Home Gutters Installation
The idea of water leaks, flooding, and broken pipes in your home can conjure scary thoughts of water damage. The hero of safeguarding your home from heavy rain storms and melting snow is your gutter system. A proper gutter and downspout system can protect you from a waterfall of rain cascading down your roof when making the dash between car and front door. But more importantly, it protects decks, the home’s foundation, basements, and helps prevent water from seeping into your home and causing costly damage.
Whether you need a gutter repair, gutter replacement, or gutter installation on a new build, this guide will help you to walk through all you need for a smooth gutter installation. Find the right resources from costs, gutters types and styles, gutter guards, accessories and installation tips.
Things to know when installing gutters:
- Gutters Types
- Gutter Styles
- Gutter Sizes
- Cost to Install
- Repair vs Replace
- Gutters Guards and accessories
- Gutter Installation Process
- Finding the right gutter contractor
Types of Gutters
While all gutters serve the same primary purpose – to keep your home structurally safe and sound from water damage – homeowners have different types of gutters to choose from. The gutter’s material impacts the system’s longevity, strength and durability, weather-resistance, and cost.
The top choice for gutters materials is based on their longevity, cost, weather resistance and curb appeal. Some of these are:
- Aluminium – Aluminum gutters are the most popular choices for rain gutters for U.S. homes, thanks to their easy installation and low cost. This lightweight material is resistant to rust but is susceptible to denting and bending
- Vinyl – Vinyl gutters are affordable and easy-to-install and have become very popular among homeowners. The material is lightweight that can bend or crack and may become brittle in extreme hot or cold weather. For these reasons, they are slightly less durable compared to aluminum gutters.
- Copper – Copper gutters are typically more pricey than other types of gutter materials. However, they are some of the best types of gutters available to homeowners due to its resistance to rust mold and mildew, and are fairly low maintenance compared to other gutter systems.
- Zinc – Zinc gutters are another type of high-end gutter system with superior durability. Like copper gutters, they are rust-resistant, corrosion resistant and will not weather or warp easily. They are not the best suited gutter systems for coastal homes, as they can stain in locations with high salt content in the air.
- Steel – Steel gutters are considered a mid-ranged priced gutter option. Nonetheless, they have increased durability compared to aluminum and vinyl gutters, thanks to the zinc coating that is added. They tend to be heavier than other materials which makes them more difficult to install and can put strain on your home’s roof.
Read about different types of gutters, their costs, pros and cons to understand which type is best suited for your homes.
Gutter Styles
Gutter Styles by Shape
When it comes to gutter styles, homeowners have two choices based on the shape/structure of their roof and their geographical location.
- K-style gutters are the most common gutter shape and can be found on most homes in the U.S. They work best for angled roofs. Their shape closely resembles the appearance of crown molding — an appealing choice with high curb appeal for many homeowners. K-style gutters can also hold more rainwater compared to other shapes of similar widths. This makes them an ideal choice for homes in rainy climates.
- Half-round gutters are an inexpensive alternative to K-style gutters and can be a beautiful feature on many historic and traditional home styles. These gutters can move and drain water more efficiently than their K-style counterparts. However, they cannot handle as large volumes of water as well as K-style. For homeowners in areas with less frequent rain in search of a unique, traditional-style gutter, half-rounds might be an ideal solution.
Read our gutter style guide with pros and cons, cost and maintenance tips for each style to know the right option for your home.
Seamless and Sectional Gutters
There is another option is gutter styles to choose between a seamless or a sectional gutter. Seamless gutters are custom fit to your home, more durable and weather-resistant, and less prone to leaks and damage. Sectional gutters, while DIY-friendly and affordable, are more prone to damage and require repairs. Modernize recommends going with seamless gutters for the maximum protection and return on investment.
Gutter Sizes
The size of the gutters is a crucial step to decide on when installing gutters in your home. The amount of rain and snow a geographic location gets influences not only the gutter material that works best, but also the gutter size required and maintenance.
A gutter size too small will make the water overflow and damage roof and siding while a size too big will accumulate water and debris which may not affect draining toward the downspouts.
How Much Does a Gutter Installation Cost?
Luckily, gutter installations and replacements are fairly affordable home improvement projects. They are well worth it because they protect your home from expensive water damage, and can potentially save you thousands of dollars down the road.
The average cost to install a gutter system is largely dependent on the size of your home, the type of gutters you are installing, and the cost of labor and installation in your area. For example, types of gutters to choose from include affordable seamless aluminum gutters vs. high-end seamless copper gutters. Note that copper gutter installations may exceed the national average for gutter projects.
Consult with a professional gutter contractor to find a gutter type that suits your home, local weather conditions, and your budget.
Repair vs Replacement of Gutters
In deciding whether to repair or replace gutters, homeowners should consider the extent of damage and the overall condition of the existing system. If the issues are minor, such as small leaks or loose brackets, repairing the gutters may be a cost-effective solution. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning out debris and ensuring proper drainage, can also prolong the life of the gutters. On the other hand, if the gutters are severely damaged, corroded, or sagging, it might be more practical to replace the entire system. Signs of significant damage include widespread rust, large holes, or sections that are pulling away from the house.
Additionally, if the gutters are outdated and not functioning efficiently, replacing them with a modern, more durable system could be a wise investment in preventing potential water damage to the home’s foundation, siding, or landscaping.
Gutter Guards
The key to gutter and downspout system longevity is proper care and cleaning. But cleaning gutters is not typically on the top of a homeowner’s ideal weekend to-do list. It is a messy chore that can present physical risks.
Installing gutter guards is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of time spent cleaning gutters. These protective filters help keep leaves and other debris from clogging your gutter system. They also water to flow with ease, preventing water leaks and water damage to your home. Gutter guards come at an additional cost during a gutter installation. But they can greatly improve the longevity of the gutter system.
Gutter Installation Accessories
In addition to gutter guards, there are several tools you can use that help extend the life of your gutters and ensure they work efficiently. Some gutter accessories to consider include:
- Downspout extensions. If your downspout is too close to your home, there may be a risk of water damage occurring. To avoid this, you can install downspout extensions to help prevent moisture damage to the siding of your home when there’s a lot of rainfall.
- Hangers. If you want to install half-round gutters, you can use gutter hangers to mount them to your home. They are attached to boards and allow you to drop your gutters into place inside of them.
- Rain chains. Rain chains are stylish solutions for preventing water coming out of gutters from causing erosion to your garden. These chains, which come in attractive styles that can boost the value of your home, break up the flow of water so they don’t spill into your garden.
- Splash blocks. Splash blocks are placed at the end of downspouts to help prevent water flowing out of gutters from causing erosion to a homeowner’s yard. This accessory can be found in decorative styles— shaped as animals, leaves, or ponds—that can add to the aesthetic of your home.
- Fascia Board. The fascia board is a long, straight board that runs along the lower edge of the roof, typically situated perpendicular to the trusses or rafters. The primary function of the fascia board is to provide a smooth, finished appearance to the edge of the roof and to support the bottom row of roof tiles or shingles.
Gutter Installation Process
Gutter installation typically involves several key steps to ensure proper functionality and longevity. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the structure to determine the appropriate gutter system and configuration. Next, measurements are taken to accurately cut gutter sections to fit the dimensions of the roof. The installation team then attaches the gutters to the fascia board using hangers or brackets, ensuring a secure and level fit.
Downspouts are strategically placed to facilitate water drainage away from the foundation. Seams and joints are sealed to prevent leaks, and gutter guards or screens may be added to minimize debris accumulation. Proper slope and alignment are crucial for effective water flow, and the system is often tested to verify its functionality. Throughout the installation, attention to detail and the use of quality materials contribute to a durable and reliable gutter system that protects the home from water damage. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, is recommended to prolong the lifespan of the gutters and ensure ongoing effectiveness.
We recommend going with a gutter cleaning service, costing an average of $128-$320, as a regular practice to extend the lifespan of your gutters and be prepared for unexpected weather changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Installation
There’s a few things you should know ahead of a gutter installation project. Modernize can help you better prepare for your project with a few FAQ’s.
Can I do a DIY gutter installation?
The internet is filled with DIY gutter installation videos. But like many home improvement projects, the skills and knowledge of a professional cannot be replicated in tutorial videos. Professionals can identify potentially dangerous problems — such as damage or wood rot in siding, framing and fascia boards — that might be overlooked otherwise.
Can gutters be repaired rather than totally replaced?
For minor damage, you can opt to have your gutters repaired rather than doing a complete replacement. For example, if you detect small cracks or holes causing your gutters to leak during rain storms, you can often hire a professional to caulk and seal the gutters.
However, if there is more extensive damage to your gutter system, including large cracks and holes, sagging or warping gutters, or broken joints, you will need to replace your gutters. The cost to do a gutter replacement will be more worthwhile and bring you a higher return on investment than doing extensive repairs. Consult with your gutter contractor to make the decision between a gutter repair vs. replacement.
How long does a gutter installation take?
The gutter installation process can take one to several days, depending on the size of your home and materials being used. Discuss the timeline with potential contractors. Be sure to know what to expect during a gutter installation and plan ahead in case of any weather-related delays.
What is the best type of gutter system?
There is a variety of different types of gutters, both in terms of materials and styles. In terms of materials, aluminum tends to be the favorite among homeowners because they are affordable, durable, and easy to install. Vinyl is another popular gutter material since it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
In terms of styles, K-style tends to be the most popular because they work best with angled roofs and are easy to install. Half-round gutters are an older type of gutter system but easier to clean DIY.
Keep in mind that skilled professionals will be able to provide the best insight on what type of gutter system works best for your particular home.
Finding a Gutter Installation Contractor
Modernize can quickly connect you with trusted, local contractors to complete your gutter installation project. By using the information in this guide and our handy Contractor Checklist, you’ll have the tools you need to select a quality contractor. We will help you move one step closer to a gutter system that protects your family — and your home — from the elements.
