Seamless Gutters vs. Traditional Gutters: Which Is Right for Your Home?
You’ve decided it’s time for new gutters, now it’s time to decide what style you want to use. This decision can lead to a head first dive into the rabbit hole of Google. To help you make the best informed decision, we’ve created a short blog to explain the differences between traditional gutters and seamless gutters and what is best suited for the Flathead Valley.
When protecting your home from water damage, gutters are your home’s first line of defense (maybe second, you don’t want any holes in your roof either). Your gutters have the vital job of protecting your home against rainwater damage.
With two popular gutter options, you may consider which is best for you and your home. Seamless gutters are gaining popularity from traditional gutters as they are low maintenance, have a longer lifespan, and are more aesthetically pleasing.
What are Gutters For?
The Basics
Gutters are channels or troughs that attach to your house to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home’s foundation. Rain gutters help prevent water from pooling on your roof, overflowing, and causing damage to your siding, landscaping, and foundation.
Gutters can prevent:
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Damage to your home’s foundation – excess water in the soil around your home creates pressure on your foundation walls, over time the water can push through openings like cracks or gaps.
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Damage to your siding – wood rot, paint damage, and discoloration are common issues stemming from too much water on your siding.
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Mold and pests – pooling water is a haven for mold growth, it can also invite pests like ants, bees, and beetles – all of which can cause structural damage to your home.
What are Traditional Gutters?
Traditional, sectional gutters have been around much longer than seamless gutters and therefore have always been a popular choice among homeowners. These aluminum or vinyl gutters are pre-cut in sections that are then pieced together during installation.
Benefits include:
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Cost-Effective Upfront: one-size-fits-all, keeping the cost lower.
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DIY-Friendly: pre-cut gutters come in standard sections, can easily go to Home Depot or Lowes, pick your color, and install them yourself.
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Availability: Easy to find in local big box stores or from local installer.
Drawbacks include:
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Prone to leaks at their seams where the different pre-cut sections connect.
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Significantly lower life span due to seams wearing out and lower quality materials.
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Pre-cut sections can create awkward gapping or odd fitting sections of gutter on your house.
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Can require regular maintenance to avoid clogs, pulling away from the house or sectional sagging.
What are Seamless Gutters?
Seamless gutters are just what they sound like, one continuous stretch of material custom-made to fit your home. Seamless gutters provide a clean and streamlined appearance to your home.
Benefits include:
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Eliminate Water Leaks: Traditional gutters are prone to leaks at their seams. Seamless gutters are installed in one piece, significantly reducing the risk of leaks.
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Enhanced Aesthetics: Clean and streamlined appearance to your home. Comes in various and custom colors to complement your home.
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Low Maintenance: With no connecting sections, seamless gutters have much lower likelihood of clogging, pulling away, or sagging from your home.
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Custom: Seamless gutters are cut on-site to ensure precise measurements to match your home.
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Longevity: Seamless gutters are made from thicker aluminum, making them stronger than traditional gutters, and when properly installed, they can last for decades.
Fly Roofing offers typical 5-inch gutters and an option for 6-inch gutters. 6″ gutters can carry 20% more water than traditional gutters and are clog free. During a particularly rainy Montana Spring or Fall, 6″ gutters can keep up with the volume of water without overflowing and dumping water near the foundation.
Have Questions? We’d Love to Help!
Thinking about gutters? Ready to say goodbye to clogged and overflowing gutters? If you’re in the Flathead Valley, reach out to Fly Roofing with all of your gutter questions. We’re only a call away.
To get in touch with us, head over to our contact page. Or, call us at 406-203-2482!
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!