Gutters protect different parts of your home from water damage, such as the foundations, roof, siding and landscaping. When they are old or in bad shape, you must have them checked, repaired, or replaced if necessary. If you need new gutters, make sure to hire an experienced contractor for their installation. Keep in mind that gutters that are installed and maintained properly will last longer.
One of the area’s best gutter and roof repair contractors share rookie gutter installation mistakes.
Wrong Gutter Location
It’s a common misconception that gutters should be simply installed on the edge of your roof. Your gutters should be installed a few inches under the edge of your roof. While water will drip off the edge of your roof, it will also be pulled back up on the underside and drip a little underneath your roof’s edge. One solution to this problem is to add a drip edge. A drip edge is installed under the first row of shingles. Its purpose is to allow water to flow freely from the roof edge and into the gutters. Water may go underneath your gutters, fascia and siding, which can lead to water damage.
Your gutters may appear straight from afar, but they actually have a slight pitch to them. This pitch lets water flow towards the downspouts, which is usually one to two inches of decline for every forty feet of length. The pitch may not be noticeable, but it helps prevent debris buildup in your gutters and keep the system clean. When your gutters are not pitched properly, water will back up the system. Skilled gutter and roofing contractors will check the system with a level to ensure proper pitch.
Gutters come in a wide range of materials, sizes, styles and gauges. Every variation comes with its own set of pros and cons. As much as possible, choose the best gutter quality that you can afford. Your contractor can help determine the best type of gutters for your home.
Many residential structures use K-style aluminum gutters, five or six inches wide from side to side. However, if you live in an area that’s prone to severe rainstorms, you may need a different type of gutter. Remember that gauge matters. The standard gauge is 26, but experts suggest going for 32 gauge for those situated in places that are prone to weather extremes.
Gutters are secured to your home by a mounting system or various types of hangers. Your installer will need to space the gutters carefully together, usually not more than three feet, so the system has sufficient support.
Your gutters will start sagging if it doesn’t have enough support. Water will settle in low spots, straining the system, and will eventually cause it to collapse. If the mounting of your gutters is spaced correctly, rainwater will drain properly and will flow at a safe distance from your home. With an efficient gutter system, you’ll save on siding, foundation, and roof repair costs.
To attach gutters, they may need to be welded or soldered together. It’s better to use as few seams or welds as possible. Over the years, your gutters are exposed to force, water, and temperature extremes. These elements can compromise the welded connections in your gutter, which can lead to failure when not maintained routinely.
An option you should consider to avoid this problem is seamless gutters. Many gutter and roofing contractors offer these continuous gutters. Seamless gutters only have joints at corners wherever they wrap around your roof. They are usually formed at the job site before installation.
Detect Underlying Problems
When you hire a professional to install your gutters, they can locate problems that you may not even know exists. Experienced contractors have a sharp eye when it comes to gutter issues. For instance, if your fascias rotting, they will be able to detect and address issues that are easy for the untrained eye to overlook.
By hiring a professional, you won’t only save energy but also time and money. Keep in mind that gutter installation requires the use of the right tools, materials, and equipment. When you make mistakes, you can end up spending more on unnecessary repairs. Pros can accomplish your project fast and efficiently.
Just like a roof inspection, gutter installation is also best done by a professional. It’s much safer to hire a skilled contractor to install your gutters because it involves using power equipment, handling special tools, and climbing a ladder. You can easily avoid accidents by leaving your project in the hands of the pros.
Gutter installation contractors know how to prevent water from settling behind your gutters and seeping into the walls. When you choose professionals to do the job, you’ll rest assured knowing that your siding won’t suffer from water damage.
Hiring a professional will not only make your life easier but also produce better quality results. Reputable contractors have systematic installation procedures. They make sure to seal every joint correctly and that every bracket is at the right distance. Certain types of gutters are harder to install on your own. For instance, seamless gutters are created from a single piece of stainless steel, and it needs specialized machinery to form.
If your gutters fail early due to improper installation, it would be covered by your contractor’s warranty. On the other hand, if you installed the system on your own, you would have to fix the problem on your own or spend more on repairs. A gutter system installed by an experienced professional is more likely to last longer.
For high-quality gutter installation services, choose CQ Construction. We also offer roof inspection, repair, and replacement. Give us a call at (850) 683-4169 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.
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