Gutters are a key component to the well-being of your home. Gutters work to divert water away from your home and its foundation. This diversion reduces water and moisture damage to your home. So, as a homeowner, it is essential that you have properly working gutters installed. Having gutters installed is an important step in the maintenance of your home. This guide will provide you with must-have information regarding gutter installation and will answer the questions that you may have.
Gutter Installation Facts
Why is it so important to have properly installed gutters?
Properly working gutters are essential for any residential property. Rain, even a mere inch, can do a lot of damage to your property without gutters. This damage can extend beyond the roof to your walls, insulation, and the foundation of your home. Mold within your home can definitely become a problem as a result of water issues.
Why should you hire a professional for residential gutter installation?
Gutter installation or replacement may seem like an easy enough DIY project, but we recommend that you hire a professional. A certified and qualified professional will know to properly install your gutters so that they will last. Not only do professionals have the experience but they know how to implement work safety and can use the necessary tools/equipment.
When should you get your gutters repaired?
It’s highly important that your gutters are properly working. If you notice that your gutters are clogged, cracked, broken, or have mold, then you should contact a professional immediately. These issues can lead to even more severe problems if not handled right away.
How much do new gutters cost?
The cost of gutters depends on the size (in linear feet), materials, and labor employed.
Finding the Right Gutter Contractor
When it comes to gutter installation, you want to ensure that you find the right contractor for the job. You want to hire a qualified professional who will work towards your satisfaction and the job done right. If this is your first renovation project, the hiring process may seem overwhelming. But here are some tried and true steps you can take to find the right contractor:
Do Plenty of Research:
Look for the best local contractors for your rain gutter installation by reading online reviews, as well as asking friends and neighbors for solid recommendations. It’s a great idea to go local for this sort of home improvement job. It’s important to work with a company that’s familiar with the area because they will be more committed to their customers’ satisfaction. Local contractors also will know more about the weather conditions specific to your area, which your gutters will need to be able to handle. Plan on hiring an established contractor with a good client base and superior reviews.
Request Estimates and Quotes:
The search for a contractor that meets your requirements can be made much easier by requesting an estimate. Asking for detailed written estimates of the work to be performed can better validate your choice. An estimate should be done in-person rather than over the phone. Your potential contractor should come to your home to measure the length of your roofline so that they can provide an accurate quote. These quotes should include details such as payment terms and a date of completion.
Check for Proper Documentation:
Is it vital that you make sure that the contractor you hire holds the proper credentials. Your contractor needs to have a license to perform gutter installation and repair work in your area. They must be able to provide you with valid insurance information. Insurance coverage should include workers’ compensation and liability coverage to ensure that the company will strive to do the job safely and correctly. These types of coverage are important in providing added protection for you and your investment should anything go wrong on the job.
Signs You Need New Gutters
It is important that you pay attention to the condition of your gutters. The condition your gutters are in will determine how well they perform. If your gutters are in poor condition, they’re not going to be able to do their job and protect your home. If this is the case, you may need new gutters installed. Here are some signs that your gutters need to be replaced:
Rot:
Wood trim elements can easily be exposed to moisture and decay when the gutters fail. Remember that this occurs due to inadequate storm drainage.
Mildew:
Your downspouts should be draining water six feet away from your home. Roofing companies say that, otherwise, moisture can cause mildew growth upon accumulating near the foundation. If you’re unable to address the mold, replacing your system will be advised.
Seam Stress:
Gutters are often most vulnerable at the seams. Leaks in these parts can even lead to several more significant issues. Keep in mind that should there be too much pressure on the seams of your gutters, call a professional to have them checked. Neglecting this dilemma will only cost you more than expected.
Peeling:
Failing gutters can damage a paint job, which painters probably can’t do anything about unless the root cause is addressed. Remember that this can result from leaks, so it’s best to call a contractor for this kind of job.
How Long Should New Gutters Last?
The longevity of new gutters is a common concern for most homeowners. You just invested in The longevity of new gutters is a common concern for most homeowners. You just invested in these new gutters, so obviously you want to make sure that investment holds up in the long run. You’ll be happy to know that gutters typically have a lifespan ranging from 20-50 years. This may seem like a wide range but there are a number of factors that play into how long your new gutters will last. These factors include the material of the gutters, weather conditions, and frequency of maintenance.
We place a huge emphasis on maintenance because applying frequent care to your gutters can actually prolong their service life. Proper maintenance includes cleaning your gutters, conducting regular inspections, pruning nearby trees to prevent clogging, adding gutter guards to filter out debris, etc. These are just a few steps you can take to ensure your new gutters last as long as they possibly can.
How Much do New Gutters Add in Value?
By now, you probably understand the importance of gutters and how essential their installation is. But what we also want you to understand is that new gutters can actually increase the value of your home. Having new gutters installed increases your home’s functionality and can prevent other costly repairs thereby saving you money and adding value to your property. New gutters also have curb appeal, they enhance the look of your home. An upscale appearance can attract the interest of potential buyers and put your house in high demand. People don’t want to move into a house that requires a lot of repairs. They don’t want to put additional time and money into home improvements. That is why potential buyers are attracted to new guttering. They know they won’t have to pay to get it installed themselves and they won’t have to deal with the costly issues associated with old guttering. So, having new gutters installed puts your home at a great advantage on the market.
Popular Gutter Types in Pennsylvania
As we’ve established, gutters protect your home mainly against the weather conditions. When it comes to weather in Pennsylvania, you’re going to get a mix of everything. The summer can be sweltering whereas the winter brings out intense snowfalls. Gutters in Pennsylvania need to be able to handle these extremes. They need to be able to handle the heavy snow and rain that come during the colder months. This means that large gutters are typically a better option than thin ones.
We recommend a half-round gutter to our local Pennsylvania clients. K-style are also common however, half-round gutters are commonly used in historic or older style homes which is perfect since Pennsylvania contains many period and historic homes. Half-round gutters are half of a circular pipe with the top half open for water. This type of gutter can transport a lot of water and can move a lot of snow through the system. The best gutters in this style are designed to allow snow to pass through the center of the gutter, where it can be flushed through the downspout.
Contact the Roofing Experts at Go Construction!
GO Construction is your point of contact when it comes to your home improvement needs. Gutter installation is just one of the many services that we provide. In fact, we offer new gutters with every new roof. We recognize how critical gutters are, so we go above and beyond to make sure your gutters complement your home. We are the region’s leading gutter company because we value our customers, servicing them with excellent workmanship and high-quality products. Don’t hesitate to contact us because we’re ready to meet your needs!
