For homeowners, being mindful of gutters is essential. After all, gutters carry water away from vulnerable areas of your home. Failure to maintain this essential part of your home’s drainage system can lead to serious and expensive damage. Are your gutters in need of an upgrade? If so, it’s worth taking a little time to explore an interesting topic: What are seamless gutters?
Defining Seamless Gutters
As the name suggests, seamless gutters are gutters without seams. As Forbes reports, these gutters, which are also known as continuous gutters, are made of a single piece of material. During installation, a contractor will cut them to fit, providing a custom product. Aluminum, copper, and steel are popular picks, and the results can easily last 20 years or more.
In contrast, regular gutters are composed of numerous pieces and parts. These are glued together to reach the length needed for your home. The precut sections may be made from standard gutter materials with various lifespans. However, the glue that holds them together is a weak spot. Gutter sealant generally only lasts one to five years.
Identifying the Pros of Seamless Gutters
What are seamless gutters known for? As Angi indicates, their benefits are widely recognized:
- Low maintenance requirements: Seamless gutters rarely require resealing. When it’s needed, it’s only at the downspouts and corners. They also are less likely to clog and can generally go far longer between cleanings.
- Few leaks: Seams are a weak point. They’re where regular gutters tend to sag and form leaks. Since seamless gutters don’t have seams, they generally have fewer leaks.
- High curb appeal: With good looks, long lifespans, low maintenance requirements, and fewer leaks, potential buyers find seamless gutters appealing. As a result, they add to your property’s value.
- Less waste: Because seamless gutters are made to measure, you buy exactly what you need. There’s less waste, and the gutters are always a perfect fit.
Weighing the Cons of Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters aren’t perfect. Their potential downsides include the following:
- Higher initial cost: Producing and installing seamless gutters is more complicated. As a result, their upfront cost is greater.
- Professional installation required: With regular gutters, do-it-yourself installation is not recommended, but it is possible. With seamless gutters, professional installation is a must.
- Complex repairs: Repairs or replacements of seamless gutters are more complicated than regular gutters. They often involve the entire length.
Discovering Designs for Seamless Gutters
What are seamless gutters design choices? They’re fairly similar to regular gutters. Common styles and customizations are available. Popular designs include the following:
- Half-round: Resembling a round pipe that’s been cut in half, these gutters offer a smooth, organic look and easy cleaning.
- K-style: Pairing a decorative front that resembles crown molding with a flat bottom, these are one of the most popular types of seamless gutters.
- Box: The boxy shape of these gutters gives them a modern look and an increased capacity that comes in handy in areas prone to heavy precipitation.
- Fascia: For those who want a seamless look, fascia gutters involve concealing the gutters behind the home’s fascia board.
Considering When Seamless Gutters Are a Great Choice
According to the experts at This Old House, seamless gutters are a worthwhile investment whenever homeowners want a gutter system that’s durable and longer-lasting. They point out that the higher initial cost can easily be offset over the gutter system’s lengthy lifetime by the savings that you’ll likely enjoy thanks to reduced maintenance costs and repair costs.
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!