Here at American Windows, we often receive questions from homeowners about seamless gutters and how they differ from traditional guttering. Are they worth the extra cost and challenges of the specialized gutter installation? So here’s an explanation of their differences and how they stack up one against the other.
Seamless Gutters vs. Traditional Gutters
Traditional gutter systems are sectional; that is sections of gutter material that are attached to your roof and connected to one another in sequence. Although they are easy to install (due the small size of each section), each seam creates a vulnerability for your house guttering. These connections are not only the most likely points for leaks to develop, they also introduce a seam where leaves and debris are likely to catch and build up into clogs. Both situations lead to big obstacles for proper drainage … and very likely big costs for you, the homeowner.
Here’s why. When it rains, huge amounts of water drain off your roof and into your gutters. This deluge of water will take the path of least resistance. If there is a crack in your gutter seams, the water will find it and expand it over time. If there is a debris clog at your gutter seam, the water will simply build up, soak your roofline, and overflow the sides of the gutters. In both instances, the water is likely to penetrate your roofline, shingles, and siding elements. Once this happens, severe damage from deterioration, rot, mildew, mold, and corrosion become likely. In addition, the extra weight of rain, snow, and ice buildup can cause structural damage to your roofline.
Seamless Gutters to the Rescue
Seamless gutters were invented to solve these common problems with traditional sectional gutters. A seamless gutter system is custom-made to match the length and contour of your roofline. This means that there are only seams at corners and downspouts, and even those seams are strategically placed to minimize vulnerability. Due to the nature of these custom gutters, they are sometimes called continuous gutters. Fewer seams means fewer problems. Fewer problems means less damage and more savings in the long run for you, the homeowner.
Seamless Gutter Installation
Seamless gutter installation is NOT a do-it-yourself proposition. Due to the custom-made nature of seamless gutters, it will require trained professionals to assess and calculate the appropriate gutter design for your home, as well as to manufacture and install the new guttering system so that it is truly watertight. An experience gutter contractor will have very specialized training, experience, and expertise necessary to develop a gutter solution that will deliver all the benefits seamless gutters were designed to provide.
Maintenance of Seamless Gutters
Your new gutters, just like traditional gutters, need to stay free of leaves and other debris if they are to function properly. And although they are less likely to develop clogs from debris in the first place, they will still need to be cleaned from time to time. This chore can largely be mitigated with gutter guards or other gutter protection devices. It is best to talk to a qualified gutter contractor to determine whether gutter protection should be added to your gutter installation project.
Here at American Windows & Siding of VA, Inc., we enjoy helping people. If you have any questions about gutter installation, seamless gutters, gutter systems, gutter protection, gutter guards, or gutter replacement questions of any kind … feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to answer all your questions!
