Consider a Gutter Installation
If your home doesn’t have a gutter system currently, you may be considering having a gutter installation done, but after price shopping, your next thought is probably, “Is it worthwhile?” The purpose of a gutter installation is to give your home a water management system that effectively channels water flowing off the roof, through the downspouts, and away from the foundation.
Without a gutter installation, the roof will collect debris and leaves, where water will pool up, become stagnate, and make your roof vulnerable to rot and other damage. A gutter installation will keep water from pooling up around your basement or foundation which can weaken the structure.
Questions About Gutter Installation
In this article, we’re going to answer commonly asked questions about a gutter installation. The answers can be helpful in understanding the different types of gutters and what you should know about a gutter installation job, such as, how much gutter installation costs.
This can depend on the square footage, the type of materials, and any repairs need to the fascia or roof before the gutter installation can be done. Pricing can vary from contractor to contractor, area to area as well. One thing for certain, a gutter installation can be cheaper than having damage to the roof, foundation, and walls of your home as well as the landscaping.
What materials are best for a gutter installation?
As you consider gutter installation for your home, you want to choose the right type of material for your budget, the aesthetic appeal, and the durability of the material offered. The following are the 5 types of material on the market today:
- VINYL: These are the most popular choice because they are economical, come in several colors, and for the DIY homeowner, they are easy to install. Ideal for weather in the Dallas, Texas area because the cold winter temperatures are short-lived.
- STEEL: These gutters are available galvanized and stainless, with stainless steel being tougher and the most expensive. A gutter installation using galvanized steel is prone to corrosion and rusting, making it a less popular choice.
- COPPER: Copper gutter installation is going to be the most expensive choice but provides a beautiful aesthetic appeal and is durable.
- ALUMINUM: These are a longtime favorite next to vinyl gutter installation. There are more benefits to aluminum that include superior weather resistance and can be painted. The downside, they are easily dented.
- WOOD: Not a typical material used today, but common for an older home being renovated because they are original to the structure. These gutters can’t be installed by any contractor, you want one that is familiar with working with these. A more expensive choice but provides excellent curb appeal.
What kind of maintenance is required for gutter installation?
No matter which type of material you choose, you need to make sure they are cleaned at least once a year, even with gutter guards. Clogged gutters will cause water to back up under the roofing material, and seep into the decking and into your home, even down inside the wall. Water also will spill over the gutter edges and puddle up around the foundation, eliminating the whole purpose of having a gutter installation!
You should have your roof and gutter system inspected every 2 years by a professional. They will check to make sure they’re firmly attached to the house without any breaks or sagging runs. If you’re a handy homeowner, do periodic checks and re-attach or replace any damaged gutter runs. Leaving any issues unaddressed will lead to pulling all the gutters down, which could lead to damaging the fascia, soffit, and roof.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when installing gutters?
You’ll need the following tools for a gutter installation, all of which are available at a hardware store or local big box home repair store. Those tools include:
- Ladder – tall enough to reach your roof
- Drill – battery operated is recommended
- Measuring tape
- Hacksaw
- Rivets & Sheet Metal Screws
- Tin snips
- Waterproof Sealant
If you’re going to do your own gutter installation, have all the materials and tools needed to be laid out ahead of time. Firmly place the ladder on the house and have a “spotter” holding the ladder as you work. Wear PSE (personal safety equipment) yourself and have your spotter wear safety goggles too.
What is the best way to connect gutters to a house?
Each type of gutter material will have a different process for the gutter installation. For the purpose of this piece, we offer the following steps to be followed:
- Measure twice. Cut once. Measure the full length you plan your gutter installation and had a half inch to each straight side for the gutter installation.
- Cut the first full-length piece and if there are other sides of the same length, cut them now using the hacksaw or tin snips.
- Connect the different pieces of the gutter material so that they have an overlap of 4 inches.
- Apply the waterproof sealant to connect the two pieces.
- Secure the pieces together with the pop rivets.
- Following the instructions that come with the gutter system, install the hangers to the house on the fascia.
How long does gutter installation typically take?
An experienced contractor can complete a gutter installation on an average house, 1200 square feet, usually within 8 hours. A larger house or a two-story house can take longer. As you get gutter installation quotes, inquire about the time frame each contractor estimates.
Is it possible to install gutter guards?
Yes, many gutter guards on the market today can be installed by a DIY homeowner. For some gutter materials, like copper or wood, you should inquire with a professional contractor before attempting to install any gutter guards.
Dollar for Dollar
A gutter installation can seem like an unnecessary expense. Before you decide NOT to have a gutter installation done for your home, call what the cost of a foundation repair or leveling can cost.
Legends Roofing provides fitted & secure gutter installation in Dallas, TX. Contact us at 817-739-2190 to get started.