A Seamless Gutter Installation Mini-Series
If you are considering a seamless gutter installation for your home, chances are you are looking for the best gutter options available. Aluminum gutters are the most commonly installed gutter material in today’s modern homes. Continue reading, and you may understand why.
Seamless gutters play a vital role in keeping your home dry and preventing water damage, leading to the possibility of costly structural issues within your home.
Since aluminum gutters are lightweight, cost-effective, and highly functional, they are an excellent choice without breaking the bank. This article reveals how aluminum gutters are assembled and installed on-site. You may even come to terms with the option to install them on your home!
Seamless Gutter Machine & Cutting
Since seamless aluminum gutters are custom-made to fit your home, the first step is to measure the eves and wall heights where each downspout and gutter will be applied. Once measured, the gutters are constructed from an aluminum coil using a seamless gutter machine.
Downspouts are pre-made and are limited in length. For longer runs, the pipes can be joined together and cut to size.
To create the seamless gutters, a single piece of flat aluminum, known as an aluminum coil stock, is fed through a machine using a system of brakes and rollers that bend and fold the aluminum to form the gutters into shape.
The finished seamless aluminum gutter comes out the other end of the machine and is ready to be installed once the end caps, downspout holes, and necessary corners are attached.
Seamless Gutter Application & Pitch
For proper protection, every eve on your home subject to water runoff must have a working gutter system. Dependent upon the size of the run, the gutter will either have a downspout on opposing ends or one single downspout on the appropriate side. In both cases, gutters are pitched to divert water into the directions of each downspout.
The appropriate pitch varies but typically starts between 1 1/4″ to 3/4 of an inch fall for a 16-foot gutter or less. Longer routes will require less angle as water will gain speed and run over if the pitch is too drastic. So, to mitigate, the extensive gutter pitch will range from 1″ to 3/8.
Installing & Directing Downspouts
Lengthy gutters can hold more water than the typical downspout can drain. Downspouts are primarily limited due to length and size. For this reason, it is essential to understand the importance of proper diameters and routing.
Downspouts should aim to drain away from the structures, going with the roof’s slope or landscapes. Proper directing will help prevent backflow, damages, and unnecessary erosion.
There is not much arguing; more oversized gutters and downspouts increase drainage capacity. A 6″ or larger downspout is also less likely to clog.
Sealing & Maintaining
Once the installation is complete, it’s essential to closely examine how the water runs when the system is exposed to its first large storm. The most common areas where gutters fail are along the seams of elbows in inside and outside corners. Therefore, it’s crucial that your installer heavily applies sealant within these areas.
The leading cause of fascia and sub-fascia damage is water damage due to faulty gutters. Be sure to have a professional check your gutter system every five years to assure there are no new leaks and that all screws are tight and secure.
Why Should I Choose Seamless Aluminum Gutters?
With so many gutter options available, it can be challenging to know which is the right option for your home. Gutter materials range from stainless steel, vinyl, and aluminum, which is the most versatile choice.
It’s no surprise that over 70% of homes utilize aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters are available in a wide range of colors and can be purchased to mimic new and aged copper.
Seamless aluminum gutters are aesthetically pleasing and will contribute to the decor of any home.
Take The Next Step
Are you ready to take the next step in adding seamless aluminum gutters to your home? Our dedicated team of professionals at Raleigh Siding & Gutters will walk you through the entire process! Our team will conduct the installation to have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and dry, regardless of the weather condition.
To learn more about our gutter installations, contact or call us at 919-823-9070.