Some people get excited to move forward with renovations. Others often feel anxious about the process, while some are right in the middle. It’s a massive decision for many reasons – cost being one of them. Knowing this, you might be contemplating your gutter project. Should you opt for regular ones or go for the seamless type? Which will benefit you in the long run? Relax. All your questions will be answered by Missouri gutter experts below.
Traditional Gutter vs. Seamless Gutter: The Basics
To get straight to the point, the primary difference between traditional and seamless gutters is the way they’re installed. A standard gutter is divided into sections or seams. This means that the entire system is assembled using two pieces of material joined together, end to end. On the other hand, seamless gutters are exactly what they sound. They’re formed from one continuous piece of material all the way to the end of the corner or outlet.
So now that you know how to tell them apart from each other, should you go for a seamless gutter design? Below is a concise overview of the pros and cons of such an investment.
Pros: Less Clogging
Traditional gutters tend to clog because they are built in sections. Water might flow freely, but solid debris like leaves and branches can get stuck in the gaps. Over time, they will clog the gutter, causing water to overflow. A seamless gutter dramatically reduces this problem. Thanks to its continuous design, debris will ride the water to pass smoothly through it. This helps prevent clogging and leakage that might give rise to additional problems later on.
Pros: Less Likely to Leak
With no gaps or joints to worry about, seamless gutters have a reduced chance of leakage as compared to sectional ones. However, keep in mind that it’s not leakproof. It always pays to check your gutter system from time to time.
Pros: Low Maintenance
Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters do not have seams, which means it’s much easier to clean. As discussed earlier, there are fewer areas where debris and dirt can get stuck around the seams. And since you can make it squeaky clean without serious effort, you can expect a longer life expectancy because your gutter system is less likely to leak or corrode.
Pros: Better Appearance
One of the big advantages of seamless gutters is that they also look better from an aesthetic point of view. Because of their smooth appearance, seamless gutter blends pretty well with modern home designs. Sectional gutters don’t provide this convenience. Unconvinced? Compare pictures of the two, and you’ll notice how the gaps in traditional gutters tend to attract more attention and distract you.
Pros: Easy Installation
Since these gutters don’t have to be soldered at the seams, installation is a breeze. This makes it doable for DIY homeowners, but it’s still best to entrust the job to the professionals. It’ll significantly reduce the likelihood of damage occurring from improper installation.
Pros: Higher Value for Homes & Businesses
If you’re planning to sell your home someday, it might be a good idea to start investing in seamless gutters today. Because of their sleek design and pleasing aesthetic, it’s no surprise that they increase the value of a house by a long shot compared to sectional gutters. But people aren’t only interested in it because of the looks. They also feel safe and secured from the weather, making them think it’s worth paying for more.
Cons: The Costs
From a functional perspective, seamless gutters beat traditional ones by a long shot. Whether you’re looking for aesthetics, durability, or protection, you can’t go wrong with them. But as you already expect, with great convenience comes greater financial demand.
Seamless gutters can go anywhere from $9 – $25 per foot installed, depending on the type of material. Vinyl is typically the cheapest, while copper is among the most expensive ones. Not only is the material itself pricey, installation costs and repairs will also cost you more.
Cons: Customization
Seamless gutters typically don’t have a lot of disadvantages, but another notable one would be the customization requirement. You will need to hire an expert contractor to measure and custom-fit the gutter to your home. This incurs additional costs from consultation to labor charges.
Wrapping Up
Seamless gutters are undoubtedly the way to go when it comes to gutter systems. However, it might not fit everyone’s budget or taste. Still, keep in mind that while it seems like an expensive investment up front, you’re actually saving more in the long run by avoiding repairs. Many experts would argue that the pros far outweigh the benefits these gutters provide. Choose wisely!
