Seamless Gutter Information Guide

What Is the Purpose of a Gutter System?

The purpose of a guttering system is to collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from your home's foundation through properly configured downspouts (also called leaders or drain pipes).

A faulty guttering system can contribute to damage to soffit and fascia, shingles, building foundations, driveways, walkways, and landscaping.

Guttering systems require regular maintenance to ensure continued protection for your home. Make sure your gutters are free from debris, leaves, granules from shingles, and bird nests. Extreme exposure to weather can also cause sealant failures. Snow and ice can loosen fasteners and should be repaired immediately to prevent costly damage.

(We always recommend hiring a professional for maintaining your guttering system.)

What Materials Are Seamless Gutters Made From?

Seamless gutters are available in several materials including steel, aluminum, vinyl, and copper. Many traditional gutter types (steel and vinyl in particular) are sold in 10-foot lengths requiring dozens of seams fastened with slip fittings, each one a weak spot and potential leak site. Seamless aluminum gutters are the most popular alternative and must be fabricated on-site by a professional contractor.

The term \"seamless\" can be slightly misleading because there are seams in the system at corners and downspout outlets. These joints are fastened more securely and sealed for stability and leak resistance. The gutter runs themselves are continuous, making them both stronger and more visually appealing than sectional gutters.

How Do You Select a Seamless Gutter Contractor?

Your first step is to select a qualified contractor. Look for a company with an established reputation and confirm their current status with your local licensing authority. The contractor will need to make a site visit to measure your home and discuss your options.

At the time of the contractor's visit, request a sample of the proposed gutter material so you can see the colors, sizes, and quality. Ask for a list of references with addresses so you can view the finished product. When you make your final choice, get a detailed estimate in writing with payment arrangements clearly stated.

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How Do You Determine Gutter and Downspout Sizing?

• The most commonly used is the 5-inch seamless gutter
• 2x3 downspout for every 600 square feet of roofing area
• 3x4 downspout for every 1,200 square feet of roofing area
• For example: If your roof is 40 ft. long and 16 ft. to the peak, that's 40 x 16 = 640 sq. ft., which requires (2) 2x3 downspouts or (1) 3x4 downspout
• 6-inch seamless gutters may be required for steep pitch roofs or slate and tile roofing, and should always be used with 3x4 downspouts

How Are Seamless Gutters Installed?

For the average home, seamless gutter installation is completed in a single day. The contractor arrives with a truck- or trailer-mounted seamless gutter machine loaded with your selected color of material.

Each piece is measured individually, and the seamless gutter machine creates a continuous piece of gutter custom-sized to fit your home exactly.

The contractor will typically offer two attachment options. The first is the spike and ferrule method: a hollow tube is placed inside the gutter to prevent bending, then a long spike is driven through the face of the gutter, through the ferrule, and into the wood fascia board.

A better option is the hidden bracket (also called an inside bracket), which interlocks into the gutter for a cleaner look and attaches to the roof under the shingles for superior strength.

The final step is installing the downspouts, which are positioned based on the amount of roof runoff each gutter section handles and the best locations for directing water away from the house.

Downspout costs should be included in your estimate, but make sure the contractor discusses downspout locations and water disposal options with you before the job starts.