Also called seamless gutters, these eavestroughs are updated versions of traditional gutters. They have considerably more durability, along with being much less likely to clog. While more expensive than regular variants, these models can pay for themselves over time.
Regular gutters come in pre-cut sections. Because they are easy to cut and can be manipulated as needed, these models are mass produced. Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are one large piece that requires plenty of measurements to make sure they are built correctly.
According to Ottawa Eavestrough and Siding Installers, which installs eavestroughs in Ottawa, seamless gutters do not have any weak points in their construction. Leaves and other outside debris can’t get stuck in the middle, nor can the overall function of the gutter become undermined in ways that regular ones can.
It really depends on the material, the size of your home, and your location. Typical professional installation costs approximately $820 for 140 feet, which comes at around $5.88 per foot. There are of course other costs like old gutter removal, painting, and any local permit fees.
Seamless is often made from the same material as traditional gutters. Metals such as steel, copper, and aluminum are often used, along with vinyl. Of these, steel is probably the strongest, while aluminum and vinyl are the cheapest and most lightweight.
Using a large chunk of material, the measurements are inputted into a computer with a machine forming the length. Oftentimes professionals are able to make it on site, crimping the ends and drilling out the downspout spots as needed.
If you are thinking about doing it yourself, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the measurements are extremely accurate. When placing layout lines, make sure that for every ten feet the slope is put at 1/2 inch.
The purpose of these gutters is to get water away from the house, so make sure you have downspouts located in areas that won’t cause any pooling. Also, think about having some sort of stone around the bottom of the downspout so as not to create a divet in the ground from the water.
Make sure your fascia is up to date. Gutters, regardless of the type, need to be attached to this portion of the roof. Try to keep the fascia 18 to 24 inches between each one, along with being 6 inches away from the end of the gutters.
It used to be that gutters were put in with spikes, but now it requires just a screw and a bracket. Since the section will probably be really long, it’s best to get some help when putting it up. The best angle you can get is from the edge of the roof. Try screwing in the center first.
Despite all their advantages, seamless gutters do have some of the same problems as traditional ones. Of the things that can go wrong with them, becoming loose, getting clogged, or having a leak are probably the most common.
To fix a loose gutter, it’s usually just a matter of tightening the screws. If you have an older gutter system, you might have ferrule spikes, which can be pushed back in with a light tap from a hammer, but it’s recommended to replace these if you can. Broken fascia can also lead to a loose gutter.
You should try to clean your gutters out at least twice a year, and especially before the rainy season in your area, to prevent clogs. While there are plenty of tools and techniques out there, sometimes the best way is just to get a pair of gloves, a bucket, and a ladder to scoop everything out. If picking up the gunk yourself doesn’t sound great, you can use a pressure washer to blast the debris out or a blower to blow it away. There are also specifically designed tools that can attach to the hose to clean your gutter out from the ground.
While less likely to happen than traditional gutters on account of it being one piece, seamless models can still get leaks. There are gutter patch kits that can cover minor holes; this usually consists of some gutter sealant and a piece of metal flashing.
