Unfortunately, winter is right around the corner. Soon, we’ll all be wearing puffy jackets and spending nights by the fire. It’s important to keep in mind that home maintenance is critical during wintertime. So, make sure your windows aren’t letting in a draft, do what you can to prevent frozen pipes and keep an eye on your gutters. Winter damage could lead to you needing gutter repair or replacement. In this blog, we’ll teach you how to determine when it’s time to fix or replace your gutters.
Should I Repair or Replace Gutters?
Choosing between gutter repair and replacement isn’t easy! There are so many factors that can influence your choice. For example, you must consider the state of your gutters when deciding whether to repair or replace them.
Before repairing or replacing them, examine the extent of the damage to your gutters on a rainy/snowy day to see if they are draining properly. If you notice they’re overflowing from the sides or if no water is coming from the bottom of the downspout, the gutters are clogged and need to be cleared. You might also need to replace your gutter downspout for proper drainage.
The next thing you should do is attempt to clear out the debris on a dry day. If you’ve unsuccessfully tried removing the debris from the spout, try running a hose through the bottom or even use a snake to break it up. If you can’t get them unclogged or the water is pooling up, it’s time for a replacement.
Also, be on the lookout for signs that your gutters have been damaged during the cleanout. Note damage such as corrosion, peeling paint, uneven/slouching gutters or holes. If you notice any of these things, you will need to consult a professional for gutter repair or replacement. If the damage is in a localized area, you might be able to repair it. However, experts will most likely recommend a replacement if the corrosion is widespread.
How Much Should Replacement Gutters Cost?
So, you’ve contacted professionals, like the team at Renowned Building Solutions, and they’ve said a replacement is necessary. Your first thought is probably, “How much is this going to cost?”. That’s a fair question! The answer really depends on several factors. Let’s go into detail about some of them below!
The Length of Time Since You Last Replaced Your Gutters
A lot of people wonder how often should they replace their gutters? Well, it depends on the type of gutter you have. Galvanized steel or aluminum gutters typically last for about 20 years. On the other hand, copper gutters can last up to 50 years. It’s natural to jump right to the copper gutters since they last longer. Yet, you should know copper is more expensive.
So, if you’ve lived in your home for a few decades and never replaced the gutters, it’s probably time to do so. Be proactive about this! Don’t wait until they clog or leak to do a replacement. Get ahead of the problem and call an expert before an issue arises.
The Square Footage of Your Home
Another fact determining gutters’ cost is the square footage of your home. The bigger your home is, the more gutters you’ll need. For this reason, you must keep in mind the type of gutter you want. Again, copper is much more expensive than galvanized steel or aluminum. Steel and aluminum generally cost $8-10 per linear foot. Conversely, copper gutters can cost upwards of $20 per linear foot. So, the numbers can add up quickly if your home is large and has multiple stories.
The Amount of Damage
Finally, costs can change if the amount of damage makes de-installation more challenging. If the team must address leaks or be careful of missing screws, the project might be more expensive. Also, if there are spots where it’s hard to reach the gutters, prices might rise.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a number we can give you regarding an exact cost of gutter replacement. As you can see, many external factors play a role in determining the price. Be mindful of these circumstances when mulling over if you should repair or replace your gutters.
What Qualities Do the Best Gutter Replacement Companies Have?
So, you’ve made up your mind! It’s time to call a professional to repair or replace your gutters. Now, you must decide who you want to work with. Make your search easier by looking for these qualities that the best gutter companies have.
Open and Honest
You should expect transparency with every home improvement project you undertake. When you meet with a potential team for your project, ask how they operate. How do they plan on keeping you in the loop during the job? How do they handle things when something expected comes up? Also, try to get a clear price from the get-go so you aren’t shocked when you get the final bill.
Examples of Past Work
Ask to see examples of past work for every company you meet with. The professionals could be “all talk but no walk.” If they don’t have examples, look up reviews so you can see how reputable they are. If the consensus isn’t good, you should probably move on.
Seamless Gutters
The final thing you should look for in a gutter company is whether they offer seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are, without a doubt, better than other gutters. For starters, they’re seamless! This means there are no points where one piece of the gutter connects to another. Everything is together, which provides a better look and is easier to install.
What’s more, you don’t have to paint them because they come automatically colored. As if all these factors weren’t advantageous enough, professionals can customize seamless gutters for your home so they perfectly fit. For these reasons, you should contact a company, like Renowned Building Solutions, that offers seamless gutters.
Looking for a Gutter Repair or Replacement Near You?
We get it; all of this sounds pretty scary. Though, we promise it’s not if you work with the right company. Start by looking over things yourself to see if there’s any visible damage or clogs that are affecting the quality of your gutters. From there, call a professional to further examine things and discuss next steps.
We hope your first and only call is to Renowned Building Solutions. Here at Renowned, we treat every customer with kindness and transparency. We’ll never try to sell you something you don’t need, and we’ll be truthful about whether you need a repair or replacement.
Don’t let other companies steer you in the wrong direction. Instead, call (844) 736-6961 to schedule a free consultation. We provide gutter repair and replacement services in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, Indiana and North Carolina.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in May 2021 and updated in October 2022.
