Finding the right gutters for your home may seem like an afterthought, but gutters are actually a very important factor in keeping your home looking clean, dry and well kept. A failing gutter system can lead to mold, drywall damage inside your home and foundation issues.
There are a few factors that go into finding the right gutters for your home, including product material and whether to buy sectional vs seamless gutters.
The three main materials used in gutter systems are: Stainless Steel, Vinyl and Aluminum The first step to choosing your gutters is deciding which one is best for your Mid-Atlantic home.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gutters are one of the priciest materials on the market, do to their sleek look and the fact that they tend to have the most curb appeal. The good thing about this material is that you’ll get the most bang for your buck when it comes to long-lasting shine and indestructibility. These gutters won’t rust and maintain their glossy look years on end. Due to these advantages, stainless steel gutters tend to have a price tag about twice as expensive as its other materials, so it’s really up to the buyer to determine whether these advantages are worth the cash.
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters may be the best option for you if your home has vinyl siding. Vinyl gutters can come in an array of colors to match different colors of siding. Although not as durable as metal gutters, vinyl is a more affordable option. They typically come in sections about 10 feet long and can easily snap together, so it is perfect for a DIY project. However, these gutters will most likely need to be replaced more often than stainless steel would due to water damage, rust and general wear and tear.
Aluminum
Of these three main materials, aluminum is the cheapest and most commonly used. Aluminum is a lightweight, rust-proof material that is available in many colors. These gutters are very durable and can withstand extremely cold or rainy climates. Another bonus to having aluminum gutters is that they can be custom fitted to your home, unlike many of the other materials, which are only available in standard sections. Because of this, homeowners tend to hire professionals to install their aluminum gutters, which comes with an added price.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutter System
An important factor in deciding what type of gutters you need is the option of a sectional or seamless gutter system.
Most materials are only available in a sectional system type, where different lengths of gutters are connected through joints which are covered in sealant. The exception to this commonality would be aluminum gutters. Seamless gutters are custom fit to your home’s roof line, and do not require the joint pieces. An advantage to sectional gutters is the fact that these are DIY, and are easily installed by snapping the pieces together through the joints. A disadvantage to this would be the fact that there is a higher risk of wearing at the joints, and they may need to be replaced more frequently.
Gutters are an important system to maintain the look of your house in reducing water damage and general flooding, so it is important to choose a gutter system that suits your individual needs and a look you’ll enjoy for years.
A Gutter Guard System For Your Needs
If your current gutter system is undersized, damaged or ineffective, look to Thompson Creek’s replacement gutter system. The gutter guard system from Thompson Creek has a unique helmet for your gutters to prevent clogging and that annoying seasonal maintenance. It also has multi-point mounting so it will never pull away from your home. Our Thompson Creek professionals remove your old gutters and downspouts and custom create a premium gutter system on-site. And the system is fully guaranteed to never clog or pull away from your home- we guarantee it!