Homeowners have many more choices today when it comes to replacing the gutters on their home than they did previously. Anyone who is thinking about doing any renovating on the exterior of their home should give some thought to their gutters. Aluminum gutters are a great choice due to their durability, the ability to shape them to your specific application, as well as the ability to paint them to match your home. When choosing aluminum gutters, you will be faced with a choice: traditional or seamless gutters.
Traditional Versus Seamless Gutters
Traditional gutters have been around for many years. They are pre-made in standard lengths and are attached end to end until the desired length is reached. Their inherent problem is that they have seams where the different pieces meet one another and, therefore, have the potential to leak.
Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are made of one piece of aluminum that is bent to fit your job’s specifications. It is a myth that seamless gutters are completely seamless. The fact is that they have seams just like the traditional ones and can develop leaks at a later date as well. Seams are present at the corners within the aluminum gutters as well as at every downspout.
The greatest benefit of seamless gutters is that they require less maintenance. Depending on your choice of configuration, you could get away with many months of consistent use without any major cleaning. Seamless gutters are also hung far more securely than traditional gutters, lending an additional level of security to the home.
Gutter Considerations
The primary purpose of your gutters is to usher rainwater, melted snow, and any other water source away from your home, especially the foundation. If water is allowed to penetrate the foundation or siding over a period of time, you will begin to have mold, mildew, and rotting problems and will increase the potential for rodent and termite damage.
In general, seamless gutters are stronger than their traditional counterparts, which means they can withstand more weight. Believe it or not, increased amounts of water are heavy; this puts additional pressure on your gutter system. Traditional gutters may weaken from the weight of snow and rain, sprouting leaks in the joints, causing water damage to your home.
One thing that is the same whether you choose traditional or seamless gutters is the necessity for proper installation. Any gutter system is only as good as its installation. If installed improperly, even the best gutter system becomes just as weak as the least effective gutter system.
Gutters control roof drainage, keeping your home free of moist conditions that promote mold and fungi. They protect the structural integrity of a building by reducing water erosion to the foundation and topsoil supporting it. A homeowner trying to decide between seamless and traditional gutters must consider the different features that each offers and weigh the pros and cons of each. Happy gutter shopping!