Top gutter companies near you

Should I repair or replace my gutters?

Whether you repair or replace your gutters is largely based on the damage. Damages in one or two specific spots only need repair in those areas rather than replacing the entire system. Small cracks need to be washed thoroughly with alcohol and then coated with sealant, but a larger crack may need metal flashing before it’s sealed. The same is true for one specific joint or closure that leaks. Replace or secure loose hangers with a few more hangers. If those hangers are badly dented or bent, you’ll want to replace them.

There are several states of disrepair that need gutter replacement. If your gutters constantly detach from one another, your best option is to call a local gutter company near you. If you’ve replaced the screws holding the gutter system in place and they continue to get loose or fall, this is a sign your system needs a replacement. Large cracks and holes, or even rust, are sure signs your system is old and needs replacement.

You’ll know your gutters need replacing if the fasteners continue to get damaged even after you’ve repaired them. Gutters that sag show that water is collecting, resulting in an overflow — and sagging gutters need replacing. Stained sides or faded paint indicate the water often leaks over the sides, and your home could show similar signs of water damage. If the wood is rotting, wearing away, or the paint is peeling off in one area, your gutters are most likely leaking. Standing water in the gutters or mildew on your foundation is another indicator you need to replace your gutters.

What questions should I ask gutter contractors?

There are a few great questions to ask any gutter companies you’re considering. First, make sure they’re licensed and insured. Choosing a licensed and insured company protects your home if something goes wrong and needs fixing, like a broken window. Double-check that the employer insures any accidents or injuries. Ask for an estimate for the work involved and if the company warranties their work.

When it comes to gutter specifics, it’s good to know what you’re buying. Are the gutters seamless? Seamless means the gutters only have seams in the corners, which has become the industry standard. Ask whether you’re getting aluminum or galvanized gutters. Aluminum is excellent for a seamless gutter, while galvanized was primarily used in the 1980s. Ask the company what styles and sizes they have and which type they recommend. Many homes have standard five-inch gutters, but you can get six-inch gutters if you feel you need more space.

Ask what type of seams they use for the corners. Box miter seams are inexpensive, easy to install and come with three seams. Strip miters only have two, whereas a custom hand miter has one seam per corner and has a stronger, tighter fit that lasts longer.

You’ll want to know if the gutter company fixes any damages they might find upon removing the old gutters, and ask if they use screws to hang the gutters as they’re generally better than nails. Don’t forget to ask how closely they hang gutter hangers. A gutter company should not space hangers more than 24” on average because the gutter is unlikely to stand up to snow, ice, or other heavy debris if they’re further away.

What do I need to know about replacing gutters?

When gutters work, they become the unsung heroes of your home, diverting water effortlessly, even during heavy downpours. When your gutters aren’t up to snuff, you’ll see signs of water damage on your home — a sure indicator that major issues are around the corner. If you spot any problems with your gutters, from small cracks to a complete detachment, fix them immediately to avoid serious damage.

After you decide to get new gutters, find out what your gutters need to handle. How much rain do you get when the weather is at its worst? What about snow? Some gutters are sturdier than others, and it’s best to find gutters made for the climate in your area. A local gutter company should be able to offer a good recommendation.

Consider what material you want your gutters made of. Galvanized gutters used to be common, but aluminum is an affordable and versatile option that many folks depend on today. Copper comes first in durability, and a copper gutter could last up to 50 years with proper maintenance.

Chances are good that if your gutters are falling apart, your roof may also have some damage. Before you replace your gutters, you’ll want to do any necessary roof repairs. Check the fascia board, as most gutter systems strain it. You don’t want to replace your gutters only for your roof’s poor condition to break them.

Next up is gutter size. You may want to size up if you get a lot of rainfall and your old gutters overflow regularly. Consider how many gutter hangers you’ll need and how far apart they’ll be from the house. Use metal flashing to prevent water from running behind the gutters. You can also choose leaf guards, which keep debris like leaves and sticks from clogging the gutters.

Should I hire a contractor to repair my gutters?

Installing gutters is a great DIY project for people who love tackling home renovations. Make sure you’re comfortable handling tools on a ladder and have enough physical strength to work with the necessary materials. Because of the danger of the work, ask a family member or friend to hold the ladder and keep tabs on you while you work. Keep in mind that the tools you’ll need can raise the project’s cost. Put a plan in place to make sure you’re installing everything correctly because incorrectly installed gutters can compromise the whole system. In the worst-case scenario, this requires the job to be completely redone.

Gutter damage requires a skilled contractor to find out whether or not there’s a way to improve the system when replacing it. They know the best places to attach downspouts to keep rainwater moving away from your property, and they’ve got the proper tools for the job — including different tin snips and crimpers. A contractor can recommend the correct gutter style for your home, like standard, k-style, or fascia gutters.

You might pay more for materials than you initially planned. Beyond the tools needed for the job, gutters come with various parts that hold the system together. These include hanging brackets or fasteners, end caps, elbows, sealant, flashing, downspouts, and rivets. A gutter company may have these in bulk while buying them piecemeal from a hardware store adds up.

Ensure you have the correct gutters for your home and the climate you live in, and keep in mind that installing gutters is a technical job performed on a ladder. This makes installing gutters labor-intensive and potentially dangerous. If you do your research and have someone who can assist you, it’s definitely possible to DIY — but a gutter company will often get the best products for your home and do the job correctly.

How do you shop for gutters?

There are many options available when it comes to shopping for gutters. What you choose depends on your style, budget, your home’s needs, and the climate in your area. Professional gutter companies make great recommendations based on your specific situation.

First, consider the material of your gutters. Aluminum is easy to find, inexpensive, and lightweight. It also comes in many colors and resists corrosion. Steel gutters are also rust-resistant but come with a higher price tag. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc but is prone to rust over time. Zinc gutters are another strong and durable option. Vinyl gutters are inexpensive but tend to wear down fast. Copper is highly durable and attractive to boot, but it’s the most expensive option.

After you choose your material, it’s time to think about gutter design. K-style gutters are the most common, as they resemble decorative crown molding. Fascia gutters provide a smooth face, and like fascia boards, they hide the edge of the rafter tails from view. Half-round gutters have an open side facing the roof, but it has fallen out of favor due to its likelihood of clogging with debris.

If you’re planning to DIY your gutters, you’ll have to create seams and attach the gutters. You can buy seamless gutters, but you’ll need a professional with a portable gutter machine to install them. All materials and styles come in seamless and sectioned gutters.

How much does it cost to have new gutters put on a house?

On average, installing gutters costs $1,000 per 100 linear feet. This includes materials, labor, and removal of the old gutters. Several variables can affect this cost.

Gutter installation generally completes in an eight-hour workday, so most of the price goes to materials rather than labor. You’re paying for your gutters per foot, and your chosen material will impact that cost. The number of downspouts you need can add to the cost. Most houses typically need four to six at roughly $25 per downspout.

The materials affect the price the most. Aluminum costs an average of $9 per linear foot, while seamless and steel gutters cost closer to $15 per linear foot. Copper gutters cost an average of $33 per linear foot. Vinyl is another option; they cost an average of $4 per linear foot.

You can get extra materials for your gutters depending on your needs. Splash blocks and flashing cost $10 a piece and can assist in water flow where needed. Hangars keep your gutters firmly attached to the home and cost $2 per piece. On average, gutter guards prevent debris and run about $10 per linear foot. If you live in a cold climate, you might consider heat tape to prevent freezing damage, which costs around $77 for 100 feet. You may also pay for the removal of the original gutters, which costs between $40 and $100.