If you have ever visited Europe, they sometimes use words in a different context – or in a completely different manner altogether.
For example, in the states we say “Sunscreen,” but in England, they say “Suncream.” Whether you have the chance to experience this phenomenon for the first time you will certainly find yourself chuckling inside.
Another word you here Europeans using often, especially in England is the word gutter.
While the word gutter commonly refers to a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof used for carrying off rainwater – in England, they might use the term to refer to a less than ideal location.
We share this because we don’t want to cause any confusion because chances are if you’re reading this you’re looking for specific information regarding Rain Gutters! Right?!
Today we aim to share everything the Gutter Gurus of Woodbridge, Va know about Rain Gutters including:
- Where to get rain gutters
- How much they cost
- Gutter color options
- How to install rain gutters
First, what do rain gutters do?
Table of Contents
Gutter systems are designed to protect your home’s foundation, landscaping and siding by using guttering to direct water during rainstorms to designated locations.
Similar to how your indoor plumbing system works as an integral “Whole” unit, a gutter system that is properly installed including the seamless gutters themselves and the downspouts should form a proper protection system.
Without rain gutters, homes can experience a multitude of issues from foundational issues to leaks and roof damage.
>> See why gutters are so important here.
Where to get rain gutters:
Most people are not going to install rain gutters themselves, but that doesn’t stop them from looking on Google how to find rain gutters. In most cases, people are typically searching for:
- Gutter companies near them
- Stores like Home Depot or Lowes that have rain gutters
- Or they’re looking for a small section of gutters for their small project, like a shed
The easiest place to get gutters is simply at a local hardware store. Keep in mind these are often premade sections of gutter that would need to be either pieced together or cut to fit.
This is why we recommend contacting a local gutter company like Gutter Gurus of Prince William County to help you with your seamless gutters. The truth of the matter is that rain gutters are very easy to screw up and they’re not very expensive to simply pay someone to install!
Don’t take our word for it, just look at the gutter costs below!
How much do rain gutters typically cost?
Most homeowners typically want to know how much rain gutters typically cost. The simple answer is it depends. There are different features of a home’s rain gutters like:
- Number of downspouts
- Total linear feet of gutters
- Gutter guards
- Condition of fascia boards
Luckily for you, the team at Gutter Gurus has made it very simple to find out how much seamless gutters cost. Simply use our free gutter calculator tool right here and you can figure out how much you should pay for gutters.
All you will need is a rough estimate of your total gutter in linear feet. You can use the measuring tool on Google Maps to assist you, then input the numbers using our tool right here:
Color selection for rain gutters:
The best thing about rain gutters? They’re customizable.
While traditionally most people in the states use “K-Style” seamless gutters, there are plenty of types of rain gutters including copper, steel, zinc and even half-round gutters aka “European Style” gutters.
For cost-saving and customization purposes, typically your best bet for price and durability is aluminum K-style gutters. Did we mention that aluminum gutters come in a wide variety of colors?
In the case of Gutter Gurus, we offer 16 different colors ranging from wicker and brown all the way to red!
Rain gutter installation, easy or hard?
Depending on what kind of “Do it yourself” person you are, you might view the installation of rain gutters as simple or extremely challenging. The complexity of your project will also determine the scope of difficulty.
For example, a one floor home is easier to install gutters on, whereas a two-story or even higher, a three-story, can be very challenging. These often require the expertise of multiple people.
Things like:
- Gutter slope
- Appropriate caulking at joints
- Accurate measurements
- Hidden gutter hangers that are screw-in
- Never use gutter spikes (prevent gutter sagging)
Should always be taken into consideration! Seamless gutters are typically made on-site and are customized, so measurements need to be exact which is why many prefer to have a contractor simply do the work.
DIY Gutters? Very rarely is this a good idea. The only time it might make sense to do your own gutters if you’re adding gutters to a small shed in your backyard!
Rain Gutter Maintenance
Oftentimes, the reason why many homeowners experience rain gutter issues in the first place is due to mother nature and they usually don’t have gutter warranties.
- Either wind damage or tree branches have caused significant damage, or
- There is a lack of regular gutter maintenance, leading to clogging and other issues
To help we typically recommend homeowners in Northern Virginia – especially in established neighborhoods that experience lots of leaf foliage – to clean their gutters at least annually. Of course, the other option is to install gutter guards.
Let’s face it though, gutter cleaning is a pain each yea, and calling a gutter service to come to do the cleaning gets old fast. If you don’t want to drag your ladder out and clean your gutters each year or pay someone to do it, highly consider gutter guards.
Just be sure to be very mindful of what kind of gutter guards you choose (see below)
Should you install gutter guards?
On average, gutter guards pay for themselves in three years for most single-family homes so long as you don’t have to pay for them to be maintained.
Yes, we just said it – sometimes you have to pay for gutter guards to be cleaned, which makes it pointless to even use gutter guards, right?
Well lucky for you, not only does our free rain gutter cost calculator help you determine how much you should pay for new gutters, but we also have the option to include gutter guard pricing as well.
Raindrop Gutter guards are by far the best gutter guards available and we are so confident that we offer a 100% guaranteed no-clog warranty on all Raindrop gutter guards that we install.
Unlike most of our competitors, who install gutter guards that require maintenance or simply hinder gutter performance during storms, we use Raindrop which has been known to not only allow for gutters to work properly – but prevent any and all debris clogs!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for rain gutters for your home, a new porch, or even that nice garage you just had built – be sure to get professional help.
The health of your home is predicated on a strong stormwater management system and that starts with your gutters and roof.
Rain gutters are one of those things you simply don’t want to mess up! There is much more to gutters than what sometimes meets the eye and your return on gutters properly installed is well worth the investment!
Until next time,
~Leafie
Gutter Gurus of Woodbridge, Va proudly serves the Northern Virginia region for all gutter services including gutter installation, gutter guards and gutter repair.