Do New Gutters Add Value to Your Home?
Homes in and around the Jasper, Georgia, area experience all kinds of weather, from rain and sunshine to ice and snow. The wind is there through it all, and the combination of all this different weather mixed with problems caused by birds, other critters, and debris such as leaves can all collect on a roof and cause various kinds of damage. Keeping that in mind, why would you want to consider a gutter installation? After all, those birds, critters, and leaves will clog the gutters, giving you something else to worry about.
A gutter installation can play an essential role in protecting your home. They keep water from infiltrating your home in the basement or at the foundation and in the crawl spaces. Other purposes of gutter installation include:
- Hills & Slopes: If there are hills around your home, they may be a critical factor in why you need gutter installation. Rainwater runs down those hills and slopes and to your home’s foundation, leading to damage that can ultimately cost you a significant amount of money. A gutter installation job is a crucial step in preventing this from happening.
- The Overhang: When the roof overhang is close to the siding around your home, rain will form trenches around the foundation, leading to expensive and severe damage. A gutter installation job will prevent this from happening as it redirects water to the downspouts, which redirects water out and away from the foundation.
- The Soil: Clay-rich soil absorbs and retains water, continuously directing it toward the foundation. A gutter installation will help avoid these issues.
Can You DIY Gutter Installation?
Well, it isn’t as easy as changing the air filter in your HVAC system, but it isn’t the most challenging DIY project if you choose to install vinyl gutters. You want to get the equipment, materials, and tools needed to be properly prepared. Help from one or two other people is recommended to ensure a safe working environment.
What are some rules and tips for a proper gutter installation?
The basic rule is that your gutter installation should have a ¼” slope every ten feet toward the downspout. With an improper slope, rainwater can’t flow from the roof to the downspout, allowing it to back up under the shingles and overflow around the foundation.
There are eight essential steps you should follow for a DIY gutter installation. Use the following as a guideline and find the exact details on YouTube videos:
- Create layout lines
- Attach the fascia brackets
- Saw the gutter run to length
- Attach the end caps
- Cut out the downspout holes
- Install the gutter runs
- Form miter joints at corners
- Connect the downspouts to the gutter runs
Is a gutter installation affordable?
The cost can vary between contractors, but the average cost for a professional gutter installation is around $10 per linear foot. Depending on the size of your house, you could spend up to $6,000 or more. Other factors contributing to the cost include the type of gutter material you choose.
What materials are available for gutters?
There are several materials to choose from, and your budget will be a factor in selecting the material. Choices are:
- Aluminum is the most popular option and is on the low end of pricing.
- Copper is a typical gutter installation on historic homes.
- Galvanized Steel is another popular option; homeowners have used it for over a century.
- Zinc is corrosion-resistant and durable, though not the most popular choice.
- Vinyl is also corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant, durable, and lightweight, making it ideal for DIY gutter installation.
What are seamless gutters, and are they worthwhile?
Seamless gutter installation is manufactured on the job site using specialized machinery and equipment. It costs more than traditional gutter run installation, but there is less chance of leaks down the road. The minimized possibility of problems can give you the ROI of that higher cost.
In Closing: Is A Gutter Installation A Value-Add?
If you plan on selling your home soon, a gutter installation will not give you back much ROI dollar-for-dollar. However, keep in mind that it will give your home a finished look, making it attractive to prospective buyers. Compare what other homes in your area that are on the market to see if they have gutter installation. So, it is worth the investment for a sale, but go with the least expensive option.
If you’ll be in your home for years, invest and choose the best material for a gutter installation you can afford. The problems that a high-quality gutter installation will prevent will make it an excellent investment for protecting the foundation and your landscaping.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions about gutter installation in Jasper, GA, or nearby cities, we’d like to invite you to contact us. Call today at 706-301-8630 to speak to our professionals.
