A Guide to Gutter Installation and Maintenance
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!
