Seamless gutters are a type of gutter that have no center channel. While both seamless gutters and standard gutters are primarily designed to protect the house from water damage due to rainwater runoff, the seamless gutters install process is very different. Traditional, or composite gutters are usually designed in cut segments that are quite easy to put together. But what are seamless gutters, and how do they stack up against other types of guttering?
The main difference between seamless gutters and other gutters is the design. While the basic shape of a typical gutter is one that has a single channel going down from end to end, these gutters are built from pieces of a single piece of metal (usually steel), instead of the traditional two-piece construction. With the use of a seam riser system, seams are left exposed, which means that rainwater will not stream through the gutter channels, but rather drain off at one continuous point. The benefit of this is that the rainwater will be better directed, and will eventually flow into the downspouts and out towards the ground.
So what are seamless gutters? Essentially, they are the best type of gutter because the channels are exposed, and the seams are hidden. When you go to buy your new gutter machine, check to make sure there are no exposed seams on the piece you purchase. If there are, the installation process will be significantly more difficult, and will take more time. A good recommendation would be to get an estimate from a reputable company, and let them know that you want to purchase rain gutters with no seams, so that the installation process will be less expensive. If you don’t feel comfortable with this suggestion, then you can always purchase rain gutters that have seams, or get estimates from local companies.
While seamless gutters may seem to be easier to install, in reality, they tend to be more expensive than standard gutter systems. The reason is that with seamless gutters, the entire system is created one section at a time, while standard gutter systems are constructed as a whole. This results in a higher installation cost, due to more materials and labor needed to complete the project. This cost is also greater when the installation takes place at an off-site, professional installation facility.
Seamless gutters offer numerous benefits for the home owner. For instance, seamless gutters tend to better withstand wind and weather damage, resulting in fewer leaks. In addition to offering superior protection against leaks, seamless gutters will also save you money in the long run. If you are able to perform routine maintenance on the gutters on a regular basis, you will actually use less water and energy than if you did nothing to correct the problem. Some of the other common installation issues with seamless gutters include broken leaf guards, missing sections and bent sections.
While it is possible to purchase seamless gutters online, purchasing from a local provider will allow you to see the product first hand. Many local distributors will allow you to tour their warehouse or showroom so that you can get a close look at the finished product. After viewing the product in person, ask questions and find out if the installation process was easy and if all of the hardware and guttering was included. If not, most reputable installers will provide a warranty on their workmanship. If all goes well, you can schedule a free gutters installation visit in just a few days.