What Not to Do When Completing a Gutter Install
Installing your own gutters can be frustrating and complicated. But, sometimes the cost of an installation done professionally is out of your budget. If you plan on taking on this task on your own, there are several points to be aware of.
First of all, if you do not want to undergo the gutter installation process yourself, contacting Storm Masters to get a quality job done is a great option. They offer competitive pricing too, so you will be able to find something that can fit your budget.
However, if you still want to install your own gutters, this guide has everything that you should NOT do. Small errors during gutter installation can affect the entire system- ruining your gutters or even causing flooding near your home.
Everyone makes mistakes, but these common ones can be avoided by simply reading through this short guide.
So, here is what not to do while completing a gutter install!
Do Not Use an Incorrect Gutter Type
For a new gutter installation to go successfully, you want to be 100% sure you have the correct gutter type for home. Inexperienced homeowners may be overwhelmed when choosing or choose a gutter on a whim- and get the wrong kind.
There are a lot of different types of gutters in the market, each having something unique to offer. Rain gutters need to be durable and able to withstand a lot of water, so the wrong choice could ruin the gutter and reset all of your hard work.
If you plan to do your own gutter install, be sure that you do some research into buying the correct product for your home. Everyone’s needs in this area are different.
Do Not Install a Straight Gutter Pitch
From the ground, a rain gutter appears to be straight across and parallel to the ground. This, however, is an illusion.
You do not want your gutter pitch to be straight across. For water to pass through the system correctly without overflow, gutters need to be pitched ¼ inch every 10 feet- this allows gravity to keep the water moving through the gutters and drain pipes.
This is the most intimidating part for many people. If you feel that this step sounds impossible, you may want to contact a professional for a proper gutter installation. Otherwise, water will overflow the channels in your gutter.
Do Not Place the Gutters Against the Roof
Another mistake that many people make, is placing the gutter right at the edge of the roof. When gutters are placed too high, water will pass over them. Instead, you want the gutter to be hung slightly under the roof.
This way, water is always collected inside the rain gutter, instead of running behind it.
Do Not Ignore the Seams
Seams are the cause of most leaks, so insufficient seam welding should be avoided at all costs to keep the system running smoothly. Seams that are not welded correctly cause leaks, so you need to be careful when welding.
This can also be avoided by purchasing seamless gutters. Although, this can be more expensive, defeating the purpose of installing them yourself, if you go for too high of a cost.
Professionals would be happy to assist you in gutter repair or installation. You can always call with any questions that you have. Searching “gutter installers near me” in your favorite search engine is an easy way to find professionals in your area. Storm Master is also always willing to lend a hand with rain gutters!
Do Not Use too Many Seams
Since seams are the most fragile and most likely piece of your gutter system to cause problems, you want to include as few of them as possible. Seams will crack, leak, and get clogged with debris- making them a tough area to tackle when doing a new gutter installation.
Proper gutter installation requires the effective use of seams and that they are properly connected. Do not take this lightly when performing your gutter repair.
Do Not Ignore Hanger Spacing
You should only leave 3 feet, or less, in between hangers. They support the gutters and keep them upright- without them, you will surely have some droopy gutters soon.
Gutters that sag negatively impact the structural integrity of your home. This is something that no one wants to happen, yet it can be easily avoided by properly spacing the hangers on your system. You will also want to be sure that you have enough hangers available during the installation process.
Do Not Handle the Materials Roughly
Damage can be easily caused to some pieces of a gutter. You never want to handle the materials roughly, even if they seem to be sturdy. A dent in your gutter renders it useless, meaning that it would need to be replaced- costing you even more time, money and effort.
Of course, this can be avoided by simply treating your gutter install system with care. Do not throw the pieces around or step on them, and do your best not to drop heavy objects, such as ladders, on top of them.
They may seem sturdy, but a small dent can cause problems.
Looking for Rain Gutters Near Me?
Your gutter install should always be done properly, so do your best to avoid the situations mentioned above. An improper gutter install will not direct water away from your home, which may lead to flooding in your basement or cause other damages.
If you believe the problem with your system is easy to fix, there is nothing wrong with taking the job on yourself. However, if you need an entirely new gutter installation, it might be better left up to the professionals. Rain gutters main purpose is to keep water flowing away from your home, only a proper gutter installation will do that.
If you are looking for qualified and talented individuals to provide you with a quality gutter service, Storm Master Gutters is the right team for you. Check out their website today for more information- your home will thank you!
I need to have some new gutters installed, but I’m not sure how to go about it. It makes sense that working with a professional would be best for this! They would know what kind of gutter to install for this.