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What to Do When It’s Time for Gutter Replacement
February 24th, 2022 byYour gutters and roof are two separate things, but they work together to solve run-off issues. Gutters are one of the most important parts of your roofing system. When it rains, water travels down the roof and into the gutters. The gutter system then channels the water away from your home. Without gutters, the water can cause damage to your home and the foundation. That’s why it’s so important to know when it’s time for a gutter replacement.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to know when it’s time to replace your gutters and what steps you should take.
How to Tell if You Need New Gutters
The best time to inspect your gutters is when you clean out the leaves and other debris. You should clean out your gutters at least twice a year or more if you have certain types of foliage, such as pine trees near your home.
You can generally expect some minor damage here and there from regular wear. When the damage is more extensive, replacing gutters might be your only option. Signs of damage include:
- Multiple holes, cracks, or rust spots
- Missing nails or screws
- Appearance of channels on the siding where water is running over the side of the gutters
- Exterior paint chipping or peeling
- Water leaking into your basement
- Sagging gutters
- Gutters pulling away from the roof
- Separation of gutters
- Frequent need to replace broken fasteners
Damaged gutters let water flow back into the house. Repeated moisture exposure leads to damage to the fascia, the long wooden board that runs behind the gutters. From there, the damage can expand into your attic and your home interior. It’s important to replace damaged fascia along with gutters that are no longer working efficiently. The same is true for the soffit, the material used to cover the underside of the roof.
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How Much Should Gutter Replacement Cost?
Some of the first questions homeowners ask are about gutter replacement costs. They want to know their options and how much they can expect to pay. Most often, the gutters installed in homes are made of aluminum. On average, the cost for professional installation of aluminum gutters is around $3,000. The cost to replace gutters and fascia is an additional $6 to $20 per linear foot.
Your final cost for installing gutters depends on several factors, starting with your material choice. For example, copper gutters are one of the costliest materials at $18 to $30 per foot. While not common, copper lasts for as long as 50 years, and some homeowners like the look of the patina.
On the lower end, the cost of vinyl sectional gutters is the least expensive. On average, it runs about $3.00 to $5.00 per linear foot for materials only. The heavy weight makes them weigh down on your house when they are full of water or debris, potentially causing them to bend and sag.
The most common material used for gutters is aluminum because it doesn’t rust and it’s lightweight. On average, aluminum gutters cost between $.20 and just over $3 per linear foot depending on your location, the size of your home, and whether you use a sectional or seamless style. Keep in mind this is the cost of gutters and doesn’t include the installation costs.
The extent of damage that must be repaired also affects your final cost. Gutter replacement cost for all new gutters will be higher than replacing the gutter in a few areas. Your best bet is to get a quote from a dependable home services professional. You aren’t getting your money’s worth if the installation isn’t top quality.
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Can You Replace Gutters Yourself?
While a DIY gutter replacement will save you the cost of labor initially, you won’t get the guarantee of a professional installation. You might end up replacing your gutters again sooner than you planned.
Gutter replacement might look simple enough to do as a DIY project, but it’s pretty complex. It takes skill to fit the gutters, space the hangers, and correctly calculate the pitch or slope of the channels. Even screwing and caulking the parts together requires skill to create a secure bond.
They should create a uniform channel around your home’s roof without any gaps. At the same time, they should have a gradual decline that directs water runoff toward the downspouts. If they aren’t installed correctly, they won’t work correctly, and they might allow water to seep into your home. No matter how good the quality of the guttering is, a poor installation can prevent it from working.
Wrapping Up
Your gutters perform an important job. They protect your home from runoff to prevent damage and keep it looking its best. But even the best gutters won’t perform optimally without an expert installation.
Don’t let the idea of saving money prevent you from getting the job done correctly. When searching for a professional gutter replacement company, be sure to find someone who has experience installing all types of gutters and strives to get long-lasting results.
Once you’ve made a choice, request a quote and get started. Soon, you will have the new guttering your home needs.
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