Key factors to consider when choosing gutters & downspouts

Older gutters can be often be difficult and costly to repair. Many homeowners ask the question how much do new gutters cost compared to replacing old gutters. Modern rain gutters and downspouts offer a wide variety of options to be considered, which are outlined below:

• Materials: Modern gutters are typically made from aluminum, as aluminum gutters offer a great combination of affordability, durability, and design choice. However, materials such as copper, steel, and even wood are available for gutters as well. These are often used on historical or unique homes.
• Color: Aluminum gutters offer the best options for color, as they are factory designed in a wide variety of colors and can be painted any color you want. Wood and steel gutters also offer a variety of finishes to help you get the right look for your home.
• Style: There are several different types of gutter profiles. Aluminum gutters are often formed in a “K” profile that includes a flat back section and a curved front. Half-round gutters are curved the whole way through and are sometimes be found on older houses.
• Size: K-style gutters typically come in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes. The larger size is usually specified when the roof area being drained is especially large and/or steep. Our gutter experts will help you determine which size is best for your house.
• Gutter guards: Gutter guards are an increasingly popular addition that provides excellent protection for your home. Also know as gutter screens, these covers prevent anything other than water from entering your gutters, eliminating clogs and cleaning.
• Additional drainage options: Depending on the layout of your home and yard, you may need a downspout extension are carry roof runoff away from the house. Many of these simply extend out over the yard or garden, while others consist of buried pipe that drains to a dry well or daylight outlet.