A gutter system is essential to protect your basements, crawl spaces, topsoil, siding, windows, and doors. Without proper gutters, or with poorly maintained ones, you risk foundation issues, landscape erosion, and even structural damage to your home over time.
This guide will help you navigate the world of gutters, from materials and sizes to installation and maintenance.
Types of Gutter Materials
Material is crucial when considering new gutters. Each option has benefits and drawbacks when it comes to durability, cost, and curb appeal. Here are some of the most common ones.
Aluminum Gutters
Lightweight aluminum gutters are a popular choice among homeowners, not just because of their low cost. “Ninety percent of what we install is aluminum,” says Lyle Brandt of All New Gutter Service in Fargo, North Dakota. “If downspouts get plugged and water collects, you don’t have to worry about rust, as you do with steel.” If you’re an eco-conscious homeowner, you might also choose aluminum gutters for their easy recyclability.
According to Angi, aluminum gutters typically cost between $3 to $15 per linear foot installed.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are a popular choice for average, mild climates. They are lightweight, easy to cut and install, and resistant to rust and rot. However, they can become brittle with age or in extreme cold.
According to Angi, vinyl is also among the most affordable options, with sections costing just $3 to $7 per linear foot.
Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel gutters are strong and durable. They can withstand impacts from falling branches better than aluminum, but even the thickest models will eventually rust through.
According to Angi, steel gutters generally cost between $5 and $20 per linear foot, which puts them in the middle of the pack.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are a premium option prized for their beauty and longevity. They never rust and never need painting, developing a beautiful patina over time. However, according to Angi, at about $15–$40 per linear foot, they’re significantly more expensive than other materials.
Wood Gutters
Wood gutters are rare in modern construction but can offer a uniquely traditional design for restoring old homes. They come with a hefty price tag, running about $20–$32 per linear foot, depending on the wood used. These gutters also require more maintenance to keep rot and decay at bay.
Gutter Sizes and Shapes
Once you’ve chosen a gutter material, you must determine the size and shape you need. These two factors can significantly impact the effectiveness of your gutter system in managing water runoff.
Standard Gutter Sizes
Gutters typically come in 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch diameters. 5-inch gutters are very common and can handle the runoff from most average-sized roofs. If your roof is larger or you live someplace with heavy rainfall, 6-inch gutters might be preferable.
Gutter Profiles
Gutter shape is sometimes called “profile.” These two profiles are common for residential use:
- K-style: K-style gutters are a good starting point, and with their higher water capacity, they can perform well across various climates. They have a flat bottom and back paired with a decorative front that resembles crown molding. Installation is easier since no brackets are required, but cleaning is harder because of their more complicated angles.
- Half-round: These gutters have a semicircular profile and are commonly used for older homes. They’re known for durability and a distinctive style, but tend to have a lower water capacity than K-style gutters.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters
Finally, you’ll need to choose whether you want sectional or seamless gutters.
Sectional Gutters
Sectional gutters are pre-cut, fixed-length gutter pieces installed together. They’re typically made of vinyl or aluminum.
There are visible seams separating each piece of the network. This makes sectional gutters more DIY and budget-friendly to install and repair. However, the seams can also become leak points as the gutters age.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are custom-made onsite to fit your home’s exact shape and measurements. They’re typically made of aluminum, though steel and copper options are also available. To make them, contractors use a special machine to extrude a continuous piece of gutter to your home’s perimeter, with seams only at corners and downspout outlets.
The primary benefit of seamless gutters is they leak far less and have fewer points where water can escape. However, they require professional installation and can be more expensive upfront.
Gutter Installation Considerations
Gutters perform best when they’re properly installed. If you live in a one-story house or are comfortable with working on ladders, installing sectional gutters can be a simple DIY project. However, some scenarios still exist where leaving the project to the pros is best.
DIY Installation Tips
Follow these tips to install sectional gutters the right way:
- Choose a calm day for installation to avoid wind-related accidents.
- Slope matters. Install the gutter with a slight downward angle toward the downspout, about 1/2 inch for every 10 feet.
- Secure your gutters with screw-in hidden hangers or roof straps. Spike-and-ferrule hangers are also available, but they can pull out over time.
- Ensure the downspouts direct water at least 4 feet away from your home’s foundation.
When To Hire a Professional
It’s better to hire a professional to install your gutters in these situations:
- You want to install seamless gutters, which require specialized equipment.
- You live in a multi-story house, making ladder work more risky.
- You’re installing gutters made of heavier materials like steel or copper.
- You need to replace fascia boards or do other roof repairs before your gutter project.
To choose the right contractor for you, get multiple estimates, check references and online reviews, and ask for proof of licensure, workers’ compensation, and liability insurance. You should also ask about warranty coverage on materials and labor.
Gutter Maintenance and Longevity
Once your new gutters are installed, you’ll need to keep up with regular maintenance so they last for years to come.
Regular Cleaning Practices
Clean your gutters at least twice yearly to prevent clogs and keep water flowing. If you live somewhere with lots of trees, you may need to climb that ladder more frequently, especially in the fall.
Remove debris by hand or with a small garden trowel, then flush the gutters with water to test water flow and check for leaks. You should also inspect your gutters for loose hangers or downspout brackets, as well as signs of sagging.
Gutter Guards and Accessories
Using high-quality gutter guards can make gutter cleaning far more painless by reducing the amount of debris that can enter. There are several types of gutter guards available, ranging from mesh screens to reverse curve guards. You might also be able to buy foam or brush inserts from your local home improvement retailer.
Gutter guards are a big help, but they don’t eliminate the need for maintenance entirely. You should still inspect your gutters regularly and clean them as needed.
Other accessories like downspout extenders can help extend a downspout to direct water further away from your home’s foundation, improving overall water management.
Common Gutter Problems and Solutions
Even well-installed gutters can experience issues over time. A few common problems include the following:
- Clogging: Regular cleaning and gutter guards can prevent clogs.
- Ice dams: In cold climates, ice dams can form and cause water to back up under shingles. Proper attic insulation and ventilation can help get rid of ice dams.
- Improper slope: If water isn’t flowing to the downspouts, you may need to adjust your gutters’ slope. A gutter repair contractor can help you handle this delicate task with precision.
- Leaks: You can often seal small leaks with gutter caulk. Larger issues may require professional help.
- Sagging: Sagging is usually due to loose hangers. Tightening or replacing them can fix the problem.
Our Conclusion
Choosing the right gutter system involves balancing various crucial factors, including material, size, style, and cost. No matter which gutter type you install, remember that you’re investing in your home’s longevity. Proper sizing, correct installation, and regular maintenance will help your gutters work to their fullest potential to protect your home.