When it comes to replacing your old gutter system (or installing a completely new one on a self-build), you will be met with plenty of options in terms of style, size, and material. You will also have the opportunity to go for gutters without or without seams or joints. It will quickly become apparent that seamless gutters come with a higher price tag. But why is that, and is it worth paying the extra money?
What is the Difference Between Traditional and Seamless Gutters?
The experts at Global Gutter Systems explain that the main difference between traditional and seamless gutters comes in the fact that, as the name implies, seamless gutters do not have any seams or joints.
Traditional gutters are installed using a number of small sections of guttering that are joined together along the perimeter of the home’s roofline. Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are made up of one long continuous piece of guttering that is designed to fit the exact measurements of the roofline. Without any joints, seamless gutters are less susceptible to leaks, which could weaken the integrity of the entire gutter system.
The Pros and Cons of Seamless Gutters
The biggest advantage of seamless gutters is that they do an excellent job of directing rainwater straight from the roof to the drain below with no chance of leaks. Their fact that there are no joins or seams in the guttering makes them easier to maintain. Furthermore, there is less chance of any issues with repairs, particularly if they have been installed correctly to begin with.
Seamless gutters tend to be made from top quality, durable materials such as aluminum, steel, and copper. These are all better at withstanding harsh weather conditions than other materials such as vinyl and PVC.
The seamless design, coupled with the fact that it is possible to customize the color, makes seamless gutters a popular choice with homeowners who want a more aesthetically pleasing home exterior.
Despite the benefits of seamless gutters, there is a drawback – namely the cost. As you might imagine, working with one long continuous piece of guttering is more labor intensive, which pushes the price of installation up. Installers need to use special equipment to create the made-to-measure pieces of gutter, which also adds to the cost. And because these gutters are made from higher quality materials, they tend to be more expensive than other types of gutter.
Are They Worth the Price?
Whether or not seamless gutters are worth the extra expense really depends on your own preferences. For example, if you prefer the look of seamless gutters, then you may be willing to pay more for them. You might also like the fact that seamless gutters are designed to last longer. Couple this with less maintenance than traditional gutters and you might believe that the higher initial cost will save you money in the longer term.
Conclusion
If you want seamless gutters, be aware that unless you have experience of working with such materials and equipment, you will need to hire a team of professional installers. As mentioned, seamless gutters require specialist equipment, which really is the main reason they should be installed by those with experience and expertise.
Whether they are worth the higher price is a matter for you to decide. Your budget and personal preferences will help you to make that decision. Some people like the seamless appearance and are willing to pay a higher price to improve the look of their home. They also feel that paying less for repairs and maintenance over the lifetime of the gutter system is well worth the initial cost.