Installing new gutters on your home is a great decision that will better protect your home from water damage and better protect the investment you made on your home. While sectional gutters are usually an easy DIY project for homeowners, most U.S. homes have seamless gutters professionally installed – and for a good reason. Seamless gutters are more weather- and rust-resistant, stronger and more durable, and are less prone to damage compared to sectional gutters. Most homeowners avoid costly gutter repairs and replacements when opting for seamless gutters over sectional.
What are Seamless Gutters?
Seamless gutters, also called continuous gutters, are custom cut to fit the shape of your home. They are made from a single piece of material—which can be zinc, aluminum, steel, or copper. Invented in the 1960s, they were designed to provide better protection to homes and fix the issue of leaks and cracks that come with sectional gutters.
Because seamless gutters are cut into one continuous piece of material, they are much stronger and longer lasting. Because less connections, also known as “joints,” are featured on seamless gutters, they are also much less prone to rainwater leaks – and as a result, rainwater is less likely to damage your home.
Pros of Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are much more reliable and durable compared to sectional gutters, lasting 20 to 50 years or more. They have fewer seams than sectional gutters, and only need joints in the areas where the downspouts are attached and in the corners of the roof. The way they are constructed makes them less prone to leaking, as well as clogs, water damage, mold, and rot.
Thanks to this durability, seamless gutters also need less maintenance. They are easier to clean than sectional gutters and should require gutter cleaning just twice per year.
Cons of Seamless Gutters
The cost to install seamless gutters is considerably more than sectional gutters. They are also more complicated to install and usually require a professional contractor to complete the installation properly.
However, remember they are much less prone to leaks, clogs, and other forms of gutter damage. This means they are a smarter investment as they will better protect your home from damage and require frequent repairs.
How Much Do Seamless Gutters Cost?
Seamless gutters can cost anywhere between $8 and $28 per linear foot on average for homes in the U.S. The price range varies so widely because different types of gutters cost different amounts. For example, installing aluminum seamless gutters is going to be far more affordable than installing high-end seamless copper gutters. If you add gutter guards during installation – which most professionals recommend to reduce gutter maintenance costs – the cost will be slightly higher.
The size of your home matters, too. Remember that the cost of a gutter installation depends on linear feet – not square feet. A gutter contractor can determine the exact amount of linear feet of guttering your home will require. As a rule of thumb, the higher your home’s square footage, the more linear feet you will need. However, homes vary by style, shape, and structure, so every home is unique. This is why it is so important to request a quote from gutter contractors to best estimate the cost of the project.
Best Types of Seamless Gutters
With seamless gutters, you have plenty of options to choose from. In addition to choosing between half round and k-style gutters, you can also choose the gutter material. Different types of gutters have different lifespans and durability, as well as different costs. Here are the best types of seamless gutters to choose from, along with relative costs and durability.
| Type | Cost | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Lowest | Good |
| Aluminum | Low | Better |
| Steel | Mid-range | Great |
| Copper | High | Best |
Which Type of Gutters are Best?
The experts at Modernize recommend seamless gutter installations for all homeowners. They are the best gutter technology on the market today and offer the best protection to your home from water and structural damage.
Because they are more reliable and durable than sectional gutters, they will require less maintenance and costly repairs down the road. Seamless gutters are also known to boost home value and yield a higher return on investment for homeowners, compared to DIY sectional gutters.
Finding a Quality Gutter Contractor
Gutters are an integral part of keeping your home safe from damage. It is in your best interest to find an experienced contractor to ensure the job is done properly—especially if you want to install seamless gutters.
You need to find the right contractor for this important job—and Modernize is here to help. The pros at Modernize can connect you with trusted, local contractors in your area. They will help you choose the best type of gutters for your home and complete the installation. In order to help you evaluate contractors to make the most informed decision, we offer resources that you can consult as you compare different professionals.
Compare top-rated gutters pros in your area.
Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.
