Are your gutters sagging or pulling away from the house? Do they have a large number of cracks and holes? Are they leaking and overflowing? Chances are you have the conventional sectional gutters – and it’s time for something new. Seamless gutters are custom-made systems, which are low maintenance, leak-resistant, and long-lasting.
When choosing seamless gutters for your home, there’s so much to consider, including style, shape, and material. Quality and performance are equally crucial for reduced maintenance and lasting beauty.
Here’s what you need to know about seamless gutters and the factors to consider for selecting the best gutters for your home.
The Basics of Seamless Rain Gutters
Seamless gutters are just as the name itself suggests – seamless. They do not have joints or seams, except in corners where they wrap around the roof and connect with the downspouts.
Seamless gutters are made from one piece of metal and roll formed off a machine brought to the installation site. They are built to be the exact fit your home needs.
In contrast, regular gutters are made in short, pre-cut sections that are sealed together to form one long gutter. The gutter sealant between each section prevents leaking or dripping but typically lasts between one and five years. Moreover, sectional gutters require frequent maintenance, which entails resealing, re-patching, and cleaning any clogged gutters.
The lack of seams and joints in seamless gutters limits the likelihood of leakages. The gutter system is easier to maintain as it is less prone to clogs and does not need regular cleaning or frequent resealing.
And due to the lack of “weak points,” seamless gutters rarely sag or pull away from the house. Seamless gutters are highly durable and can easily last over 20 years.
Seamless Gutter Designs
Seamless gutters come in a variety of shapes, styles, or profiles. You can find seamless gutters in almost any design option you can get with sectional gutters.
There are 3 basic styles of seamless gutters:
1. Half-Round Gutters
These gutters have an open, trough-like shape with a curved lip. They are known to be more rustic and are typically used in historic, brick, and older-style homes.
Half-round gutters are available in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes. They are usually made from copper but are also available in aluminum or galvanized steel. Due to the rounded design, they work well with round downspouts.
During installation, brackets are first connected to the home along the edge of the roof. The gutter troughs are then dropped into place and secured.
Because there are no creases or hardware on the inside, water does not pool or stand still in half-round gutters, making them less likely to rust or corrode. The smooth surface makes these gutters well-suited for heavy downpours.
The downside of half-round gutters is that they are more expensive to install and prone to debris accumulation.
2. K-Style Gutters
K-style seamless gutters, also known as ogee gutters, are the most prevalent gutter found in modern homes. They resemble the letter K when looked at from the side.
Their front edge has a unique design that resembles crown molding. As a result, you may choose a color that complements or contrasts your home’s shutters and trim.
K-style gutters come in 5-inch and 6-inch widths. And thanks to their straight, outwardly angled sides and flat bottoms, K-style gutters carry more water than half-round gutters. As such, they are better suited to rainy climates.
On the downside, the inner angles of K-style gutters collect rotting debris, making them a little harder to clean than half-round gutters.
3. Fascia Gutters
Fascia gutters can be found on a lot of modern buildings, where a more contemporary appearance is required. These gutters are installed directly in the fascia board, creating a beautifully trimmed aesthetic that is practical and useful.
Fascia gutters are custom-made to fit the size and pitch of your roof. They’re typically larger than half-round and k-style gutters and can perfectly handle large and sudden rushes of water. As such, they are ideal for larger homes with a lot of roof area.
They are extremely strong and will hold up to severe weather.
Types of Seamless Gutter Materials
Seamless gutters are made of various materials, including:
Aluminum
This is the most popular material for seamless gutters. It comes in standard thicknesses of 0.025 inches, 0.027 inches, and 0.32 inches. Thicker aluminum tends to be pricier but can withstand extreme storms without denting or bending.
Aluminum gutters do not rust and are available in a wide array of colors.
Steel
Seamless steel gutters are a great option if you want a strong and durable gutter material. Steel gutters are usually galvanized and can last up to 25 years without rusting. They can withstand heavy rains and snow.
Zinc
Compared to aluminum and steel, you can expect to pay more if you choose to install seamless zinc gutters. Zinc is highly durable, resisting heat, weathering, corrosion, and warping.
Although zinc gutters start off a dull gray, they form a beautiful patina over time.
Copper
Copper seamless gutters are the most expensive option. They are typically used on historic or high-end homes. The material’s shine will give way to a blue-green patina, contributing to its old-world appearance.
Copper is unfazed by any weather condition and can last up to 100 years if properly welded and installed.
If you need new gutters for your home, contact Bill West Roofing. Our experts can help you choose the right seamless gutter style, material, and color for your home. We’ll then make sure they’re perfectly positioned to protect your home from water damage and boost your curb appeal. We provide gutter installation, replacement, and repair services for homeowners in the Kansas City area.
