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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

SEAMLESS VS SECTIONAL GUTTERS

Are your gutter overflowing, starting to sag, constantly requiring re-sealing?  Chances are you have standard sectional gutters.  Seamless gutters are low maintenance, custom-made for your home and aesthetically appealing.  When you want your home to stay in great condition for years to come, outfitting your home with rain gutters is crucial for protection against water damage.  When choosing a new gutter and drainage system for your home, there is always one big decision to make: seamless gutters or sectional gutters.

Sectional gutters are formed using smaller sections of gutter joined and fastened together at the seams.  Seamless gutters are constructed using a specialized gutter machine.  When attached, seamless gutters only have seams at jointed points, usually at the corners of the house.   Sectional gutters are available in ten foot sections.

Sectional gutters are appealing because they are a tiny bit less expensive and easier to install.  Seamless gutters, on the other hand, require the use of a specialized machine and require more than one person as the sections can be too long to handle for just one person.

What are Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutters are just as it says seamless.  Also known as continuous gutters, seamless gutters are manufactured from a single piece of material.  They have not been partitioned into sections and, therefore, do not require any sealing at the joints or seams. This makes them long-lasting, leak-resistant and low maintenance compared to regular gutters.  Seamless gutters come in a variety of standard gutter materials, including aluminum, steel and copper.

What are Sectional Gutters?

Sectional gutters are manufactured in short, pre-cut sections that are then assembled together to form one long gutter.  The joints between each section must be sealed with roof and gutter sealant in order to prevent leaking or dripping.  Gutter sealant will typically last around one to five years.  In addition, regular gutters must be frequently maintained.  This is a process which entails re-patching, re-sealing and immediate cleaning of any blocked or overflowing gutters.  All regular gutters can be also made from standard gutter materials.

Seamless Gutters vs. Sectional Gutters: The Pros and Cons

Why bother going seamless?  There are several reasons to choose seamless gutters over regular gutters for your home.  Especially, in the long run, the benefits of having seamless gutters outweigh any disadvantages.

Pros

Less Clogs and Leaks

The joints and seams of sectional gutters lead to clogs and leaks.  Every joint will require the use of fasteners and caulking.  The fasteners can protrude through the gutter and the edges of the fasteners can grab onto leaves and other debris causing blockages.  Large blockages can result in water overflow and uncontrolled runoff that damages the roof, foundation, and landscaping of your home.  The sealant, while necessary, will be a spot that impedes the water flow as the water will be forced to run over the top of the sealant.  Along with choosing seamless gutters for your home, you can also consider installing leaf guards to prevent leaves and twigs from clogging your gutters or downspouts.

Moreover, anytime a gutter has a joint where two sections meet, there is the possibility of a future leakage problem.  With fewer joints, seamless gutters have a lot less chance of leaking down the road.

Seamless gutters require less maintenance than sectional gutters

Because seamless gutters have less joints, they don’t accumulate as much debris as sectional gutters do.  This all leads to less time spent on gutter cleaning.  All of the seams in the gutters require caulk.  Even the best of sealants will not last forever and will need to be resealed over time.   Sectional gutters, with the seams every 10 ft., will have a lot more seams that need to be sealed which require a lot more maintenance over the life span of the installation.

Seamless gutters offer lasting curb appeal & enhance a home’s overall appearance

One big benefit of seamless gutters is the lasting beauty and appeal they provide to the home.  Many find them more aesthetically appealing than sectional gutters. They are often constructed from aluminum but can also be made from copper and steel as well.  Most can be painted to match the home’s exterior.  Many also offer a baked-on enamel finish that lasts for years and never requires painting.

Adding a seamless gutter to your home can make it look very aesthetically pleasing. With no joints, the smooth, finished appearance of a seamless gutter that has been perfectly customized for your home brings a sophisticated touch that regular gutters can’t beat.  Nor will you have to worry about unsightly sagging, leaking or overflowing gutters.  Seamless gutters come in a variety of design options, so you can achieve that perfectly unified look for your entire home.

Seamless gutters offer a perfect fit every time

Seamless gutters are shaped from a coil by a seamless gutter machine to match the exact lengths and specifications of the house.  Because each seamless gutter system is custom-fashioned for each unique property, homeowners are guaranteed a perfect fit.  When gutters fit well, they function well.  An expertly-crafted system will offer the performance you need.

Longer lifespan

 Seamless gutters can easily last over 20 years, even with low maintenance.  A typical sectional gutter will only last around 20 years (assuming regular maintenance) and must be re-sealed every one to five years.  Seamless gutters experience fewer clogs, backups, & leaks

Cons

• Seamless gutters are more expensive up-front.  Due to the extra labor costs associated with cutting your gutters to custom-fit your home, seamless gutters cost more than regular gutters.  While this price difference adds up fast, don’t let it deter you.  Seamless gutters last longer and require lower maintenance.

• Seamless gutters must be professionally cut.  When seamless gutters are installed, they must be formed and cut on-site in order to fit perfectly in your home. This requires a professional-grade machine, which only a contractor will have easy access to.  Regular gutters can be bought at a home improvement store and installed DIY if you take the appropriate safety precautions, though it is not recommended.

• Any repairs or replacements will involve the entire gutter.  With a seamless gutter, you cannot isolate a single section for repairs or a replacement like you can on a regular gutter.  Instead, you must deal with the entire length of the gutter at once, which can be a significant and expensive hassle.

Because seamless gutters stand up well to high amounts of rainfall, they are an especially good investment for homeowners in rainy locations.  Seamless gutters are also a reliable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners anywhere in the United States.  Copper gutters can last 50 years or more.

Although you will pay more up-front for a seamless gutter system, you will save money in the long run. You may save money on gutter repair, as seamless gutters are less likely to sag, leak, or clog.  For the best value, choose a gutter company with years of experience and a generous warranty.