Rain Gutters - What You Should Know Before You Buy

When Should Rain Gutters Be Replaced?

If your rain gutters are leaking, or starting to rust through, or falling apart, it is likely time to get them replaced. But before you do, always get a professional to do a thorough inspection to make there is not some other problem you may not be aware of.

The ideal time to replace your gutters is at the same time you replace your roof. Rain gutters will usually last about as long as your roof will. After your old roof is torn off, your new gutters should be installed, followed by the installation of your new roof. This way your roof will not be damaged during the gutter installation. Additionally, with your roof removed, the installation is easier. As a result, it costs less to have your gutters installed when you do it at the same time as you replace your roof.

What Type of Rain Gutters are Best?

By far, the best types of residential rain gutters are pre-painted, seamless rain gutters (often referred to as just “seamless gutters”). Seamless gutters come already painted (pre-painted) and contain a baked-on enamel paint protecting the gutters on both sides - inside and outside! This enamel gives the gutters up to 40 years of corrosion protection from the manufacturer.

How are Seamless Gutters Made?

The gutter metal comes on a large coil which is fed into the gutter machine and is formed in the shape of a gutter. The gutters are formed on site in your front yard, driveway or street.

What are the Advantages of Seamless Rain Gutters?

1. Long Life - 40 years of baked-on enamel paint protection inside and out
2. No seams to leak or drip from.
3. No priming or painting needed.
4. Downspouts are more resistant to clogging.
5. Less labor, better product.

Aluminum Pitting

Which Lasts Longer - Seamless Steel or Seamless Aluminum Rain Gutters?

Seamless gutters are made of either aluminum or steel. Everyone knows that given enough time, steel will rust. But what happens over time to aluminum? The answer is aluminum “pits”. So both aluminum and steel will corrode over time. Because both seamless gutters are protected with the same baked-on enamel paint, both are protected from corrosion and should last about 40 years. This is twice as long as the old traditional galvanized rain gutters.

What Advantages do Steel Gutters have over Aluminum Rain Gutters?

We install seamless gutters in steel or aluminum. We usually recommend steel because of the additional strength steel has over aluminum. A steel gutter is more resistant to denting. For example: When you put a ladder against an aluminum gutter, it will be difficult to keep it from denting (even the thicker gauge aluminum). A steel gutter is much stronger than aluminum and will not easily dent. Our competitors usually only install aluminum gutters. Our machines are stronger and can run both aluminum and steel. Since we do not charge more for seamless steel gutters, it is the better value due to its added strength. The choice is yours.

Should Rain Gutters be Installed Under the Roof Edge?

Yes. We install our gutters with the “wing” on. The wing is the back of the gutter that flashes under your roofing. Our competitors usually cut off the wing to speed up their installation. This can result in an inferior installation and future problems with leaking between the gutter and the roof. We see this problem all the time and the homeowner usually doesn’t find out about it until after it leaks.

Should Rain Gutters be Sloped or Tilted?

Contrary to what some think, professional gutters are not usually sloped. The gutters are designed to hold water. The gutter wing is installed flat on your roof deck to flash the gutter and to insure your gutters are straight, level and water-tight.

What Color Choices are Available for Seamless Gutters?

There is a nice selection of 19 common colors available for seamless gutters and downspouts. All colors are available in aluminum; steel colors are indicated by a black diamond to the right of the color name.

Tip: For best results, pick a color for your gutters (white is most common) and another color for the downspouts. The downspout color should be the color that best matches the siding where your downspout will be located. If the match is close enough you won’t even have to paint over your downspouts.

Can I Paint Over my Seamless Gutters?

Yes, you can paint over your seamless gutters at any time.

Where Should My Downspouts be Located?

The purpose of downspouts is to collect and direct the flow of water away from the house and foundation. The ideal location for downspouts is usually at the corners of your house to reduce the impact water will have on the foundation and minimize any foundation settling. To reduce settling further, have the downspouts connected to an underground drain system that flows to the street or suitable drainage area.

How Often should I Clean My Rain Gutters?

In California, it’s a good idea to clean your gutters at least twice a year. Clean them once during fall and again in spring. The frequency of cleaning will vary depending and the amount of debris your gutters are subject to. Be careful if you are thinking about cleaning your rain gutters yourself. Climbing up a steep ladder or walking on a sloped roof is not a good idea for the inexperienced. It may be better to hire a professional than to risk personal injury. Don’t hire the neighborhood kids, if they get injured while working for you, you will be liable for their medical bills. It’s not worth it. We offer free estimates for gutter cleaning. If you would like to put an end to cleaning your gutters, read the section on “Rain Gutter Leaf Protection.”

Rain Gutter Leaf Protection or Gutter Cleaning?

Tired of cleaning your gutters? To keep debris out of your gutters, we recommend installing “Gutter Guards” TM. They are the only product that we know that actually works and is reasonably priced. What makes “Gutter Guards” work is that one side snaps or clips on to the top gutter edge, and the other side is installed under your first course of roofing. As a result, water can filter into the gutters, but the “Gutter Guards” keep all the debris out. The “micro screen” keeps leaves, pine needles, and very fine debris from trees out. It even helps keep the little granules from your roof out of your gutters. And if your line of sight is lower than your gutters, your “Gutter Guards” are virtually invisible. Call today for your free gutter and “Gutter Guards” estimate (408) 441-0933.