A well-designed gutter system protects your home from costly damage caused by water from snow or rain storms. Choosing the right size, style, and type of gutter system for your home is crucial to ensure it can handle both average and excessive rainfall. There are two main types of gutters from which to choose: seamless and sectional. The right gutter system, tailored to handle both average and excessive rainfall, is vital. Among the options, sectional gutters offer a practical solution with their affordability and adaptability.
What Are Sectional Gutters?
Sectional gutter systems come in pre-fabricated lengths — usually 10 feet long — that are joined together with pop rivets or self-tapping screws. All end caps, drop outlets, downspouts, inside and outside corners are similarly attached, which means there are many different joints and connections throughout the gutter system.
Sectional gutters are sold in a variety of materials, from aluminum to vinyl to galvanized steel and zinc. Rather than being roll-formed onsite for a perfect match to your home’s roofline, sectional gutters are assembled to fit any desired length and then hung. All seams are overlapped by two to six inches to prevent leakage.
Professional gutter contractors install both types of gutters; however, sectional gutters can be installed by skilled homeowners, which can significantly reduce the cost of new gutter systems.
Sectional Gutter Cost
Gutter style and size are important cost considerations. The most common gutter styles are half-round and K-style (named because the gutter profile looks like a capital letter K). The most common sizes for both styles are 5-inch and 6-inch — the larger size can accommodate greater amounts of rainwater.
Cost also can increase on second-story homes or homes with complex rooflines that require more gutters and downspouts than a simple A-frame roofline.
Sectional gutters can be significantly less expensive to install compared to seamless gutters, especially when homeowners opt for DIY gutter installation. Average costs per linear foot are below for different types of sectional gutter materials:
- Vinyl: $5
- Aluminum: $9
- Galvanized steel: $10
- Zinc: $20
One of the primary advantages of sectional gutters is their cost-effectiveness. For instance, vinyl sectional gutters might cost around $5 per linear foot, with aluminum and galvanized steel options slightly higher. This affordability extends to the range of materials and styles available, allowing for customization to match any home’s aesthetic. A standard home may require around 200 linear feet of guttering, with sectional gutters providing a budget-friendly solution without compromising on quality or effectiveness.
However, it’s crucial to balance the initial savings with potential long-term considerations. The numerous seams and joints in sectional gutters can lead to increased maintenance needs over time, with a higher likelihood of leaks and blockages compared to seamless alternatives.
Sectional Gutters Pros and Cons
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Pros
- DIY friendly
- Less expensive
- Available in a wide range of materials, styles and colors
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Cons
- Seams create more opportunities for leaks
- More prone to repairs, especially as the gutter system ages
- Lower durability than seamless aluminum gutters
Pros:
- DIY friendly, allowing homeowners to manage installation without professional help, making it a great project for those with basic home improvement skills.
- Less expensive, providing a budget-friendly option for gutter installation without compromising on functionality.
- Available in a wide range of materials, styles, and colors, offering versatility to match any home exterior and personal aesthetic preferences.
Cons:
- Seams create more opportunities for leaks, requiring regular maintenance to prevent water damage and ensure longevity.
- More prone to repairs, especially as the gutter system ages, which can lead to increased maintenance costs over time.
- Lower durability than seamless aluminum gutters, which may result in a shorter lifespan and potentially higher replacement costs in the long run.
Regardless of which type of gutter system you choose, if it’s properly installed it could last several decades; however, the severity of climate and exposure to the elements are major factors in gutter longevity.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters
Both seamless and sectional gutter systems work equally well in terms of transporting stormwater off the roofline and away from a home’s foundation. But they aren’t exactly equal.
One main drawback in seamless gutters is that most gutter contractors primarily install seamless gutters made from aluminum. Some companies install seamless gutters made from galvanized steel, but a steel gutter system is much more expensive than aluminum, and steel is more prone to rust and gutter failure.
Vinyl sectional gutters are a great option for DIYers because they are lightweight and inexpensive compared to other types of gutter materials. Vinyl also can be made to match a nearly limitless range of colors. Vinyl is widely regarded as the least durable gutter material on the market, though. Aluminum sectional gutters also are lightweight, which makes them easier to install than steel sectional gutters, but the many connection points results in an overall weaker gutter system.
Which Type of Gutter Is Right for My Home?
Choosing between sectional and seamless gutters involves weighing factors such as cost, ease of installation, the specific needs of your home’s architecture, and your home’s climate. Sectional gutters offer a compelling option for those seeking a cost-effective, customizable solution, especially for hands-on homeowners looking to undertake installation themselves.
Ultimately, the decision should factor in both the immediate benefits of lower cost and DIY potential against the long-term maintenance and durability of your gutter system. Properly selected and installed, sectional gutters can provide reliable protection for your home against the elements, ensuring peace of mind during even the heaviest rainstorms.
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