What are Seamless Gutters?
Updated: Aug. 18, 2021Seamless gutters are just as the name says, seamless. And, unless you own the right machine, they require professional, onsite creation and installation.
Ever notice a steady stream of water coming down outside your window on a rainy day? That probably means a joint in your gutter system has a leak. Left unchecked, this leak allows water to land too close to your foundation and creates a divot in your landscaping. Fortunately, the average DIYer will have no trouble with easy gutter fixes. But, if you had seamless gutters, there would be no joint and therefore, no leak.
Seamless gutters are exactly as the name says, seamless. Rather than coming in standard 10-foot lengths, which must be pieced together, they require professional, onsite creation and installation. Here are a few things to consider:
Do seamless gutters cost more?
Yes. The initial investment for gutters without seams is more because, unless you own a seamless gutter machine and know how to use it, this is not a DIY home improvement project. However, you may find the long term investment worth it, depending on the value of your home.
If you decide to go the DIY route (with seams), however, you can replace your gutters in a weekend.
Do seamless gutters come in different colors?
Yes. Some manufacturers offer up to 25 different colors to match your home. No need to stay with plain-Jane white or tan. Installing gutters in designer colors is one way to make your home stand out.
What are seamless gutters made of?
Gutters without seams are made of galvanized steel. Heavier and stronger than the aluminum or vinyl gutters available to the DIYer, gutters without seams are more resistant to damage from the weight of snow and ice.
Storm damage? Fixing roof and gutter issues is easier than you think.
Are there other benefits to seamless gutters?
Absolutely. As already mentioned, they don’t leak. Therefore, they require less maintenance than their pieced-together cousins. They also withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and high winds better than gutters with joints.
What does the installation process look like?
A team of workers will manufacture and assemble your new gutters in your yard using a special machine which they will transport in a large truck or trailer. They will make the gutters to fit your home so that they’ll tie into your existing drainage system. Once formed, the long pieces are hoisted up to your roofline. This requires the use of ladders leaning up against your house and workers climbing up and down. While held there, someone will screw them into place using a drill. Expect some hammering and the drill noises but otherwise, the sound of the gutter machine is pretty quiet. Barring any complications, the job should take only a few hours.
