Every homeowner is well aware of the importance of gutters to their properties and why it’s critical to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of their gutters. A clogged gutter system can cause a myriad of problems, including roof leaks, damage to landscaping, and gutters pulling away from the roof. When it’s time to install new gutters, many homeowners often struggle with the question of whether to go for seamless gutters or regular gutters. Here is a breakdown of the benefits of installing ‘seamless’ vs. ‘regular’ gutters to help you make an informed choice.
Regular Gutters
Traditional gutters are available in pre-cut sections which are easy to assemble; however, the sections must be properly sealed or soldered at the joints to prevent leaks. You can find regular gutters in a wide range of materials, including copper, steel, vinyl, and aluminum. Although steel is the strongest gutter material, it easily rusts when exposed to moisture. Copper and aluminum offer impressive strength and don’t rust, making them long-lasting when regularly maintained.
Vinyl is adored for its lightweight, rust resistance, affordability, and ease of maintenance since you won’t have to repaint them. However, these gutters don’t last as long as metal gutters. Regardless of the material your gutters are made of, the seams in traditional gutters often create an opportunity for debris to collect, causing your gutters to clog and fail prematurely. You can choose between two common gutter sizes depending on the slope of your roof and how much rain your area receives: 5-inch and 6-inch gutters.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters offer better strength than traditional gutters and are ideal for homes which experience regular clogging due to falling leaves and other debris. They are manufactured from many of the same materials used for traditional gutters and also come in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes. The only difference is they come in a single piece. The single piece is cut and formed on-site using a special machine fed with the desired material.
The lack of seams means there is less chance of leakage. However, installing seamless gutters require professional installation. Seamless gutters are more expensive than regular gutters. However, the reduced maintenance needs and longer life means you can recoup the cost of installation in the long-term.
Which Gutter System is Better
Both gutter systems have pros and cons depending on your home’s architecture, location, preference, and budget. For example, if your home is surrounded by overhanging trees, leaves or pine needles can quickly pile up in your gutters and cause clogs or leaks. Seamless gutters often withstand clogs better and will save you money in maintenance costs. It’s difficult to order traditional gutters from many roofing contractors nowadays, unless you walk into a home improvement shop to buy and then install the gutters yourself.
Overall, seamless gutters offer better performance for homes receiving heavy downpours or located around tall trees. Although you may spend a little more money upfront, it will typically pay for itself in the long run due to low maintenance requirements. If you need seamless gutter installation services in Sacramento and surrounding areas, Straight Line Construction is your one-stop-shop. Contact us today to receive a free estimate!
