor, but how long do gutters last on a house also depends on maintenance and environmental conditions. Regular gutter cleaning and gutter repair can extend the lifespan by preventing blockages that cause water to overflow and damage the home’s foundation and siding. Gutters and downspouts need to be clear of debris to function correctly. 

When to Replace Your Gutters 

Knowing when to replace your gutters is crucial for protecting your home from water damage. Signs that it’s time for gutter replacement include noticeable sagging, cracks, rust, and water damage marks beneath the gutters. If your gutters are over 20 years old, it’s wise to have them inspected to see if they’re still up to the task. 

Installation and Maintenance: Keys to Long-Lasting Gutters 

Having your gutters installed by a professional ensures they’re correctly positioned for optimal performance. After installation, regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspecting your gutters for signs of wear, will help them last as long as possible. Consider investing in gutter guards to minimize the amount of debris that enters the system. 

The Bottom Line

How long do gutters and downspouts last? Whether you opt for vinyl, aluminum, or copper gutters, taking care of your gutter system through regular maintenance and timely repairs is essential for maximizing its lifespan.  

Remember, the longevity of your gutters not only protects your home’s foundation but also contributes to its overall curb appeal. So, don’t wait until it’s too late—clean your gutters, repair any damage, and replace your gutters when necessary to keep your home safe and sound. 

Get a Free Estimate for a Gutter Installation Today! 

Properly functioning gutters are crucial to protecting your home from water damage. By collecting and diverting rainwater away from your home’s foundation and siding, the right rain gutter installation can prevent issues like mold, mildew, peeling paint and even flooding basements.

Installing new gutters or replacing old, worn-out ones is a doable DIY project if you have the right materials, tools and know-how.

Keep in mind that hiring rain gutter installers isn’t a huge expense and we’d be happy to help you at Burwell Construction. If you’d like to learn more about tackling it yourself, continue reading.

Types of Rain Gutter Installation Materials

When it’s time to replace gutters or install them for the first time, homeowners have several material options. They range according to durability, price, and weight. Here are the most common types of rain gutters you can choose: 

Aluminum Gutters 

Aluminum is one of the most popular gutter materials due to being lightweight, easy to install, rust-resistant and available in a wide range of colors. Aluminum gutters can dent, however, and may not perform well in areas with heavy snowfall.  

Vinyl Gutters

Another lightweight and easy-to-install option, vinyl gutters resist rust, rot and corrosion. Their durability varies by climate, though, as extreme cold makes vinyl brittle. These gutters come in fewer color options than aluminum. 

Steel Gutters 

The strongest choice, steel gutters stand up well to heavy snow and ice. But they are vulnerable to rust without vigilant maintenance. Steel is also heavier than other materials, making DIY installation more challenging. 

Copper Gutters

The Cadillac of gutters, copper is extremely durable, attractive and requires little maintenance other than occasional cleaning. Natural weathering gives copper gutters a unique, attractive appearance over time. But the initial cost of copper gutters is quite steep and you might have a harder time finding the materials if you plan to install them yourself.  

5 Steps for Proper Gutter Installation

Follow these basic steps for smooth, successful DIY gutter installation: 

1. Measure Your Roof 

Calculating the length of gutter needed for each roof edge is crucial for buying enough materials. Include 10% extra for waste and mistakes. Mark downspout locations too. This is also a good time to take inventory of any abnormalities that may make the installation more challenging.  

2. Choosing a Gutter System

Consider climate, budget, color options and architectural style when selecting a gutter system. Aluminum and vinyl are the most DIY-friendly choices. A lot of homeowners are surprised when they find out they don’t have to go for the traditional white or gray colored gutters.  

3. Installing Downspouts

First attach downspout outlets to gutter sections, applying sealant on the outlet flanges to prevent leaks. Assemble downspout sections with screws and mount them to the house with brackets. 

4. Install Gutter Brackets 

Space gutter brackets no more than 3 feet apart and align them precisely to encourage proper water flow. Use a level to keep brackets sloped slightly towards downspouts. 

5. Assemble Sections and Attach to Brackets  

Cut gutter sections with tin snips, allowing for joints at corners. Seal and screw together gutter sections. Position the gutters on brackets, verifying alignment and slope. Secure gutter sections to brackets with screws. 

The Importance of Gutter Maintenance

To maximize gutter lifespan, semiannual cleaning is a must. Clear out leaves, sticks and other debris to prevent clogs that can lead to overflow damage.  

Inspect gutters at least twice per year as well, looking for leaks, damage or loose parts needing repair. Consider adding gutter guards when installing new gutters, as another debris-blocking line of defense. 

Hiring a professional gutter installation service may carry a bigger gutter installation cost, but can save homeowners money over time. If gutters aren’t installed correctly, water can leak down the back and underneath your siding causing extensive structural damage to your home.  

Experienced crews know all the proper techniques for expertly installing gutters to precise slopes and alignments, using durable materials that will last for decades rather than years. 

Final Thoughts

Keep rainwater flowing properly through your gutters and away from your home’s structure by installing a quality gutter system correctly, then diligently maintaining it year after year.  

Putting in top-notch gutters today means you can basically set them and forget them for 20 years or more, protecting your most valuable investment – your home. 

If you’re currently living without gutters or a gutter system that doesn’t work properly, don’t wait any longer. Get a free estimate for gutter installation today! 

Gutters have long been part of structural design. Your home growing up certainly had gutters, and you likely never thought twice about it. But why do houses have gutters? Or, more to the point, why are gutters important for your home?

Let’s break down some of the common reasons why a house needs gutters and get a better understanding of why gutters on your home can actually protect your property.

Gutters Are Necessary

The common association with gutters is that they direct rainwater away from the home. This is true. However, there are misconceptions about why this is in fact so important. For instance, if your gutter system is not adequately working, you can find yourself with quite a bit of water damage. 

Additionally, this water damage can appear in several ways. Here are a few of them:

Basement Flooding

Gutters work by collecting rainwater and directing it away from your home. This is not only for cleanliness and efficiency but also for protection. For example, if rain pools up near your foundation, it can cause structural damage or flooding.

This can ultimately lead to wet basements and problems with your home’s foundation. It is a common rule of thumb that water always wins the fight when it comes to homes. Gutters are necessary because they are your first line of defense after your roof.

Water Runoff

Without a gutter in place, there are certain parts of your roof that are likely to develop “Waterfalls.” These waterfalling areas can cause damage in a variety of ways. For one thing, they can put unneeded stress on your roof. If water continues to flow to a particular area, that is wear that can start to cause problems over time. 

This particular area, for instance, can develop mold and mildew from constant sitting moisture. If this mold gets into your attic, you will be in need of undesired home improvements. By having gutters around your house, you will eliminate the concentrated waterfalling and evenly distribute the flow of water. 

Additionally, water falling from your roof directly to the ground can harm the soil as well as the foundation. While the foundation and basement are what most homeowners think of, the soil is at risk as well. This happens when too much water creates mold growth in the soil. 

And if your soil is clay-rich, this is a problem in and of itself. Clay will break down and create problems. Therefore, gutters are important on a house to help direct constant waterfalling away from clay-rich soil.

Keeping Gutters Clean

There are many problems affiliated with a lack of gutters, but a damaged or clogged gutter will cause problems as well. It is pretty clear to see why gutters are necessary, but don’t forget about regular maintenance. 

Gutter Cleaning

The idea of getting on a ladder and cleaning your gutter is not always fun to think about. This is why there are professionals who can handle the job for you. But regardless of who is doing the cleaning, it must be thorough and regular. 

A backed-up gutter will create a dam, which will lead to any number of the problems mentioned above. On one hand, you don’t want water pouring out where it is not intended and creating foundational problems. On the other hand, you don’t want it pooling on your roof, creating opportunities for leaks and mold damage.

Therefore, make sure your gutters are clean and fastened correctly. After all, some gutters are more durable than others. It is worth checking on them after significant storms, such as hail storms or heavy winds. Making sure they are fastened correctly is as important as making sure they are clean. 

Leaking can also be a problem with older gutters especially. Gutters are exposed to the elements, from squirrels to rustling tree branches to harsh weather. Any of these can create small dents or holes that can lead to further leaking. And it is easy to understand that a leaking gutter defeats much of the purpose of the gutter itself.  

Turn to the Professionals

Gutters are necessary to protect your home. Just like a proper roof or secure windows, gutters play a significant role. From their installation to their ongoing maintenance inspections, don’t let your gutter duties fall by the wayside.

If you are in need of maintenance or even a new gutter, reach out to the professionals at Burwell Construction. We have the experience and knowledge to make sure you get the gutter you need. Not to mention we provide the installation your house deserves. 

Get a Free Estimate for a Gutter Installation Today!