Should you install a seamless or sectional gutter system for your home? Your choice will have a big impact on how much you will need to worry about your gutters. Seamless gutters minimize the risk of roof leaks and they last longer and are easier to clean than sectional gutters. As the top gutter contractor in Dewitt, NY, we highly recommend choosing seamless gutters for your home whenever possible. To help you understand why, we will explain how gutters work, discuss the differences between seamless and sectional gutters and highlight the benefits of seamless gutters for your home.
How Do Gutters Work and Why Are They Important?
Your gutters may not be the most glamorous part of your home, but they are among the most important. Your gutters’ job is to protect the rest of your home from water damage. Your roof sheds a lot of water when it rains. This rainwater flows to the roof edge where the gutters catch it and redirect it into your downspouts. The downspouts deposit the water a safe distance away from your home. This is important because otherwise, the rain could saturate the soil surrounding your foundation and cause problems.
The gutter system can be attached to the fascia using a clip or spike-and-ferrule hanger or it can be hung using hangers along your roof’s eaves. Gutters used to be made from wood and stone in centuries past, but modern manufacturers now make gutters from vinyl and various kinds of metal. Your choice of gutter material will depend on your home’s specific needs and your budget. As the leading expert in gutters and gutter covers in Syracuse, we recommend aluminum gutters because they provide a great balance between durability and affordability.
Sectional Gutters vs. Seamless Gutters
Sectional gutters are the kind of gutters you can get from a store. They come in sections, which makes them cheaper and easier to install. Sectional gutters are made up of different pieces that are joined together by clips, screws sealant or a combination of any of the three. Sectional gutters are designed to work with many different kinds of homes. You figure out the length of your roof edge and you buy a certain amount of sections and downspouts. Sectional gutters used to be common and you can typically find them in older homes.
When buying and installing sectional gutters, remember that you’ll get what you pay for. As the leading expert in gutters and gutter protection in Hamilton, NY, we cannot recommend them for our customers. Sectional gutters are made with multiple pieces, which means they have multiple opportunities to fail. It only takes one section of the gutter system to come loose to leave your home more vulnerable to water damage.
Seamless gutters, one the other hand, are made of one continuous piece of metal. Seamless gutters have no sections and they have no screws, sealants, or clips. The entire stretch of your home will be protected by one solid length of gutter. You won’t have to worry about parts of your gutter system coming loose. Leaks are much less likely because there are no vulnerable seams.
Benefits of Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are the better choice for your gutter replacement system because they look better, last longer and require less maintenance than sectional gutters. In addition, they are also much less likely to leak, and they can protect your home from water damage better. You will have fewer things to worry about if you choose seamless gutters for your home.
Custom Designed – Seamless gutters are manufactured according to a property’s specific measurements. You are guaranteed a perfect fit when you choose seamless gutters. When gutters fit well, they are less likely to leak and they perform a better job protecting your home from water damage.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements – Dirt, leaves and other debris can get stuck in the seams of sectional gutters. This isn’t a problem with seamless gutters. You won’t have to clean your seamless gutters as often and they’ll require less professional maintenance.
Longer Lifespan – You won’t need to worry about replacing your gutter system for a long time when you install seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are much less likely to clog than sectional gutters, so they are much less likely to fail. Seamless gutters are also made of much stronger materials like aluminum. The reduced repair and maintenance costs combined with the long lifespan of seamless gutters means that they virtually pay for themselves over time.
More Design Options – Seamless gutters also look better. Many gutter companies offer a wide range of colors for their seamless gutters. Since every seamless gutter is custom-designed, you can easily work with your contractor to make a seamless gutter system that perfectly matches your home.
The bottom line is, seamless gutters make your life easier.
Signs You Need a Gutter Replacement
Your gutters protect your landscaping, siding and roof from water damage, so if you see any of these signs then you need to schedule a gutter replacement as soon as possible.
Sagging – Your gutters and downspouts should not sag or pull away from your home. This problem is caused by pressure. Your gutters are likely clogged, which causes water to pond. The weight of the ponding water and the debris trapped in your gutters causes them to sag and fail.
Cracking or Splitting – You should replace your gutter system if you notice visible cracks and splits, particularly if your home has sectional gutters. These structural problems will cause your gutters to leak water, which defeats the purpose of having gutters in the first place. Repairing these cracks is a temporary solution at best.
Paint Peeling – Leaking gutters might cause the paint on your exterior walls to peel. The water from your gutters splashed onto the paint and damaged it. We recommend calling a professional gutter company to determine if you need new gutters to deal with this problem.
Investing in a seamless gutter system means you won’t have to deal with these problems anymore. It also means you won’t have to worry about similar problems developing in the future.
Why You Should Choose Your Gutter Company Carefully
Seamless gutters are manufactured on site and installed by professional gutter companies. That’s why it’s important for you to find a trustworthy company for your gutter replacement. The quality of your seamless gutter installation will determine how long it will last and how well it will protect your home from water damage. Look for gutter companies with many years of experience and a proven reputation. If possible, find a company that backs their workmanship and products with a strong warranty.
Barry Best Seamless Gutters installs custom-made seamless gutters that come in several different colors. We use only the highest-quality materials for our products. In addition, we are an authorized Gutter Helmet® dealer, so we can improve your gutters with our gutter protection system. We’re confident in the durability and performance of our gutters. They are backed by a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty along with our own 10-year warranty that covers installation and labor.
Gutters prevent home exterior damage, basement flooding, foundation issues and erosion. It's a common misconception…
Harsh winter elements can be hard on your home. Fall is an excellent time to…
Keeping your gutter system in good condition is more than just a matter of aesthetics.…
While gutters aren't the most noticeable part of your home, they help prevent serious issues,…
Your seamless gutters are crucial to preserving your home’s appearance and longevity. They divert rainwater…
A retractable awning can help you maximize your outdoor living space. It will make spending…