Technology continues to evolve in every aspect of our lives, including gutters. Homeowners now have tons of different gutter options such as seamless gutters. Of course, people have their favorite options when it comes to gutters.

Time and time again, seamless gutters are debated on whether seamed or seamless gutters are better. Let’s take a look at how they are better.

What Are Seamless Gutters

Regular gutters have seams and are formed as several individual pieces that have to be fastened together. Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are made from one piece of metal that is completely seamless. They don’t need to be sealed together through bolts or clips.

Seamless gutters have zero gaps due to their lacking seams. A common problem that occurred with seamed gutters is that water would leak through the seams as molecules worked their way through the small openings.

People have found that seamless gutters have so many benefits to them that make them way better than seamed gutters.

The Benefits of Seamless Gutters

Seamless Gutters Are More Durable

Gutters that have to be fastened together have more pieces that wear down over time. With seamless gutters, however, there are no “gutter lengths” that have to be put together and can literally break at the seams.

Seamless gutters are known for being more durable as they tend to be made out of a stronger material and they don’t have seams that can break down over time. This makes seamless gutters the better choice if you want your gutters to last a long time.

Seamless Gutters Are Lower Maintenance

Again, the fact that there aren’t any seams on these gutters makes them so much easier to keep up with. Seamed gutters can get dirt and debris trapped between the seams and if that isn’t cleaned out, can cause those seams to get damaged. You or a professional would have to go up and clean out the seams to make sure there isn’t any debris buildup.

Seamless Gutters Keep Animals Out

Gutters in general do a decent job of keeping small animals off of your roof. However, with the debris buildup that can occur with seamed gutters, it can become an ideal spot for tiny creatures like rats or squirrels.

With seamless gutters, they do a much better job staying clean without the same kind of buildup. Without the buildup, animals don’t want to stay in the metal space. In general, they will avoid your roof more with seamless gutters.

Cons of Seamless Gutters

There isn’t a single thing that only has pros, even seamless gutters can have drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the few drawbacks people have found with seamless gutters.

High Initial Costs

The biggest drawback to seamless gutters is that they are very expensive upfront. On average, the cost for seamed gutters is $5-$7 per foot. Seamless gutters, on the other hand, will cost around $9-$25 per foot.

As you start to look at the nicer gutters, the price skyrockets for the seamless option. While they have high durability, the high cost can be a turn-off for many homeowners.

That’s not all. Part of the reason why seamless gutters are so expensive is that they have to be professionally cut to your roof. There is no DIY-ing seamless gutters as it is supposed to be all one piece of metal. Seamless gutters have to be fit to your roof, which will result in higher installation prices.

If you are good at what you do, you might be able to get away with installing your own seamed gutter, saving money on installation. However, seamless gutters require professional installation which costs over $1000.

You Can’t Do Isolated Repairs

Since you can’t separate gutter lengths on your roof, repairs will be much more complicated. Seamless gutters are known for lasting a long time and being durable, but that doesn’t mean that they are indestructible. They can still face damage over time and will need repairs.

However, that leads us to another drawback of seamless gutters. If one section of the gutter needs to be replaced, it all needs to be replaced. You won’t be able to repair or replace just one section of the gutter since it is all connected. This can make overall repairs a bigger hassle and also more expensive.

How to Install a Gutter

Seamed and seamless gutters have different ways of needing to be installed. Seamed gutters are easier to install as you only have to attach one piece at a time.

For seamed gutters, you’ll first need to cut each piece of the gutter to your desired length. Measure out your roof to know how long of pieces you will need. Then, you need to know how to seam gutters together. Most commonly, gutter pieces will have bolts that you will drill and screw to get them in place. Some gutters will have you use a sealant on the seams first before fastening the bolts.

Repeat for the rest of the roof and then you will have installed your own gutter!

For seamless gutters, you must get them professionally cut. Then, if you want to know how to install seamless gutters yourself, you will need the help of some friends. This is not a job for a single person.

The installation process for seamless gutters is very similar to the process of seamed gutters. With the help of your team, fit the cut gutter to your roof and use a sealant to attach it to the roof. You will also want to drill in securing pieces so that your gutter won’t move or fall.

Seamless Gutters Continue to Outclass Seamed Gutters

If you can get passed the high initial price of seamless gutters, you will get to experience the many benefits that come from having them instead of seamed gutters. They will last a long time, be resistant to damage from debris buildup, and will make your home look even better than before.