Regular maintenance can help prolong the life of your gutters but will not make them last forever. You know you need new gutters if your existing ones are severely damaged, sagging or pulling away from your home. Waiting too long to replace them can result in extensive water damage.
When replacing old gutters, it is not uncommon for homeowners to ask how long the project will take. A local provider of gutters and awnings answers this frequently asked question.
What Can Influence Your Gutter Replacement Timeline?
Your Property’s Size
Various factors can affect the duration of your gutter replacement project. Among them is the size of your home. The larger your house is, the longer it will take to install your new gutters. This project doesn’t usually take a day to accomplish unless you have an especially big or uniquely designed house. For instance, professionals often need one to four hours to replace gutters in small to medium-sized single-story structures and up to at least eight hours in bigger ones.
The Structure of Your Home
How many stories does your home have? If you own a multilevel house, expect the gutter replacement to take slightly longer. This is because installers will have to spend more time climbing up and down the ladder and hauling tools and materials. The job can also be trickier if your house is on the higher side, so workers must take extra precautions.
Weather Conditions
Whether getting new retractable awnings or gutters, the weather can influence your project’s duration. Your contractor may need to stop working due to inclement weather. It’s to ensure the safety of the workers and your home.
Your Preferred Gutter Type
What type of gutters are you getting for your home? Some gutter styles and materials take longer to install than others. For example, seamless gutters are usually made on-site. The time required to fabricate them can affect your project’s timeline. On the other hand, sectional gutters are pre-cut, so they are quicker to install. However, seamless gutters are less prone to leaks and clogs because they have fewer joints.
The Slope of Your Roof
Workers can replace gutters faster in homes with low-slope or flat roofs. They must be more cautious when replacing gutters on a steeper roof. If you have a large home with a steeply sloped roof, your gutter replacement project might take longer. Your installers will use safety equipment and spend more time on a ladder.
Your Contractor’s Skills
Replacing gutters is not as simple as it seems. It requires using the right tools and proper techniques. The job will inevitably take longer if an inexperienced person does it. It’s why you should leave gutter replacement to skilled professionals. Before hiring a contractor, be sure to do your research, verify licenses, read reviews and ask for references.
Keep in mind that well-installed gutters last longer and perform better. At Barry Best Seamless Gutters, you can always count on us for efficient and quality gutter and retractable awning installation services. You can also rely on us for your gutter protection needs.
What Can You Expect During Gutter Replacement?
Removing the Old Gutters
When your contractor arrives at your property, one of the first things they will do is remove your existing gutters. They will take down all the system’s components, from the brackets to the downspouts. A reliable company will take necessary measures to ensure your siding, windows, and the rest of your home’s exterior are safe from damage.
Preparing for Installation
Workers might discover underlying issues, such as mold and wood rot, while removing the old gutters. They will have to address these problems before installing the new gutters. If you are getting seamless gutters, your contractor will measure the eaves. It will allow them to fabricate gutters that perfectly fit your home. Moreover, the preparation stage is usually the busiest part of a gutter replacement project. When done right, it can ensure the longevity of your investment.
Installing Your New Gutters
When all the prep work is done, the next step is to install the gutters. Your contractor should use a special sealant to secure miter joints, end caps, fastener points and downspout guides. Gutters may look straight when you look at them from afar, but professionals install them at a slight angle. It’s to prevent water from pooling inside.
The installation is often completed within a day, depending on the size and structure of your home. Still, talk to your contractor about the timeline beforehand. It will let you know what to expect and make necessary arrangements and preparations before construction begins.
Adding Downspouts
Following the installation of gutters, the downspouts will be secured to your home’s exterior. They must be in the right location to ensure rainwater flows at a safe distance from your house. While this stage doesn’t usually take long, it plays a crucial role in water damage prevention. You could deal with basement flooding and foundation issues if your contractor fails to do it correctly.
Cleaning the Site and Disposing of Refuse Materials
The last step of a quality gutter installation service is cleanup. Home exterior projects tend to create a lot of mess, and improper preparation can result in property damage. Dependable professionals will thoroughly clean the site before leaving your property.
Before hiring a gutter installer, ask how they will prepare your home for construction and clean up afterward. Some companies will handle the cleanup and disposal of refuse materials for you, while others will not. Your contractor might use a powerful magnet to ensure no nails or screws are left on your lawn that can harm you, your family and your pets.
