Gutters

While it’s tempting to think this is a job you can put off or do only periodically, you should be cleaning your gutters about twice a year on average. This can vary depending on the region that you live in, however; houses surrounded by pine trees may need cleaning more often simply because pines shed year round.

Aluminum gutters have some of the longest life spans of modern gutters. It is not unusual for most aluminum gutters to last a minimum of 20 years; if you maintain them well they can last as long as 40 years.

Vinyl gutters have a shorter lifespan than metal gutters. Well maintained they can last 10 to 20 years, but may cheaper versions may not last this long.

Steel gutters have a very variable lifespan depending on how well they are maintained and how often you paint them. 10 years is a reasonable lifespan for most steel gutters, but some can last as long as 20 years.

There are essentially two types of gutters: seamed and seamless. Seamed gutters are made up of separate pieces that either overlap one another or are soldered together at the joints. Seamless gutters are made of one long piece, designed just for your home. They may be more expensive, and most be installed by a craftsman, rather than a DIY installation.

In a way, yes, simply because they don’t have weak spots that could eventually lead to leaks, rust, corrosion and other issues down the road.

Downspouts are installed at the end of gutter runs and direct the water away from your home. You should have one downspout installed for every 20 to 30 feet of gutter.

It depends on what type of gutter hanger you are using. Hidden gutter hangers need to be installed roughly every 36-inches around your home. If your gutters are larger or heavier, you may need to have them placed more often to accommodate the load. Vampire gutter hangers need to be hung every 24-inches around your home.

Leaf screens aren’t just for leaves, so even if you live in an area without a lot of trees, you can still benefit from using them. They can help keep out things like pine needles and other debris that can clog your gutters and shorten their lifespan.

If your gutters are made of steel or vinyl, chances are that you will need to replace them eventually. Some signs that they are ready for replacement include rust, or orange spots showing up on the surface, cracks and holes in the gutters, or gutters that are beginning to warp, sag, and pull away from your house. If you notice that your gutters are beginning to leak at the joints as well, this can be another sign that you need to replace them.