Q: How do I choose a gutter contractor?

When you speak with the potential contractor, look into their standing with your local accrediting board. A rain gutter license should be C-43 or D-24. You should have a solid idea of what to expect from the contractor when you come together for an assessment of the needs of your property. The contractor should act with professionalism and answer your questions without being pushy. The contractor should provide a sample of the recommended gutter(s) so you are able to check out the colors, sizes, and the material thickness. It never hurts to inquire about references of jobs the contractor has done in the general area so you can see the finished product and, if you’d like, obtain feedback from previous customers in regard to their experience.

Q: How do sectional and seamless gutters differ?

Sectional types are sold in 10-22 feet long pieces. They consist of pre-printed steel, vinyl, or painted aluminum. Gutter sections are held together by connectors that snap-in-place. All sectional systems have corner pieces, end caps, and drop outlets to connect to downspouts. A con to sectional systems is that there is the possibility for leaks through those seams. A pro, on the other hand, is that they can be installed by the property holder or by a qualified installer.

Seamless gutters tend to be the most prevalent modern rain gutters. A major reason for this popularity is that they don’t have any seams that might leak. The sections only connect at the outside and inside corners, and at downspout outlets. Seamless gutters are frequently created using aluminum with a baked-on finish, however, they can be made alternatively from factory-painted steel or copper, too. They are created using a machine that the gutter contractor will have. These kinds of gutters must be installed by an experienced contractor.

Q: How do I choose the correct gutters for my home?

Standard rain gutters for a house with a shingle roof should be 5″. For a tile roof, it is a good idea to install a 6″ gutter. Why? Because tile roofs extend roughly 1″ to 3″over the roof line, so you need to ensure that the gutter is going to work and not just discharge the water up and over the gutter. The expert that you work with should point you in the right direction when it comes to the appropriate gutter size, material and system for your property.

Q: How can I tell if my gutter is clogged?

A clogged gutter is pretty easy to spot and it does not take a professional to do so. The first indication that there is a problem is when you notice the water pouring out of the sides of your gutter. The water in your gutter should run down the gutter itself smoothly and come out at the bottom of the downspout. If you notice that your downspout only trickles during or after a rain storm, there is a clog somewhere. Another indication that there may be a clog is when your gutter starts to sag and appears heavy. This is due to debris and leaf buildup in the gutter itself.

Q: What are gutter covers?

Gutter covers are small mesh caps that are placed over your gutters. These covers are made from a small mesh that will block debris from your gutter system, but still allows the rainwater to flow through and down the gutter. You will no longer have to worry about clogs and back-ups with a gutter cover installed, but you will still need to perform periodic maintenance to keep the gutter covers free from too much debris.

Q: Do gutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes?

Yes. There are many shapes and sizes available for gutters and the exact one you need will depend on the size of your home, the purpose, and what the contractor thinks will work best. Some of the most popular gutters come in a K or U shape. There is no major advantage to either except the appearance and what you prefer for your home. Many gutters that are used on residences are either 5-inch or 6-inch in size, but gutters do come smaller or larger. At Rain Gutter Specialists, we also custom make gutters, so we can meet your specifications.