How many times have you heard someone say they had their gutter replaced only to find out later they probably didn’t need to? Many people make the same mistake every year and spend unnecessary money on this home repair service. If you’re in the market for gutter replacement, it’s important to be aware of these seven things before hiring a gutter replacement service. The old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure couldn’t be truer in this case!
A Quick Introduction
The cost of gutter replacement is not cheap, and it can be hard to know whether or not you need your gutters replaced. Gutters are an important part of a home’s exterior, keeping water away from the foundation, walls, and windows. They also keep leaves and other debris out of the downspouts that lead water away from the roof. But when gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, they don’t work as well as they should. Over time, gutters might even start to leak.
Common Types of Gutters
There are two main types of gutters on the market today, so first you’ll want to decide what type of gutter is best for your house. The most popular option is called an eavestrough and it’s basically a trough that runs along the edge of your roof. The other option is called a fascia gutter, which covers the edges of your home’s fascia boards and connects in the middle with an additional piece called an apron.
A key difference between eavestroughs and fascia gutters is that eavestroughs are installed on sloped roofs while fascia gutters are only used on flat roofs.
Plastic Gutters
Gutters are an important part of the home’s exterior. They protect the foundation and fascia boards by diverting rainwater away from the house. Rainwater, which is acidic, can cause damage over time if it drips down the sides of your house onto the foundation. It’s important to replace your gutters before they get too old and start leaking or become too damaged by sun exposure. A new gutter system will not only look better but will be more efficient at keeping your home dry and damage-free.
Aluminum Gutters
Knowing how much aluminum gutters cost is the first step in making an informed decision. For example, if you have an old home with aluminum gutters, the cost for replacement will be higher than if your home was built after 1995 and has copper gutters. The price of replacing a gutter also varies depending on where you live. The average price for aluminum gutter replacement in San Francisco is $3,000 per linear foot. If you have gutters made from other materials (such as metal or vinyl), the cost of repair can vary widely based on what needs to be done.
PVC Gutters
– Brown stains on the gutter or house wall
– Black residue on the gutter or house wall
– Curling, buckling, or sagging
– Leaking over the top lip of the gutter
Steel Gutters
Gutters are an important part of your home. They help water flow off the roof and onto the ground, keeping things like the foundation, siding and roof itself from becoming damaged. When gutters become clogged with leaves or other debris, they can no longer perform this function and need to be cleaned out. In addition, over time gutters can corrode or rust away due to exposure to rainwater, causing them to leak or break completely. If you find that your gutters have become damaged in any way, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible so that you don’t end up paying for more expensive repairs later on down the line.
Cast Iron Gutters
When gutters are damaged and need replacing, it is important to have new gutters installed with the same material so that they will age like the original ones did. Cast iron gutters are very durable and last for years. In addition, cast iron is one of the few types of gutter metal that withstands rusting and can be painted or stained any color.
Do it Yourself? Pros and Cons
If you are considering doing the work yourself, you should know that gutter replacement can be complicated. There are many different types of gutters and downspouts, so knowing what type your home needs is important. You also need to decide whether or not you will hire someone else to do the work for you or if you will tackle it on your own. Doing it yourself could save money, but there are some risks involved. If it is not done correctly, water damage could occur. Hiring someone else removes those risks, but an additional cost may result. It all depends on your preference and budget.
Choosing Your New Gutter Type
The type of gutters you choose is dependent on many factors, including what your home’s exterior is made of and how much upkeep you want to put in. If you’re installing new gutters for the first time, it’s a good idea to contact a professional who can help determine which type would be best for your home. The following are some common types of gutters available: PVC or Vinyl – PVC or vinyl gutter systems are typically used with residential homes as they are low cost and easy to install. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes so they can blend nicely with your home.
