Gutters are an important and often overlooked part of the exterior of your home. When your gutters become so damaged or aged that they are no longer working OR you have never had gutters before, it is important to educate yourself so that you may find the best functional layout for your home!
Things to consider when replacing or installing gutters
Available Materials
When installing new gutters, generally homeowners have a choice between aluminum, copper, and wood. Aluminum is the most popular material because it is affordable, durable, and open for customizing the color and width. Copper is also an option for those wanting a more historic aesthetic to their home. It also gives a beautiful natural look that generally cannot be achieved with other materials. Wood is also a traditional material for gutters, but it is something that requires a lot of attention and maintenance due to its natural vulnerability to water.
Layout of your home
Your home’s layout is an extremely important aspect of your gutter installation. If your home has a steeper roof or if there is a side that will need a 40-foot run, increasing the width of your gutters is something to consider so they don’t overflow. This is a crucial detail that if ignored, will cost you money down the road. Standard widths are around 5” while the higher volume gutters are 6”.
Cost
Finally, as a homeowner, it is important to know the market prices for what service you are seeking. While the range of prices ranges between $7 and $33 per linear foot of standard seamless aluminum gutters, the average cost for a quality gutter installation is around $22. If copper is the material you are looking for, count on at least doubling the cost of the aluminum, as those range between $18 and $42 per linear foot.
Keep in mind that you may also need carpentry work if your facia board is rotting! This is the foundation of your gutters and not something to ignore.
Accessories
Once you have considered your material, layout, and budget; it would be wise to consider gutter guards as an accessory. This is especially important if you have trees over your home or surrounding your property. The gutter guards will eliminate the headache of having to hire a gutter cleaning company to come and remove the plant debris.
