Gutter systems are just as essential to your house as the HVAC unit, plumbing system, or electrical wiring. Without an efficient gutter system, your home can fall victim to flooding, water damage, and cracks in the foundation, to name a few. Despite the importance of gutters systems to everyone’s homes, they are often an afterthought on the list of repairs, upgrades, and renovations. When it comes time to get a new gutter system for your home, you should not hesitate.
Gutter systems are an investment in your house. You should take the same amount of consideration you use on appliances, roofing, and floors when deciding on the next gutter system for your home. Gutter systems come in several different materials and styles, but there are two distinct categories of gutters: seamless and seamed. Find out which gutter system is right for your home so that you can keep your home safe from water damage for years to come.
Seamed Gutter Systems
Seamed gutter systems are more commonly found in homes because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. These gutters require regular maintenance to avoid debris build, which can eventually lead to more severe problems like clogs and water leaks. Homeowners should clean their seamed gutters three to four times a year, making sure it’s free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. This traditional style of gutter system comes in a variety of materials with vinyl, aluminum, and stainless steel are the most popular.
Vinyl Gutters – Vinyl is one of the most common choices for gutters because it is lightweight and easy to install. Vinyl will not rust in the elements; however, it is susceptible to damage from severe weather.
Aluminum Gutters – Like vinyl, aluminum gutters are lightweight and will not rust. The advantage to aluminum over vinyl is that it is a better option for colder climates. Aluminum can become dent or bent from hail or other weather conditions.
Stainless Steel Gutters – Although these gutters are more expensive, they are the sturdiest among seamed gutter systems. Stainless steel gutters hold up well in extreme weather conditions and are not easily damaged.
Seamless Gutter Systems
A relatively new option is a seamless gutter system, which is often referred to as maintenance-free. Each brand of seamless gutter systems uses different materials, which are specifically engineered to make them seamless. These materials are durable, holding up well in thunder and hailstorms as well as ice and snow.
A seamless gutter system is created to fit your home, allowing it to have fewer joints for the best possible functionality. This design prevents debris buildup, allowing only water to flow through the gutters and downspouts. In addition to debris buildup, seamless gutter systems are less likely to develop other damages, such as leaks and cracks.
Since seamless gutters are specially made using your home measurements, they are the more expensive option. Many homeowners find the cost of seamless gutter systems to be worthwhile because of their durability and resilience. Additionally, the fact that there is little to no upkeep required makes these gutters very appealing to individuals who value convenience over cost. Many of these maintenance-free gutter companies offer warranties to ensure each homeowner who installs these systems gets the best possible product.
Although seamless gutter systems may appear to be the better choice, this isn’t necessarily the case. When deciding which gutter system is better for you home, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Ask yourself if you live in an area that would make a seamless gutter system worth the cost. If you live in a mild climate that sees little rain, the answer is probably no. However, your home may see all four seasons, in which case installing a seamless gutter system could be a wonderful investment in your home. The idea of any home renovation projects is to get the best ROI. As the homeowner, you will have to decide which type of gutter system is the most appropriate option for your home. The important thing to remember is that you should not wait to fix or replace your gutters, because waiting could lead to expensive damages no matter where you live.
