Gutters are essential in keeping water away from your foundation and an integral part of your home’s structural well being. Without gutters or if gutters are poorly functioning, water will poor directly off of the roof and erode the soil around your home’s foundation, which will lead to basement leaks and eventually, structural instability.
Gutters are not only a key factor in protecting your home, they serve a larger purpose in benefiting your environment and neighborhood as a whole. Without well functioning gutters, there would be significant issues with runoff which would create ditches and then the pooling of water, which could lead to the harming of the environment with the destruction of lawns, flowers, gardens and other vegetation.
At Anderson Gutter Company, we install 5", 6" and 7" seamless gutters in a wide array of colors, which is a popular choice for our neighbors throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In addition, we have solutions for copper gutters, half round gutters and box gutters. We also work on downspouts / downpipes and repair and replace soffit and fascia board. In addition to gutter systems, we also have affordable gutter guard / gutter screen, downspout / downpipe and underground drainage solutions to ensure your foundation and home investment, is protected.
Clogged gutters are just as much of a problem as having no gutters, at all. When a gutter is clogged, water has nowhere to go but over the side of the gutter and directly around your foundation. Keeping your gutters free from debris is crucial in ensuring the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. As a general rule, gutters should be cleaned and inspected for leaks a minimum of twice a year, in the spring and fall. If your home is in a heavily wooded area, you should consider monitoring for clogs and leaks, more often.
Leaks can be a significant issue and we highly recommend checking your gutters periodically to address an issue as soon as you can. Over time, if problems aren’t addressed, issues will worsen with water, ice and other elements gradually wearing your gutters more. When inspecting your gutters, be sure to note damage that may have been caused by large debris which could become problematic, as well as ensuring the seams and joints are intact and properly sealed. In addition, ensure that your gutters are securely fastened to your home as any gaps will allow water to pour directly from your roof to your foundation.
We know that cleaning and inspecting gutters can be a chore. And… sometimes a dangerous one at that, which is why the Anderson Gutter Company also provides gutter cleaning and gutter repair services for your existing gutter system.
Protect your home by ensuring your gutters are intact and not damaged. Damaged gutters can lead to more extensive and costly damage if not addressed. If you’re concerned about or suspect your gutters are damaged, feel free to call us 513-668-8666 or contact us to get a free, no obligation, estimate.
Sectional (Seamed) Gutters vs. Seamless Gutters
The most obvious difference between sectional gutters and seamed gutters, is one is seamed together to complete your gutter system, while seamless gutters are cut for a custom fit without any seams. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider durability, longevity, maintenance and aesthetics.
Pros & Cons of Sectional Gutters
Sectional gutters are typically sold in 10’ - 20’ piece sections which are then seamed together, to complete the gutter system. They can connect via a snap system or adhesive and when needed, they can be cut with a hacksaw for a specific fit.
Since sectional gutters are cheaper and installation is less involved than seamless gutters, sectional gutters tend to be a common choice for the DIY community. While sectional gutters are less expensive and easier to install, the seams will eventually fail, separate and leak. Plan on spending more time inspecting and maintaining sectional gutters, if you want your gutters to last longer and function properly. You’ll need to clean regularly to ensure no clogging, because clogging will erode the seals. Additionally, you’ll need to re-patch and re-seal immediately, as issues occur.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to install. | Requires a lot of maintenance. |
Doesn’t require professional installation. | Doesn’t last as long as other gutter systems. |
Lower cost than seamed gutters. | Seals will slowly separate and leak. |
Pros & Cons of Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters feature a flat bottom with a curved edge and typically last 20-30 years and potentially longer, with proper care. A great benefit to seamless gutters, is not having joints or seams, which makes them less likely to clog or backup, as debris can’t get trapped in those areas. This means less opportunities for leaks and you won’t have to spend nearly as much time maintaining them, as you will with sectional gutters. Adding gutter guards to your seamless gutter system makes it an even better solution and investment, because you’ll not only prevent clogs and ensure maximum functionality, but gutter guards will also help in increasing the life expectancy of your gutters. We love seamless gutters not only for how well they function and low maintenance, but they also look fantastic. The smooth seamless finish can easily be customized with a variety of design options, colors and can even be painted.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Seamless gutters are custom cut to fit your home which allows them to work more effectively. | Higher cost than sectional gutters. |
No seams, means debris cannot get wedged and build up in them. | Requires professional installation. |
Aesthetically pleasing and are available in a wide variety of colors. | Repairs require entire gutter section to be replaced. |
Less maintenance required. | |
Minimal, if any leakage. |
Seamless Gutter Designs
With a diverse range of materials and shapes, seamless gutters provide a variety of design options. Two of the most popular designs are K-Style and Half-Round. Their shapes stand out and can be customized with design features that incorporate a crown molding or colonial-style profile.
K-Style Gutters
K-Style seamless gutters are a popular choice for many because of the range of design options and decorative look. They’re usually installed with rectangular downspouts/downpipes to ensure maximum drainage. K-Style gutters typically come in 5” and 6” widths.
Half Round Gutters
Half round gutters are commonly seen on homes built before 1950. They are easier to clean and have an elegant look to them. Half Round Gutters stand up well to wind and impact from tree branches. They are also easier to maintain. One con is that they can't handle as much water as K Style Gutters.
Fascia Gutters
For homeowners that want a cleaner, more streamlined look for their home, fascia gutters are a great option as they sit behind the fascia board, hidden from view, creating an overall seamless look. With fascia gutters being fabricated out of aluminum and custom cut, you’ll need a professional to install this gutter system.
Box Gutters
Box Gutters are commonly seen on historical homes built in the late 1800's thru the early 1900's and some commercial facilities in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Box Gutters are 2-3 times more expensive than K Style Gutters due to the amount wood, time and labor required to build them. Box Gutters are custom built into the roof of a structure where as K Style Gutters are attached to the Fascia Board at the roofs edge.
Box Gutter Installation is commonly only seen on historical homes, when it is necessary to replace the existing Box Gutters, and Modern Gutters won't do the home justice. They blend in with a homes architecture and are often used to restore a historical homes aesthetic.
Types of Seamless Gutters
When choosing a gutter system, there are a number of things to consider when making your decision. Is the look important to you? What material will you choose, how long will it last and what are the associated up-front and maintenance costs?
With that said, the very first thing you should consider when investing in a gutter system, is your location. Do you live in a heavily wooded area or does your geographic region receive more rainfall than average? These are some of the most important details you should consider when choosing which gutter system to invest in. Rest assured, there are great solutions that fit a range of budgetary needs.
Aluminum Gutters
The most popular choice for seamless gutters, is aluminum as it can withstand the elements for years, is rust resistant and it’s light weight. Coming in a wide array of designs and colors, aluminum gutters are a great choice for curb-appeal with a cost that’s budget friendly for most.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are available in both seamless and seamed styles and Anderson Gutter Company is the perfect partner to help you transform and beautify your home with the luxurious look of copper gutters. Simply put… we love them. It’s not only that copper gutters add value to a home, but they also create interest and curb appeal, because they look incredible! That’s why we love copper gutters, just like many of our customers throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, do!
We also love that copper is extremely durable, lasting up to 50 years without needing to be replaced, or even repaired! Copper won't crack, warp or rust and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. The durability and lower maintenance of copper gutters make them a fantastic choice for your home.
Steel Gutters
Steel gutters are the most expensive material, but if you’re looking for a highly durable and robust material, then Steel gutters is the best option. Steel’s superior strength resists damage caused by extreme weather and debris and is by far the best option for geographic regions that experience damaging weather conditions. The cost of a steel gutter system varies with the gauge. The thicker the gauge, the higher the cost.
Vinyl Gutters
While vinyl material is an option for gutter systems, vinyl gutters are not very common and the least popular choice for most homeowners. They typically are installed in sections because their poor durability and quality don’t make it viable for a seamless gutter system.
Pros & Cons of Aluminum, Copper, Steel and Vinyl Gutter Materials
Gutter Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Aluminum Gutters | Aesthetically pleasing, can be painted, light weight, can be painted and can be seamless. | Can dent. |
Copper Gutters | Aesthetically pleasing, doesn’t rust, lasts long, less likely to dent and seamless. | More expensive than aluminum and heavy weight. |
Steel Gutters | Most durable, longest lasting material and flame retardant. | High cost and heavy weight. |
Vinyl Gutters | Low cost and light weight. | Not durable and easily damaged, sectional gutter system, subject to leaks, affected by temperature, can sag and color will fade. |
Anderson Gutter Company, Gutter Systems
Since seamless gutters are a great, cost-effective gutter solution that lasts longer and requires last maintenance, we highly recommend them. While Anderson Gutter Company installs seamless gutters in 5", 6" and 7”, we also recommend 6" seamless gutters for most homes in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area due to the amount of precipitation our geographic area receives annually. Our seamless gutters are machine formed at your location, using an enclosed trailer housing and a mounted gutter machine.
Protect your home by ensuring your gutters are intact and not damaged. Damaged gutters can lead to more extensive and costly damage if not addressed. If you’re concerned about or suspect your gutters are damaged, feel free to call us 513-668-8666 or contact us to get a free, no obligation, estimate.
