Are you one of those who after owning a smartphone for just a few months, you feel you have seen the most of it, You are so sure there are only about 10 things(ish) you could do with it, and that’s if you are tech savvy enough. Then along comes your child or cousin who starts showing you things you thought were impossible with that thing you have owned this whole time!

That feeling right there, describes what it is like to be unaware of how gutters can make your life much easier.

Regarding home maintenance and improvements, gutter replacement is often overlooked. Homeowners tend to focus on more visible projects like remodeling the kitchen or bathroom.

One thing you may not know is that neglecting your gutters can lead to costly damage to your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping. You may be considering getting a gutter replacement from the best roofing company. 

But, before that, here are ten surprising facts you may not have known about replacing your gutter.

1. With Gutter replacement: Even the best gutters go bad.

You can get gutters designed to withstand harsh weather, storms, winds, and all. Unfortunately, they won’t last for as long as you hope they will. 

Experts recommend replacing your gutter every 20-25 years, depending on the material it’s made of. Aluminum and vinyl gutters tend to have a shorter lifespan, while copper gutters can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance. However, nothing lasts forever, including gutters.

2. You would prefer to have seamless gutters.

Traditional sectional gutters have these seams that hold the pieces together. 

The problem with that kind of gutter is that it can become a perfect spot for leaks and clogs that end up running your gutter. 

Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are made from a single piece of material. That’s one of the ways it reduces the risk of leaks and allows better water flow. Choose seamless gutters.

3. In gutter replacement: size matters.

Gutters come in various sizes, commonly between 4 to 7 inches wide. You must pick the right size. Well, how do you know what that is?
It depends on the amount of rainfall in your area and the size of your roof. A roofing company professional can help you find out what size works to handle the water flow from your roof properly.

4. The pitch of your gutter is very important.

You may have not heard this from someone before but your gutter needs to be installed with the proper pitch or slope to allow water to flow freely. That slope keeps your gutter empty and unclogged. As a standard, a pitch of 1/4 inch per 10 feet is generally recommended. 

If there’s not enough slope on your roof, water starts to pool in the gutter, leading to leaks, and maybe damage to your roof.

5. You can get good downspouts to channel water.

You should know that downspouts have to be strategically set up with your gutter replacement. That’s how you direct water away from draining into and soaking the foundation of your house. The runoff should be channeled at least 4-6 feet away from the house to prevent leaking into your basement, soil erosion, and foundation problems.

6. Gutter guards can save you a lot of money

Gutter guards, also known as gutter covers or gutter helmets, are designed to keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your gutters. 

While you’ll have to spend a bit initially to get it installed, gutter guards can save you money in the long run. It drastically reduces the need for frequent gutter cleaning and prevents clogs that can lead to costly repairs on premature gutter replacement.

7. How to use heat cables to prevent ice dams

Cold seasons cause ice dams to form in your gutters. Then it causes water to back up and sometimes leak into your home. 

Heat cables save you the trouble.

If you install them, especially with the combo of the gutters and downspouts.

It will prevent ice dams by melting the ice and allowing water to flow freely. That’s a good system that lets you go to sleep unbothered.

8. For a job well done, you’ll need a professional roofing company

While gutter replacement may seem like a DIY project, it’s often best to hire a professional. Experienced contractors have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to make sure that your gutters are installed correctly and will function properly for years to come.

9. Gutter replacement can increase your home’s value

Well-maintained gutters not only protect your home from water damage but can also make it more attractive and classy. 

A new gutter system you can get from the best roofing company Seattle has to offer can be a worthwhile investment.

You are inevitably increasing your home’s value if you plan to sell in the future.

10. It is possible to recycle old gutters.

If you’re replacing your gutters, maybe you hired a local roofing company to handle it. You don’t always need brand-new gutters, don’t simply just toss the old ones in the trash. Instead, reuse the useful materials from your gutter.

You can find gutter replacement companies that offer recycling services.

Before reading this article you may have not thought much about gutter replacement in the way you do now. You should have information that can improve the quality and longevity of your gutter. Now you understand these 10 facts about gutter replacement. You can confidently make informed decisions about the type of gutters, installation methods, and maintenance practices that will best protect your home for years to come.

Reach out to a professional today to gain more insights on gutter replacement.