Gutter Replacement Options – Why Replacing is Almost Always Better!

Have you noticed your gutters not working properly? Are you unsure how often to replace your gutters? Maybe you’ve put off getting them serviced and now you’re not sure what to do next. Having well-functioning gutters is essential to properly maintaining your home or building. Sometimes, the better option is just replacing them altogether to save time, money, and make sure you’ve got an active warranty. 

Signs You Need Gutter Replacement

If you’ve noticed your gutters aren’t functioning properly, consider looking for any indication of wear and tear or water damage first. Do you see any cracks or places where the gutters aren’t attached properly? If you notice any sagging or pulling away from the building, this is also a sign of wear and tear that could lead to a full replacement. 

Water damage could be a result of your gutters being clogged or blocked, not allowing water to move properly. Other signs of water damage include pooling water, mold growth, or foundation issues. Homeowners often treat gutters as a “set it and forget it” part of the home, allowing issues to remain undetected until they’ve been going on for a while. If this is the case, a full replacement may be the best course of action.

Why Replacing Gutters is Usually Better than Repairing

Finding out you need to replace your gutters, versus having them repaired, can be a little overwhelming. Just hearing the word “replace” can sound expensive. In reality, there is a chance that the cost of repairs isn’t far off from a full replacement. While the full replacement will be more expensive than a repair, the cost can be similar, making it easy to justify replacing. Going for a replacement versus a repair helps you avoid paying for temporary fixes that might need additional work later down the road. You’ll also avoid ongoing maintenance costs for the repairs and likely have a warranty for your new system. Over time, you’ll experience long-term durability and effectiveness with new seamless gutters versus repairing the old gutters you already have.

Gutter Replacement Options

Now that you’ve decided you need to replace your gutters, what is next? You’ll want to consider your options for metal choices and then whether seamless gutters or sectional gutters are a better fit for your home. Seamless gutters are exactly that – seamless. These are custom made to fit your building. Sectional gutters are cost-effective, but the seams could eventually leak. Raising the bar and opting for seamless gutters removes the risk of seams that might cause leaks or blockages. 

When it comes to picking a material, HMC Gutters offers a few different options. This decision is typically made based on building type and need. If you’ve got a commercial building, the HMC Gutters team will recommend something to accommodate roof styles with large overhangs or areas that get more rain. If you’re looking to replace the gutters on your home, the HMC Gutters team will likely recommend something based on the style of home you have, like steel gutters in a range of colors. From the modern farmhouse and barn feel to more traditional homes, there are plenty of metal options like galvalume or copper that fit your style.

Benefits of New Seamless Gutters

From an aesthetic perspective, seamless gutters will enhance your curb appeal and property value. If you’re selling, then your buyers will definitely appreciate having one less thing to worry about with seamless gutters that are well installed and properly maintained. Seamless gutters call for a reduced maintenance schedule compared to sectioned gutters.They also offer improved drainage and additional protection from water damage. The seamless gutters give water fewer options to leak and cause water damage. A new system with HMC Gutters comes with a warranty and the use of heavy duty screw-in hidden hangers. Older systems have the long gutter spikes that will, over time, become ineffective in keeping the gutter mounted to your home. With sectioned gutters, you’ll need additional maintenance to make sure those seams are secure and aren’t causing any blockages.

When to Replace Your Gutters

The average lifespace of your gutters depends on the material. If your gutters are aluminum, you’ll need to replace them every 20-30 years if you’ve maintained them properly. While copper gutters are more expensive, they will last longer. You can expect copper gutters to last beyond the 30 year mark if they are properly maintained. Galvalume gutters, which is an aluminum-zinc coating on steel, will last the longest, topping out at 50 years or more. While these are more expensive, the investment is worth it for the durability. Poorly maintained or neglected gutters, regardless of the material, will require replacement earlier. Staying proactive by sticking to a regular maintenance schedule can help avoid additional repair costs or early replacement of gutters. 

Conclusion

While replacing your gutters sounds expensive and daunting, it is likely the better option in comparison to repairing. Repairs can be costly and could still require additional maintenance repairs down the road. Replacing your gutters with something like seamless gutters can not only lower maintenance costs, because of durability, but it can also prolong the next necessary replacement. New gutter installation also gives you access to warranty options for when you do need repairs. 

The HMC Gutters team is available and ready to provide a free estimate or consultation. This is the perfect starting point to getting your gutters replaced and protecting your home the right way