Working on a ladder while installing gutters can be dangerous. Gutters are long and difficult to handle alone, so it’s best to have an assistant standing by who can monitor the ladder and who can hold the other end of the gutter as you install it. Metal gutters are sharp when you cut or drill them, so wear heavy gloves and eye protection. A step-by-step guide to installing DIY gutters with corrugated downspouts and decorative cast-aluminum brackets.
A well-installed rain gutter protects a home and its foundation from water that could seep into the walls or pool on the ground and cause damage. Over time, a gutter may wear out or get damaged, putting your house at risk. Gutter replacement is not considered as difficult a task as some home improvement jobs can be, so many homeowners choose to go the DIY route. While there are some advantages to replacing a gutter on your own, a professional installation is also worth considering and in most cases, advised.
Installing a gutter on your own can cost less than hiring a professional, but if the gutters are installed at the wrong pitch or are the wrong style for your house or region, structural damage could occur to the house over time. Gutter installation requires a lot of climbing up and down ladders and using power tools. It can be very dangerous to climb ladders, especially if you are trying to carefully maneuver gutters and other materials. Or you can slope the gutters down from each end toward a single downspout placed in the middle of the run.
Not only does this mean you’ll have a more difficult time keeping your home free from leaks and other problems, but it also means you’ll need to invest in new gutters sooner rather than later. Many homeowners clean out their own gutters, which also inclines them to want to replace old gutters themselves. In most cases, it’s recommended to prioritize homeowner safety and structural integrity of the house by having a professional company complete a gutter replacement. Choosing the right size of gutter depends on the amount of rainfall in your region and the pitch of the roof.
If gutters are installed on wood that’s already rotting on the inside, future repairs will likely be more extensive and costly. A pro will be able to adequately assess the house to select the correct gutter style, inspect the house for water damage to the walls or foundation, and install the gutters at the proper pitch with the right connections and seals to prevent leaks. The top four factors to consider when choosing new gutters are house size, roof pitch, yearly amount of rainfall, and mounting options. Gutter installation or replacement costs are low, related materials are inexpensive and the tools used are so basic that you may already own a number of them.
They can also identify any areas on existing gutters that have performed poorly and how to remedy them when replaced. Since gutters play an important role in the structural integrity of a house, replacing worn-out gutters should be a priority. The total retail cost to purchase each necessary item for a complete gutter system can also surprise some homeowners. Depending on the type of gutter you have, you may tweak some of these steps, but overall, the project is simple enough for anyone to do.
However, a professional gutter installation company assumes the cost of damaged materials during the installation; it wouldn’t have to come out of your pocket like it would if you were DIYing. Generally, these warranties can last 5 or 10 years, and they may require the homeowner to keep a regular maintenance schedule to prevent the gutters from wearing out quickly.