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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.

 

SECTIONAL VS. SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Gutters are an important part of your home and roofing system.  In order to protect your roof, as well as the structure of your home, it is important to have gutters.  Gutter systems are able to remove water from roofs in order to prevent water leaks.  They are also important because they ensure that water doesn’t come into contact with your home’s foundation.  When it comes to gutter systems, there are two types you can choose from, seamless gutters and regular or sectional gutters.  What do regular gutters mean?  Regular gutters mean that they are sections of gutters that have been pre-cut so they are easy to install.  The seams and joints of regular gutters have to be sealed in order to prevent leaking.

Generally speaking, gutters will collect debris, leaves, and dust.  However, once rain starts to fall, they quickly spring into action and collect the water coming off of your shingles.  Your gutters then quickly send the water down a horizontal path to a drainpipe and, ultimately, away from your property.  By doing this, this relatively simple devices save both your foundation and siding from significant damage.

If you’re currently on the hunt for the proper gutters and downspouts for your home, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed.  In fact, the wide range of options when it comes to types of gutters can be challenging to navigate.  The most common types of gutters include k-style gutters, half-round gutters, and fascia gutters, when it comes to shape. Whereas, when it comes to material, gutters can be found made of everything from copper to galvanized steel to vinyl to aluminum.

The truth is you do want gutters on your home to protect the aesthetics and structure of your property.  Once you know you need gutters, then you have to decide, seamless or seamed gutters.

• Seamed or sectional gutters use small sections of gutter which are fastened at the “seams” thus the name.  These gutters are less expensive and easy to install.

• Seamless gutters are designed and formed, often onsite, with a specialized machine so the only joints are at your home’s exterior corners.  Seamless gutters are more costly but offer numerous benefits as a result.

Seamless vs. Sectional

Sectional Gutters

Also referred to as seamed gutters, sectional gutters come in 10-foot long sections that are affixed to your home’s fascia board using hangers.  They are installed by either snapping them together with joiner pieces or by overlapping each individual section.  These types of gutters often come in different lengths, which are trimmed down to fit the specifications of your home.

Sectional gutters are the ideal choice for DIYers, as they are relatively simple to install.  So long as you have an extra set of hands, and a sturdy ladder, you should have no troubles installing sectional gutters on a modest-sized home over the course of a weekend.  They are also the most economical option, as if one section becomes damaged it can be easily removed and replaced without disrupting the rest of the gutter system.

These types of gutters are available in vinyl or metal and can be found at nearly any home improvement center.  They can also be special ordered in copper, but will cost considerably more than other alternatives.

Pros of Sectional Gutters

• Cost-effective option.

• Widely available at most home improvement stores.

• Easy to install for the average do-it-yourselfer.

• Sections can be swapped out individually when they fail, without impacting the rest of the system.

Cons of Sectional Gutters

• Come in fewer colors and styles than the alternative.

• Seams must be sealed regularly to remain effective.

• Susceptible to leaks.

• Vinyl sectional gutters do not offer the option of being painted.

Seamless Gutters

For a smoother appearance, minimal leakage, and more color options, seamless gutters are the ideal choice.   They are, as the name indicates, made of just one piece of material, as opposed to multiple sections connected together.  The only joints in seamless gutters exist at the corners and the downspouts.  With no seams along the length of the gutter, it is literally impossible for leaks to occur at the mid-point.

As their name suggests, seamless gutters come in single pieces, rather than sections. The huge advantage seamless gutters provide is that they are less prone to clogs and water leaks. They also require less cleaning and maintenance than seamed gutters.  However, it’s important to note that leaks can still happen at the corner joints and over the top of the system.  Opting for seamless gutters helps to maintain the smooth horizontals of your roofline.  They are also the best option for matching your home, as the aluminum seamless gutters come in over 50 color variations.

One of the main drawbacks to seamless gutters is the fact that they cannot be created nor installed by the average DIYer.  However, the superior durability and low maintenance of seamless gutters come at a cost. The gutters have to be cut on site using special machinery. They are also far more difficult to install than regular gutters. Therefore, seamless gutters are not suitable for DIY renovation projects and homeowners on a tight budget.  As a result, you can expect them to cost much more to install than sectional gutters, due to the outside labor required.  However, when you enlist the help of professionals, the installation process is relatively quick.

If one part of your seamless gutters becomes damaged or fails, the entire length is impacted.  Therefore, the entire length will need to be replaced or you can have the section cut out and replaced independently.  Regardless, repairs and replacements are much more complicated and costlier with seamless gutters than sectional gutters.

Pros of Seamless Gutters

• Fewer seams results in fewer leaks from occurring.

• Sleeker appearance.

• Custom fit to the specifications of your home.

Cons of Seamless Gutters

• More expensive than sectional gutters.

• Not suitable as a DIY project.

• More challenging to replace and repair sections than other alternatives.

Which gutter system is best for your home may not be immediately obvious.  If your home sits beneath overhanging trees, the leaves or pine needles they drop could become destructive forces and cause leaks or even clogs.  Seamless gutters may be slightly more expensive to install, but you’ll save so much money in repairs over the years that they’re sure to pay for themselves.

Another factor to consider when choosing between seamed and seamless gutters is their longevity.  This will depend in part on the materials used.  For instance, hardy materials, like steel and copper, last longer than the cheaper and more malleable vinyl.  Whichever material you go with, a seamless gutter will likely outlast a seamed gutter.  As a result, seamless gutters could actually save you money in the long term.

The choice between seamed and seamless gutters depends on a few key factors: affordability, durability, and ease of installation.  The right choice of gutter for your home primarily comes down to your budget and location.  If you’re set on installing your own gutters or operating on a tight budget, seamed gutters are your best option.  If you prefer gutters that are low maintenance and pose less risk of water damage, seamless gutters are the way to go.  As far as location, consider the severity of the weather in your area and the likelihood of your gutters getting clogged with debris as you decide which gutter is ideal for your home.