Gutters are one of the most integral parts of a roofing system and are critical to protecting your home’s structure. If you need to replace your gutters, you should replace them based on optimal performance and durability.
Selecting low-quality gutters may leave you with unnecessary damage to your home or additional repair/replacement costs in the future.
In this guide, the professionals at MIG Building Systems discuss the industry’s best gutters, the need for top-of-the-line gutters in Rochester and how to choose the right gutters for your home. We’ve been your trusted gutter contractor since 1975, so you can be confident in our expertise.
Understanding the Importance of Quality Gutters
The primary role of gutters is to direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation, preventing water damage, erosion and mold growth.
Unfortunately, poor-quality gutters can harm your home maintenance costs and structural integrity. While the cost to install new gutters or replace your old ones ranges from $600 to $4,100, sometimes homeowners spend much more because they neglect the importance of gutter installation or maintenance.
Types of Gutters
There are several gutter materials available for homeowners, including aluminum, copper, steel and vinyl.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Aluminum
- Pros: Lightweight, rust-resistant, versatile
- Cons: High-maintenance, susceptible to dents and leaks
Copper
- Pros: Unique style, durable, customized to your home
- Cons: May not be suitable for every home, more expensive
Steel
- Pros: Durable, budget-friendly, different installation options
- Cons: Not rust-resistant, inflexible, tendency to sag
Vinyl
- Pros: Low-maintenance, easy to install, affordable
- Cons: Inability to support much weight, short lifespan
Once you pick your material, you can move on to the gutter profile (K-style or half-round). K-style gutters are available in traditional and seamless options, as well as various sizes and lengths, making them suitable for modern angular roof styles.
Half-round gutters have a symmetrical U-shape that complements the rounded architecture seen in much older homes.
You’ll also decide between seamless and sectional gutter systems. Sectional gutters are cheaper to install but are prone to leaks and clogs. Most gutter contractors prefer seamless gutters because they don’t have joints or seams, eliminating the possibility of leaks.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Gutters
Here are three factors to consider when choosing gutters for your home:
- Climate: Local weather can certainly influence gutter selection. In areas with significant annual snowfall and other inclement weather, such as Rochester, homeowners should invest in high-quality gutter products.
- Home characteristics: Roof pitch, size and landscaping all impact gutter performance. If your contractor doesn’t address each of these, you risk having a non-ideal gutter system installed.
- Budget: You can still upgrade your gutters without breaking the bank. A reputable gutter company can help you balance quality and cost-effectiveness.
Get a free quote in Rochester, NY, by calling MIG Building Systems at 888-397-0988.
