A good rain gutter can bring a significant change to your home, mainly when dealing with the aftermath of a rainy season. Ideally, homeowners hire professional gutter installation contractors, but many people choose to install the gutters themselves to save extra cash. Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks when they can? Gutter installation is tempting to DIY, like many home improvement projects, but these projects frequently lead to costly mistakes and even injuries. Here are eight common mistakes homeowners make in the attempt to install their own gutters:
Choosing the Wrong Gutter Type
There are several types of gutters available on the market, and each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Homeowners must select the type that best suits their needs based on several factors, including the climate, the amount of rainfall in their area, and the type of roof.
Gutter types range from a traditional half-round option which requires mounted hangers to install, to K-Style, which are popular because they are easier to install and hold more water than other types.
When it comes to gutter materials, many people choose aluminum gutters because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they are not the best choice for all homes. Copper gutters are more durable and last longer, but they are also much more expensive.
Wrong Gutter Dimensions
One of the most common mistakes people make when installing gutters is using the wrong gutter dimensions. This can lead to gutters that are too small or too large for your home, which can cause many problems. If your gutters are too small, they won’t be able to handle the amount of water that comes with heavy rains. This can lead to water spilling over the sides of your gutters and onto your home, which can cause severe damage. If your gutters are too large, they may be visible from the street and mar the appearance of your home.
Improper Hanger Spacing
Another common mistake is improper hanger spacing. If your hangers are spaced too far apart, your gutters will sag in the middle, and water will pool. This can lead to leaks and eventually cause your gutters to fail. If your hangers are spaced too close together, they may not be able to support the weight of your gutters when they are full of water. This can also cause your gutters to sag or even collapse.
Incorrect Gutter Positioning
Another mistake that is often made is incorrect gutter positioning. Your gutters should be positioned so that they drain water away from your home and not towards it. If your gutters are positioned incorrectly, they can direct water into your basement or crawl space, leading to flooding and serious damage to your home.
Wrong Downspout Placement
Another common mistake is the incorrect placement of the downspouts. Downspouts should be placed at the corners of your home, and they should be long enough to reach the ground without being obstructed by any landscaping features. If your downspouts are too short or if shrubs or other obstacles block them, water will not be able to drain properly and could pool around your foundation, causing flooding and damage.
Incorrect Gutter Slope
One of the most important aspects of gutter installation is ensuring that the gutters are correctly sloped. Gutters should be sloped so that water drains downwards towards the downspouts. If your gutters are not properly sloped, water will pool in them and eventually overflow, causing damage to your home’s exterior and foundation.
Not Attaching Gutters to Fascia Board Correctly
Another common mistake is not attaching the gutters to the fascia board correctly. The fascia board is the horizontal board that runs along the edge of your roof. Gutters should be attached to this board to properly support them and not sag or pull away from the house over time. If you do not attach your gutters to the fascia board correctly, they will eventually come loose and need to be replaced.
The Seams are Not Secured Properly.
One of the most common mistakes people make when installing gutters is not securing the seams properly. The seams are where two pieces of gutter material come together, and they need to be sealed with a sealant or silicone caulk to prevent leaks. If the seams are not appropriately secured, water will eventually leak through them and cause damage to your home.
Why Hire a Professional Gutter Installer?
There are a few reasons why you should hire a professional gutter installer instead of attempting to install them yourself. First, professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to install gutters properly. They also have the tools and equipment needed to do the job right. Finally, hiring a professional will save you time and money in the long run.
If you attempt to install gutters yourself and make a mistake, it could end up costing you more money to fix the problem than it would have if you had hired a professional in the first place. Plus, professionals offer warranties on their work, so if something does go wrong, you’ll be covered.
We’re Here to Help!
Gutter installation takes a professional to get the job done correctly. Don’t stress over getting everything you need to install the perfect gutter. Roofpro has what it takes to exceed all your expectations. We’ll offer you great deals, fantastic service, and gutters that make your home look beautiful. Call us today at 250-248-3400 to get the best service on Vancouver Island.