Gutter Replacement: Your Guide to Replacing Gutters
A reliable gutter system will direct rain water away from a home, protecting your siding, trim and foundation. Although cleaning your gutters regularly will help maintain them, eventually all gutters will need to be repaired or replaced. Before you replace your gutters, here’s what you need to know.
Do my gutters need to be replaced?
According to Angie’s List, there are five signs your gutters may need to be replaced:
- Your gutters have cracks or splits.
- Your gutters are faded or have become striped with dark gray streaks, often referred to as “tiger striping.”
- Water is pooling around your home’s foundation.
- There’s water damage underneath your gutters.
- Your gutters have begun sagging or pulling away from the house.
How much does gutter replacement cost?
Home Advisor says replacing gutters can cost anywhere from $200-$10,000 depending on the type of gutters you want and customization options. However, the average cost of gutters is $543-$1332.
The type of gutters, custom options and installation all affect the cost of gutters.
What kind of gutters should I buy?
Gutters come in many shapes, sizes and materials. Ply Gem offers two types of gutters: seamless gutters and sectional gutters. Sectional gutters feature a free-floating hanging system, allowing water to drain over if the downspout is clogged. Seamless gutters are made with aluminum coil and because they one piece, and not sectioned, reduce leaks.
The three most popular gutter materials include:
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are inexpensive, costing as little as $4-$8 per piece and easy to install.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are a little more expensive, starting at $6 per piece. They’re weather-resistant and rust-proof, however, they are not as durable as other materials and can dent easily.
Stainless Steel Gutter
Stainless steel gutters are durable, but will cost you quite a bit more than vinyl or aluminum, starting at $11 per piece and often costing upwards of $33 per piece.
What gutter colors are available?
Even after narrowing down the materials, choosing the right color gutter for your home can be tricky. It’s important to choose a color that complements the exterior of your home. Ply Gem seamless gutters are available in 24 exterior colors and 10 premium exterior colors – you can find everything from Montana Suede to Russet Red. Ply Gem sectional gutters are available in nine exterior colors:
- Almond
- Desert Sand
- Evergreen
- Musket Brown
- Pebblestone Clay
- Sandstone
- Terra Bronze
- Victorian Grey
- White
What about leaf guard systems?
Maintenance costs can be kept down by installing gutter protection such as Ply Gem’s Leaf Relief. Leaf Relief’s patented design allows water to flow through gutters, while debris is kept away from your gutters with a normal breeze.
Ready to replace your gutters?
You can purchase Ply Gem gutters and gutter protection through a licensed professional. For more information find a Ply Gem professional here.