Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Rain gutters should be replaced almost as often as the roof on a home, so roughly every 20 years. This is a long time, but in the meantime, your rain gutters should do their job with very little effort on your part besides gutter cleaning and routine maintenance.

If you haven’t replaced your gutters recently, it’s probably about time to begin considering the options. More than likely, your options have changed since you last shopped for new gutters, either when building your home or the last time you replaced them.

Styles and types of materials improve a lot over a period of just a few years. This means your next gutters will be even more efficient, lighter and more attractive than the current ones on your home.

Seamless gutters are one of the newest options available.

What are Seamless Gutters?

One of the most revolutionary enhancements in residential gutters is the invention of seamless gutter systems.

Seamless gutters are installed in very long sections, as opposed to standard gutters which are only manufactured in sections between 10 and 20 feet. They are made on-site in many cases with a custom machine, removing the difficulties of transporting long, narrow items.

Many gutter installation businesses own their own machinery and are able to do the entire process on their own – measure, manufacture and install your seamless gutters – in less than one day!

Since they are manufactured to size, it is not uncommon to have seamless gutters that extend over 50 feet, with the maximum length of a seamless rain gutter around 100 feet with no joints. This gives homeowners the choice to have an individual piece of lightweight aluminum in any color they choose.

Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Traditional gutters have been used for so long that it might be hard to realize how another option can be a lot more effective. To determine if seamless gutters are a smart choice for your home, you should understand what sets them apart so you can also understand why there is a noticeable price difference between the two.

There are many benefits of seamless gutters over traditional gutter systems:

More Attractive – With joints just at the corners, seamless gutters have a very sleek appearance. Seamless gutter fabrication machines cut out holes for downspouts, which must be present every 20 to 30 feet, so that they are smooth and perfectly sized. The measurements also improve the curb appeal of your house without being overstated and obvious.

Easier Care – Fewer joints means there are less chances for debris to cling on or get stuck within the gutters. Water drains through smoothly with less clogs. As a homeowner, this will likely make you very happy, as it means you won’t be cleaning them out as often. Seamless gutters typically only need 1 annual cleaning. In comparison, most standard rain gutter systems must be cleaned 2 to 4 times a year to keep them functioning well.

Lower Chance of Leaks – Normal gutters can leak from any joint if the gutters start pulling away from the home. Loose fasteners are also a problem that can result in gutter leaks. Getting rid of joints across the length and width of your home helps reduce the likelihood of leaks (which protects your windows, porches, and landscaping).

Discourages Pests – Clogged gutters will attract small animals and insects that can hide within them or build a nest with the materials that are present. From there, insects, birds, squirrels and chipmunks have access to your attic and are able to destroy your roof, causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage. Keeping that buildup out of rain gutters makes them less attractive for pests.

Eliminates Waste – Measuring for seamless gutters and then cutting them on site guarantees that your gutters will be the correct length without having extra pieces that were cut off to match the exact length of the house. This is an environmentally-friendly process that lowers your home’s carbon footprint. In addition, there is no need to eliminate the excess (which can result in harmful chemicals) or see it end up in a landfill.

Last Longer – Seamless gutters are made with the latest technology and the best materials on the market. This results in fewer leaks, less chance of rust and reduced risk of the gutters pulling away from the home. Longer lasting gutters also protect your home, including the exterior walls, windows and the soil.

Seamless Gutters Installed by a Professional

Seamless gutters usually need professional installation because of their size and the training and equipment needed to manufacturer them. Individuals don’t have to own the machinery required to make seamless gutters, nor do they have the knowledge of how to set up these machines to make precise cuts.

Seamless gutters do cost more, but once they are professionally installed, you will immediately understand their value which pays for itself due to fewer repairs and longer time between replacements. If you have any questions concerning the value of seamless rain gutters, speak to a gutter installer who does both standard and seamless gutter systems to determine if the cost difference and benefits are worth it for your budget and needs.

Installing these extra-long rain gutters is not a task that a single person can handle safely. Pros can install a section up to about 30 feet or so on their own, but anything longer than that will require a second person.

For gutters that are 35 feet or less, they will start in the middle and work their way to each end, fastening the gutter every several feet. For rain gutters longer, the installation team will begin in two places (1/3 of the way from each end) and fasten those sections because of the length and weight of the seamless gutter.

Paying for professional seamless gutter installation also means that your warranty will be intact in the event of an accident or storm damages.

Seamless gutter installation is not a recommended DIY home improvement project. You can easily damage a seamless gutter by handling it improperly. This can damage the gutter’s appearance as well as limit its effectiveness. Lancaster Gutter Service is proud to offer seamless gutter installation to all homes and businesses in the Lancaster area. Call 717-276-4885 now for more information!