When it comes to protecting your home against water damage, a well-functioning gutter system is essential. Every part of the system matters, from the gutters themselves to the downspouts, elbows, brackets, and more. Deciding on a gutter system involves many decisions: what material will you use? What style of gutter? Will you go with sectional gutters or seamless gutters? To make an informed decision, it can be helpful to understand the terms we use when we talk about gutter systems. What is a seamless gutter system, and what are seamless downspouts? And how do you know if a seamless system is right for your home?
Seamless Gutters and Seamless Downspouts
Regular gutters, also known as sectional gutters, comprise short, pre-cut sections that are joined together to form a longer gutter. The joints between each pre-cut section are sealed with roof and gutter sealant to prevent leaks or drips.
In contrast, seamless gutters (also called continuous gutters) are a style of gutter manufactured from a single piece of material: usually aluminum, copper, or steel. Because seamless gutters are constructed from a single piece of material, they do not need to be sealed at the joints or seams.
Benefits of Seamless Gutters and Seamless Downspouts
Seamless gutters are more expensive upfront compared to sectional gutters. However, the benefits of seamless gutters often make this initial investment well worth it in the long run.
Low Maintenance
Gutter sealant, which must be applied to sectional gutters, typically lasts between one and five years before it needs to be reapplied. Sectional gutters require other frequent, ongoing maintenance tasks, too, including re-patching, re-sealing, and immediately cleaning blocked or overflowing gutters.
Since seamless gutters do not have joints or seams in which dirt, leaves, and other debris can become trapped, they require significantly less maintenance and are less prone to clogs, blockages, and backups.
Lower Risk of Water Damage
Keeping maintenance costs and labor low isn’t the only benefit of seamless gutters. With fewer joints and seams, there are fewer leak points, helping protect your home against leaks and water damage during heavy rain or snow.
Long-Lasting
Seamless gutters are more durable and last longer than sectioned gutters. Even with minimal maintenance, they can often last for longer than 20 years.
Curb Appeal
Seamless gutters tend to boost your home’s curb appeal by creating a coherent look that is more elevated, refined, and streamlined than their sectional counterparts. Seamless gutters are also available in many different colors and materials, which can make it simple to create the best match for your home’s style.
What Are Seamless Downspouts?
Gutters are just one part of your home’s gutter system, the arrangement of gutters and downspouts attached to a property to collect rainwater and safely transport it to the ground and away from your home’s foundation. Along with the gutters themselves, components of a gutter system include end caps, fascia brackets, elbows, downspouts, and downspout brackets.
Downspouts are a part of both regular gutter systems and seamless gutter systems. As with a seamless gutter, the advantage of a seamless downspout is that it is fixed and, therefore, has fewer joints or seams at which debris can accumulate or water can leak. With fewer joints and fasteners, seamless downspouts tend to last longer and require less maintenance.
The best downspout to use with a seamless gutter system depends on the style and design of your gutters, but you’ll have no shortage of options. One of the benefits of seamless gutters is the wide array of design choices available compared to traditional gutters.
Seamless gutters are available in popular styles, including (but not limited to) K-style or half-round. If you opt for half-round gutters, it’s recommended that you pair them with round downspouts to ensure optimal drainage. K-style gutters, on the other hand, are more commonly seen paired with rectangular downspouts to ensure optimal drainage.
Taylor-Made Roofing is your gutter expert in Southwest Missouri. We can install durable and seamless 5″ or 6″ gutters as well as commercial box-style gutters. We can also tear off old gutters and replace them with a reliable new product. With our help, your gutters will remain safe, strong, and secure. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!