Have spring rains proven that your gutters are no longer serving their purpose? The thought of replacing your gutters might have you wondering whether you can install new gutters yourself.
Installing gutters isn’t a DIY project. Here’s why:
Gutters have to be the right size
Did you know gutters come in all different sizes, and even in different shapes? The size and pitch of your roof, the layout of your home and how much rain tends to fall on your house all impact what size gutters you need. The best way to make sure your gutters are properly sized for your home is to hire a professional who is trained and knowledgeable in sizing and installing gutters.
Gutters have to be the right pitch
It’s not just about size; gutters also have to be properly pitched. If your gutters don’t follow the right slope, water will pool instead of flowing smoothly to the downspouts. A gutter professional will ensure that your gutters are pitched to keep the water flowing.
Gutters require the right amount of downspouts
Those properly sized and sloped gutters need to let the water out somewhere. Downspouts evacuate the water from your gutters. Without the right amount, right size and right placement of downspouts, gutters will overflow or pool water.
Improperly placed downspouts can cause damage
Speaking of downspouts, downspouts that deposit water too close to your home can cause damage to your foundation. At the very least, downspouts require splash pads to catch the water and funnel it away from your home’s foundation. Depending on the drainage around your home, you might also need extenders or drains for your downspouts to keep your home safe. A professional gutter installer can advise you on what’s best for your home.
Improperly installed gutters can damage your roof
How much do you know about gutters and roofing? Your gutters work in conjunction with your roof. Sometimes hanging gutters can reveal roof problems. Or, if gutters aren’t installed properly along your roof, they can put pressure on your roof, cause flooding against your roof or cause other types of gutter issues. A professional gutter installer knows how to place gutters without causing harm to the roof.
Gutter installation can be dangerous
There’s a reason people hate to clean out or maintain their gutters: Getting up on a latter to do work along your roof-line can be dangerous! A misplaced ladder or an accidental fall could result in serious injury or worse. Personal safety is one of the main reasons to trust your gutter installation to a professional.
You won’t save as much as you think
It might seem like a money saver to install gutters by yourself, but it won’t save you as much money as you think. You’ll have to buy plenty of gutters, fasteners, and brackets, and you’ll have to figure out how to transport long sections of gutters from the home improvement store. Not to mention that any gutters you by from the home improvement store will be lower quality seemed gutters.
Is it clear that your gutters are ready for replacement? Call The Gutterman of TN! We can find the right gutters for your home and install gutters the right way to keep your home safe from damaging water runoff.