Gutter installation is a lot trickier than it seems, which is why it’s better to entrust this work to experienced professionals like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky than attempt it yourself. Going the DIY route may save you money on the front end, but any mistakes you make could result in serious water damage to your property, costing you more in the long run. Here are some common mistakes made by homeowners who attempt to install their own gutters:
- Choosing the Wrong Type of Gutter
This is the most common mistake DIYers make. Remember: no two homes are alike—each has a unique set of needs, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach to gutter installation won’t work. Before making a purchase, you need to carefully research the different options available and take into account things like the pitch of your roof, size of your home and amount of rainfall your region typically receives
Gutter Boyz of Kentucky recommends seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are superior to sectional gutters. Seams are a gutter system’s weakest point. Over time, sections of a gutter can pull apart from each other, leaving a gap in the joints where the sections meet, consequently increasing the risks of leaks. In addition, foliage and other kinds of debris can get stuck in these joints. Since seamless gutters have fewer joints, they require less maintenance and are less likely to suffer from leaks. - Choosing the Wrong Gutter Size
Another common mistake is choosing the wrong gutter size. A standard gutter system is 5 inches long and 6 inches wide, with downspouts that are 2 x 3 inches or 3 x 4 inches in length and width and 3 or 4 inches in diameter. However, the size of your gutters ultimately depends on the amount of rainfall your area receives as well as your roof pitch. As a rule of thumb, the steeper your roof pitch, the more rainwater your roof can collect, and the larger your gutters need to be. - Spacing Gutter Hangers Too Far Apart
When you install your gutters, make sure the gutter hangers supporting them aren’t spread too far apart. Otherwise, your gutters might sag. As a general rule, the hangers should be spaced at a maximum of three feet apart from each other. For homes in cold climates, however, the gutter hangers should be spaced a maximum of two feet apart because additional support is needed to offset the added weight from snow and ice. - Failing to Account for Roof Pitch
Gutters should have a steep enough pitch to allow rainwater to flow to the downspouts. If the pitch is too steep, water will rush into the downspouts and likely overflow. On the other hand, if the angle is too low, water will pool in parts of the gutter. An experienced gutter installer like Gutter Boyz of Kentucky will take these factors into account when installing your system. - Incorrect Installation of Downspouts
Don’t forget about the downspouts. If the downspouts are not installed properly or are placed in the wrong location, rainwater might seep into the foundation or even damage your facade. Ideally, downspouts should be diverting water eight to 10 feet away from your home’s foundation.
Before you make the decision to install gutters yourself, give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky for a FREE QUOTE. We will save you time and money both in the short term and more importantly in the long-term. Give us a call today at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us today. Gutter Boyz of Kentucky is pleased to serve to gutter needs for most of Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.