1. Why do I need rain gutter?
Seamless aluminum rain gutter are a good investment. You can make a small investment now and save yourself a lot money and headaches down the road. Seamless aluminum gutters protect your home’s exterior from water damage including leaks around windows and wood rot from water running down walls, foundation damage from soil being washed out from underneath and around it, and landscape damage from water washing away your newly planted shrubs and mulch. They are inexpensive and will increase your home’s value and in the future.
2. How do you install them?
We have a roll-forming machine in each installation van that takes an aluminum coil 12″ wide and as it goes through the machine forms it into the shape of ogee style rain gutter. We can make and install a piece of gutter just about as long as you need it. It is called Seamless Guttering because the only seams are in the corners. We have heavy-duty aluminum hidden hangers spaced approximately every 30 inches and 2″ screws that go through the hidden hanger, through the back edge of the gutter and into fascia board. Out hidden hanger installation is much sturdier than the old spike and ferral method of old, which come loose and cause your gutter to sag and eventually fall off. Downspouts are anchored to brick and stone walls using either masonry nails or Tapcon masonry screws. Wood screws are used for most other surfaces. The downspouts and cornets are fastened together using color matched zip screws. The corner seams are sealed using a rubber based sealant specially formulated for aluminum that will stay pliable and expand and contract as the aluminum gutters expand and contract in hot and cold weather. We install splash guards in area that will get extreme amounts of water as in the valleys and where one downspout drains onto lower roof.
3. Why is aluminum preferred over vinyl?
Unlike aluminum gutters, which is seamless, vinyl gutters come in pre-cut sections. These sections can be attached in several ways. Cement is one example however, the elements will certainly cause the cement to crack and eventaully will loose its integrity and fail. Slip joints are another choice. However, expansion from the heat and cold cause gutters and joints to move away from each other. Vinyl is produced in different grades. The inexpensive product will become victim to the deteriorating effects of UV rays, which can cause the vinyl to become brittle. Brittle and cracked vinyl can’t handle the weight of ice and snow. The more expensive, heavier grade, vinyl with UV protection, could be more costly than aluminum.
Another major problem with vinyl installation is the hanger system. This system, installed prior to the gutters being attached, could leave a gap from 3/8″ to 1/2″ between the gutter and fascia board. During even the light rains, the water will run behind the gutter and the fascia board.
In conclusion, the best seam is no seam as in aluminum seamless gutters. The outright benefits of the aluminum seamless gutter, such as weight, installation and available accessories, far exceed the vinyl product.
4. Which size of gutter should I use?
The answer to this question depends on the rainfall of your area, the roofing material and the slope and size of your roof. Please call for more information. We stock 5″ and 6″ gutters, both of which will handle most if not all needs.
5. What thickness should I use?
When buying any metal gutters, choose the thickest gutter possible. However a certain color’s may only come in certain thickness depending on manufactories. 0.019, 0.027, and 0.032 are the primary thickness in most manufactories’ stock. When buying aluminum gutter insist on primary aluminum, which is the the thickest and most consistent kind. Avoid secondary aluminum, a recycled product that’s often plagued by inconsistent thickness.
6. What do you have to KEEP OUT LEAVES?
We stock several methods to prevent leaves and other debris from clogs your gutters. Please see our Gutter Protectors page for more information.
7. What are methods of payment?
Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover.