Your gutters are an essential feature of your home because they help remove water from your roof to prevent water damage. The right gutters can help protect your roof and foundation and even prevent flooding.
As a homeowner, you may find yourself wondering, how to choose the best gutters for my home?
Choosing the right gutters is as simple as figuring out your budget, choosing the right material, and understanding what works best for your roof design.
While everyone’s gutter needs are different, we have come up with some of the most important factors to consider when trying to choose the gutters that are best for your home. Read on to learn more about these factors and how you can choose the best gutters for your home.
Budget
It’s always a good idea to set a budget for any home improvement project and gutters are no exception. Explore your options to find out which materials, brands, and designs not only work on your home but also fit your budget.
Sometimes you can finance gutters with a loan or your home’s insurance policy may pay for gutters repair or replacement. Don’t opt for the first gutters you find and take the time to shop around and compare prices.
Remember to not only consider the price of the gutters, but also the cost of installation, and how long the gutters will last before they need to be repaired or replaced. Gutters that have a more expensive initial cost could be more affordable in the long run because of their durability.
Material
Gutters come in a variety of different materials. Each material has its pros and cons and you should consider both before deciding which gutter material is best for your home.
• Aluminum gutters are the most common because they are affordable, aren’t likely to rust, and are easy to paint and install. Aluminum does warp and bend easily so if you live in an area with a lot of high winds it may not be the best option for your home.
• Steel gutters are strong and rust-resistant, but they are much heavier. This makes them harder to install and repair if damaged. They can last much longer than other gutter materials, but they
Do degrade quickly in areas near saltwater.
• Vinyl gutters are flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive. They are also available in different colors and can be painted if necessary. Vinyl siding can handle the elements well and isn’t prone to rust or warping caused by heat or sun. They don’t last as long as other materials though and can become hard and develop cracks and holes with time.
Designs
Gutters come in different designs and some work better on certain homes than others. You can choose the design that looks best on your home or is the easiest to install.
• Fascia gutters are one of the most common designs and feature a smooth finish that helps hide the edges of your roofing and create a seamless look.
• Half-round gutters are also common on many homes and have a curved design with the top being opened. While these are still found on many older homes and are an option to consider, they do clog easily and are becoming less popular.
• Ogee gutters are easy to install and create an attractive modern finish. Most gutter designs are available in different materials and are installed in a similar method.
Related Questions
Can You Install Your Own Gutters?
Many homeowners do choose to install their own gutters with the help of a friend or family member. The task is not complicated but does require specific tools and can take some time.
If you are not comfortable with home improvement tasks, it could be better to just hire a home improvement company to install your gutters for you. This will save you time and could potentially save you money on tools and by avoiding cutting or installation mistakes.
Should Gutters Match a House?
While most homeowners prefer that their gutters match their home, it is ultimately up to you. Professional designers usually recommend choosing a gutter color that is the same as the roof or siding, but you may also choose a color that simply coordinates well with either of these colors. Seamless gutters are undetectable and worth considering.
White is sometimes used even with darker roofs or siding and darker colors can be installed on lighter homes for a unique, contrasting look. You may want to consider different colors and how they will look with both your siding and roof before you make a decision.
In Sum
While gutters can be a big investment and an intimidating home project, you can easily choose the right ones for your home by taking the time to compare the different options, materials, and prices to decide which fits best on your home. If you need help choosing the right gutters for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions.
Gutter Installation and Home Improvement Services
If your home is in need of a new gutter system, repair or maintenance, contact Excel Home Improvement in Romulus for more information. We provide professional gutter installation services to homes and businesses throughout Southeast Michigan and take pride in delivering high quality and exceptional customer service.
Our experience is backed with decades of hard work and dedication in providing exterior home improvement services including new roof installation and repair, siding installation, soffit repair and more. Seamless gutters are a great option. They look good while protecting your home and are built to endure all types of weather. Get the best price and highest quality service for your gutter installation beginning with a Free Estimate!