Circumstances vary around gutter systems, so every situation is different. In certain cases, delaying gutter replacement could compromise roofing or the foundation, causing further damage to the property and creating other problems.
If you can wait, though, the summer and fall seasons are a great time to tackle gutter replacement. It rains less in summer and fall than in the spring. Even when it does rain in the summer, warmer temperatures dry off rainwater more quickly. This means shorter delays for your project.
The spring season is a great time for assessing the current condition of your gutters. Since showers are frequent during this time of the year, it is likely that your gutter system will take on large quantities of water. This offers a great opportunity for you to test out your gutters to see if they are still capable of draining water efficiently. You can also use this season to plan for gutter installation. Although the job is usually a straightforward process, there should still be sufficient planning before starting the project.
Several factors determine the best time for gutter replacement. Depending on the reason or how urgent the situation, sometimes gutters need to be replaced sooner. The timing depends on your purpose. Below are some factors that will help you decide when you should install new gutters.
New Roof Installation
A great time to install new gutters is when a roof is also being replaced. If your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, you might want to check your gutters as well. It might be time to replace those, too. Having brand new gutters will ensure that they are in the best shape to protect your new roof from water damage.
Selling Your Home
Gutters may not be the most significant factor in curb appeal, but they can certainly make a big difference to the appearance of your home’s exterior. And, sometimes, these minor details can make all the difference to potential homebuyers. So, if you are planning on selling your home soon, you should check your gutters for any noticeable damage like hail marks, cracks or discoloration. Make sure that the sections aren’t pulling away. It’s also important to fix any gutter issues before putting your home on the market.
Mold Problems
The presence of mold in any part of your home can be sign of gutter deterioration. If you have any mold conditions in your home, have your gutter system inspected by a licensed professional. You may have unknown leaks that are allowing water to enter your home. They can assess the condition of your gutters and recommend the best approach.
Rusty Gutters
If your gutter material is metal, you should look for signs of corrosion. Metal gutters typically get rusty as they age, and this can create small pinhole leaks and large holes over time. Depending on the extent of damage, you may only need to replace one section or your entire gutter system.
Preparing for the Wet Season
Your gutter system is critical to keeping rainwater away from your roof. If your gutters have already been showing signs of damage or deterioration, you should have them replaced before the wet season arrives.
Who Should Perform Gutter Installation?
Some homeowners are confident in tackling a DIY gutter installation, but it is usually recommended to leave the job to experienced professionals. This will ensure the best outcome. Remember that your gutters are crucial to protecting your home from water damage. Any mistake during the installation process could compromise its quality and performance. To ensure that your gutter system can really withstand the elements, hire a professional.
Seamless gutters not only reduce the possibility of leaks, but they provide protection against common problems associated with sectional gutters and provide superior protection against future leaks. Here are some of the most common types of damage that can occur due to leaking gutters:
Foundation Issues
Water runoff in unwanted locations, such as the aging seam of a sectional gutter, can cause damage to your foundation over time. In compromised areas, water will wash away soil and expose your foundation, allowing pests, moisture and possibly mold into your home. Once landscaping erodes, the resulting moisture will cause expansion and contraction cycles of the soil around your home. After a period of this repeating cycle, support to the foundation can become compromised, leading to cracked foundations and masonry walls.
Stains on Your Masonry and Siding
Sectional gutters do sometimes fail at the seams over time and with age. If a slow leak develops at the seam of a failing gutter, stains can appear that are difficult to remove.
Another cause of concern is splash back. Rainwater cascading off a roof will impact the ground with enough force to cause splashing, which can contain dirt, grass and minerals that end up on the exterior of your home. Over a short period of time, an unsightly stain may appear.
Damage to Your Landscaping
Plants, flowers, mulch and soil located under the seams of sectional gutters may be impacted negatively from water runoff from rain, sleet and snow. This unwanted collection of water could encourage harmful fungus to develop or attract insects to nest. A properly designed and installed gutter system will keep the soil near your structure at a consistent moisture level by directing roof runoff safely away from the house at designated areas.
More Reasons to Choose Seamless
Maintenance
Seamless gutters are generally known to be largely hassle-free and are lower in maintenance than sectional gutters.
Aesthetic Value
Seamless gutters eliminate unsightly seams. This not only looks great but adds value to your home. Most seamless gutters cost a bit more than sectional gutters, but they lend an upscale, polished look to your home and are worth the investment.
The look of your gutters can improve the curb appeal of your home.
Gutters might not seem like the most glamorous home improvement project. But framing the rooflines of your home with the right look can make a positive impact on how your home is perceived, as well as increase your home’s value.
Below are three popular types of upscale gutter options that are worth considering for your home.
Upscale Gutter Design Options
Half-Round
This type of gutter system has been widely used in Europe and has made its way to the U.S. Owners of older classic homes often request this type of gutter as it carries a stylish, aesthetically appealing look.
Half-round gutters may also be required on homes that are part of a historic registry or are located in a historic area. Their rounded shape works beautifully with a variety of vintage homes.
In most cases, half-round gutters are more expensive—not only due to their reduced availability in the marketplace, but also because they require special threaded rods and hanger brackets. These same threaded rods and exposed hanger brackets are part of their visual appeal.
Copper
Luxury gutters are becoming more and more standard. Copper gutters are considered part of the luxury market and are most often seen on high-end homes. Built for endurance, copper gutters can last as long as fifty years or more with proper maintenance, and they will not rust if properly installed.
But the durability of copper gutters is only part of why people love them. Copper gutters are less common, beautiful to look at, and add tremendous value to a home. This is definitely a long-term investment that will pay off over time.
Seamless
Seamless gutters may not improve the look of your home, but investing in this type of system will reap rewards over time. If you’re looking for a sturdy, well-manufactured gutter product that will not sag or leak, requiring repairs over time, seamless gutter systems are a great choice.
This type of gutter system has no seams and is measured and cut to the exact lengths of your rooflines. Seamless gutters are generally stronger than traditional sectional gutters and rarely leak, offering superior protection against potential water damage. Seamless gutters are installed by a specialist contractor team, hence the higher price tag.
Bottom Line
No matter which kind of gutter system you choose, gutters serve a critical purpose and might be one of the worthwhile projects you can take on, not only for curb appeal but for the sake of your home’s protection.
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