The Purpose of Gutter Installation
Homes in Jasper, Georgia are like homes everywhere else when it comes to gutter installation. Gutters are more than a finishing touch to a home’s appearance. They actually have a functioning purpose. A gutter installation provides a home with a drainage system that it wouldn’t have otherwise.
What is the purpose of a gutter installation?
The purpose of a gutter installation is simple: Water Management. During a rainstorm, gutters channel the water flowing from the roof to the downspouts. The downspouts are installed so that the water is directed away from the home’s foundation.
What happens without a gutter installation?
The first problem you’ll have without a gutter installation is having too much water around your home. Because there isn’t any water management, the water comes off the roof, hitting the ground and splashing up on the house.
- Wood Rot and More
Over time, that excess water will rot the fascia and trim. It can lead to rotting the window and door frames. The excess water erodes the soil and will damage the foundation. Water seeps into the basement or crawl space, causing more damage.
- Critters and Insects
Insects will find their way through the wood rod and critters will chew through the fascia, soffit, and house trim.
How much will a gutter installation cost?
The contractor you choose will measure the areas of the roof where the gutter installation will be done. They will have a linear total and charge for materials according to that number, plus labor for the gutter installation process.
Should you install gutters yourself?
Some materials for gutter installation are easy to work with for a DIY project. Those materials include aluminum or vinyl in half-round or K-style. This will help your budget, but you won’t have any guarantee or warranty on the work. And many gutter material manufacturers won’t honor their warranty if the gutter installation isn’t done by an authorized contractor.
Which material is better for gutter installation: aluminum or vinyl?
Experience and history tell us that aluminum is the better material for a gutter installation. Aluminum gutters are lightweight and resistant to eroding, lasting a minimum of twenty years. Vinyl gutter installation is a lightweight material but is susceptible to temperature contracting, expanding, and cracking. You’ll need to replace the vinyl installation within 10 years in most cases.
What other materials are available for gutter installation?
Other materials available for a gutter installation include copper and galvanized steel. While copper is a preference, it is the most expensive and typically found in historic and high-end homes.
Galvanized steel gutter installation is cheaper than copper but higher than aluminum or vinyl choices. Routine maintenance is required with this material to minimize corrosion and rusting and will need to be painted every few years.
What maintenance is required after a gutter installation?
Twice a year, it is recommended to have your gutters cleaned, once at the end of spring and again just before winter arrives. Make sure debris, leaves, critter, and insect nests that have built up inside the gutter runs are cleared out.
While cleaning the gutter runs, you need to inspect the runs for any damage, repairing them as you go. Check the hangers are in place firmly and the fascia where the gutters are installed is in good condition too.
Clogged gutters and downspouts will cause the rainwater to back up under the shingles. From there, the water seeps into the attic, and down the walls, and roof leaks are soon to follow. If you file a roof damage claim on your homeowner’s insurance and the adjuster determines the roof damage is due to homeowner negligence of gutter maintenance, your claim could be denied.
Are gutters worth the money?
Yes, a gutter installation will be a worthwhile investment for your home. They prevent foundation damage, water damage, and wood rot, and will keep the basement or crawl space from flooding. Those things alone make a gutter installation worthwhile.
A gutter installation will redirect rainwater away from your home and eliminate the costly repairs that can happen. For homes in the desert, a gutter installation isn’t necessary, but most homes around the country should have a contractor evaluate their home if a gutter installation would be beneficial.
Who do you call for a gutter installation?
Many roofing contractors offer gutter installation and those that don’t have gutter specialists they work with. A general handyman can install aluminum and vinyl gutters, but if you’re having copper gutter installation, you should stick with an experienced gutter specialist.
Looking Up!
If you’re considering placing your home on the market, a gutter installation will give your home an appearance that can attract buyers. They may not realize it is the gutters that have drawn them to your home, but it is a finishing touch to the curb appeal of a home.
Our roofing experts are ready to provide your consultation for a gutter installation in Jasper, GA. You can reach our team at 706-301-8630 today!
