It is easy to forget that the rain gutters on your roof need replacing, but they do. There are many environmental elements that can play a part in damaging your gutters. That is why it is important to know the signs that tell you it’s time for a gutter replacement. Gutter replacement is a necessary task that should be performed by experienced professionals. Our team at Quality Exteriors Roofing wants to help you receive the best possible roof care in Northwest Louisiana for the best price. In this post, we will answer all your questions about gutter replacement.
Why Do I Need a Gutter Replacement?
Gutters are an important part of your home. Their purpose is to keep rain flowing away from the foundation of your house. Exterior walls, doors, and windows rely on gutters to direct water away from them. Meanwhile, you rely on them to keep your home dry and damage-free.
Without gutters, water can build up and cause flooding or water damage to your home or yard. This will lead to soil erosion around the foundation of your home. Gutters also protect your home from paint damage, mold, or mildew buildup.
Think of it like this. It is better to spend a little on replacements now than to spend a lot repairing your damaged home later.
Weather can be unpredictable, especially here in Louisiana. You never know when storms are going to roll through. During hurricane season, your gutters can fill up quickly. It is important that they are clean and strong enough to do their job.
How Often Should Gutters Be Replaced?
The lifespan of gutters depends on the material used, the environment, and how they’re cared for. The most common gutter systems are steel or aluminum. These types of gutters need to be replaced about every 20 years or so. If your gutter system is copper, it can last double that time. Copper gutters can even last up to 50 years. Regardless of the material, you should always check and maintain your gutters.
Gutter Maintenance
With proper maintenance, you can improve the lifespan of your gutter by a lot. Maintaining them should occur on a regular schedule. Aim for cleaning them out once in the spring and again in the fall. This way, you are able to maintain a biannual cleaning schedule while it’s not too hot or cold.
To clean the gutters, you should remove any fallen leaves, twigs, or branches that become trapped in the system. Leaving these materials to gather can lead to clogged gutters. It can also push the gutters away from your house and force them to collapse.
After cleaning your gutters, you should do a thorough inspection. Pay attention to the lining to make sure there are no missing bolts or leaks.
What Type of Gutter Should I Get?
There are several types of gutters to choose from. There are many different materials, shapes, and styles. We’ll start with the different styles:
K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters are also known as ogee gutters.
- Curved shape that resembles more of an S than a K.
- These are the most common option.
- Provide ideal drainage for the majority of U.S. homes.
- Range in widths of 5 to 6 inches.
Half-Round Gutters
- Smooth, semicircle shape.
- Easier to clean than K-style gutter.
- Found more on older homes.
Gutter Materials
Now that we’ve covered the two basic styles, we’ll go over the different types of materials.
Gutters are generally made from:
- Aluminum: This is the most popular choice of material. It is lightweight and rustproof.
- Vinyl: This comes in many different colors. It’s inexpensive and attractive.
- Copper: This is mildew, mold, and rustproof. Copper is known for being luxurious and attractive.
- Steel: This comes in galvanized or stainless steel. It’s long-lasting but more prone to rusting.
- Zinc: Is known for being rustproof and long-lasting.
- Wood: Provides an authentic, traditional look. It’s mostly found in older homes or buildings. It does need regular maintenance and upkeep.
Besides the style and material, you have the option of choosing seamless gutters. This means that instead of having visible seams along your gutter, it will come in one solid piece. Seamless gutters are more attractive and easier to maintain.
At Quality Exteriors, we also offer the best gutter guards around. Gutter guards act as a barrier to prevent debris from clogging your gutter. This will save you time and money in gutter maintenance.
How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost in Northwest Louisiana?
The cost of gutter replacements depends on a few different things. First, you’ll need to know the type of guttering you want. The style, material, and width of your gutter all come into play in pricing.
You also have to consider the size and style of your home. Larger, more complex homes will need more guttering.
To remove old, worn-out gutters ranges from 50 cents to $1.15 per linear foot. To install new gutters can range anywhere from $3 to $30 per linear foot. Choosing vinyl may cost the least, but they will get damaged much quicker. Copper is a more durable option, but the price reflects that.
Again, it all depends on the size and style of both your home and the gutters you choose. Most gutter replacement projects tend to be around $1,700 to $2,200 in installation fees.
To get a better estimate on your home, Quality Exteriors offers a free inspection.
How Do I Know When It’s Time For a Gutter Replacement?
There are a few telltale signs it is time for a gutter replacement. The first is to beware of any cracks, holes, or splits. Even if the cracks seem small, you should have them replaced. The longer they go without replacement, the bigger those holes will grow.
Peeling paint or spots of rust could also be an indicator.
If you notice any signs of mildew or mold, this probably means your gutters are defective. The same goes for watermarks beneath the gutters. Watermarks mean water damage. You’ll want to get this fixed right away.
Another sign is if your gutters appear to be pulling away or sagging off the house. They could be clogged and weighing themselves down. There might also be some screws or nails loose or missing.
Pay attention to your landscaping. Eroded landscaping can mean that your gutters are spilling water where they should not.
Finally, keep an eye out for flooding or pools of water near your house’s foundation. The entire purpose of gutters is to keep this from happening. The buildup of water can erode your house’s foundation and result in costly repairs.
Call Bossier City’s Best Gutter Installation Company
Ignoring signs that it’s time to replace your gutter can hurt you in the long run. The longer you wait to fix them, the more damage that might occur. To save yourself down the road, check and clean your gutters often. If you need a gutter replacement, let our qualified team at Quality Exteriors help you today! Call us at (318) 747-1254 or visit our website to request a free inspection.