Seamless Gutters: Types, Cost, Installation, & More
Seamless gutters collect rainwater and channel it to a downspout. A gutter system protects a home’s foundation from damage. Seamless aluminum gutters are a popular choice among homeowners. They are available in 20+ colors and don’t chip or scratch. Good quality seamless gutters are durable and need less maintenance than traditional gutters.
What Are Seamless Gutters?
A seamless gutter is a continuous piece of metal fit to go around the roof. Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters are custom cut to the roof’s length. It makes seamless gutters less prone to leakages. There are five seamless gutter materials: aluminum, steel, copper, zinc, and vinyl.
Types of Seamless Gutters
- Steel: For homeowners who want a durable gutter material, seamless steel gutters are a good choice. Steel has high tensile strength. It withstands heavy rains and snow.
- Vinyl: Vinyl gutters are the cheapest gutters. Seamless vinyl gutters’ costs range from $2 to $6 per foot. Vinyl is lightweight, so it takes little time to install. These gutters are not suitable for extreme weather. Due to their plastic nature, they expand and contract, causing cracks in the gutters.
- Aluminum: Seamless aluminum gutters come in brown, dark blue, red, gray, and green colors. Aluminum gutters hold up well against harsh weather. Even when the paint wears off, seamless aluminum gutters will not rust.
- Copper: Copper and aluminum gutters are resistant to rust, unlike steel. Seamless copper gutters are the most expensive option. Their cost ranges from $25- $35 per linear foot. Nonetheless, seamless copper gutters are both pleasing and long-lasting.
- Zinc: Zinc is heat and corrosion-resistant. It forms a patina over time, which protects the surface from scratches. Seamless zinc gutters are ideal for regions prone to harsh weather.
- Galvalume: These are steel gutters with a coating of aluminum and zinc. Combining the three materials gives a strong and non-corrosive gutter system.
Seamless vs. Traditional Gutters
Seamless gutters are cut to custom lengths by professional installers. Traditional gutters are sold in 10-foot-long sections. During installation, the sections overlap and connect using metal rivets. Unlike traditional gutters, seamless gutters have seams only at the corners.
How Long Should a Seamless Gutter Last?
Seamless gutters have a life expectancy of 20 years. They’re made of tough metals to withstand harsh conditions and hold water without sagging. Having trained professionals install your seamless gutters ensures efficient and long-lasting gutters.
Why Choose Seamless Gutters Over Traditional Gutters?
- Fewer leak points: Seamless gutters have fewer leak points. When joints in regular gutters become loose, it gives way to leaves and water leakage. Seamless gutters have joints only at the corners and at the downspout.
- Less maintenance: Traditional gutters must have a sealant to prevent leaking. Good quality sealants only last up to five years. Seamless gutters only need sealants at the corners and downspouts.
- Less cleaning: Regular cleaning of traditional gutters is also necessary. Most homeowners have to clean their gutters twice a year before the rainy season. Seamless gutters cannot accumulate debris, so you don’t have to clean them often.
- No waste material: Installers measure a house’s foot length before making seamless gutters. As a result, you will not end up buying excess material for an installation. Seamless gutters have fewer seams and fasteners, giving a neat finish to the house.
The Downsides of Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters cost more upfront compared to regular gutters. To install 150 linear feet of half-round seamed copper gutters, you would spend $4500. Installing half-round seamless copper gutters costs up to $9200 for 200 linear feet.
In case of a slice or crack on regular gutters, homeowners remove the faulty part and splice a new piece. When repairing seamless gutters, you must restore the whole gutter to the corners of the house.
How Much Do Seamless Gutters Cost?
Installing seamless rain gutters would cost you between $1400 and $3000. Most homeowners install galvanized steel seamless gutters. Seamless steel and seamless aluminum gutters cost between $5 to $13 per linear foot. Vinyl is the cheapest gutter material, at $2 to $6 per linear foot.
Copper is one of the expensive gutter materials. One linear foot of seamless copper gutters costs $25- $35. The cost of seamless gutters also varies with style. For instance, aluminum gutters come in K-style, box, and European(half round) styles. Other gutter styles include Fascia, Victorian ogee, and V-shaped gutters.
Installing Seamless Gutters
Contractors cut seamless gutters on-site using a gutter machine and secure them on the roof. Labor costs for professional contractors range between $4 and $50 per linear foot—the type of gutter material and complexity of installation influence the charges.
When calculating the total installation costs, include accessories like gutter guards and downspouts. Installers also charge extra for the removal and disposal of old gutters.
Typical Length of Seamless Gutters
The length of seamless gutters depends on the house’s linear feet. When sizing, the distance to a downspout should not exceed 50 linear feet (15m). The most common diameter sizes of seamless gutters are 5-inch, and 6-inches. They also come in 4-inch, 7-inch, and 8-inch diameters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can I repair seamless gutters myself?
You can patch small holes on seamless gutters using a metal sheet and attach it with roofing cement and caulk. The channels can be detached at the corners and downspout when you need to repair the fascia. If the gutters are too damaged, it’s best to replace them.
What’s the best material for seamless gutters?
Aluminum is a rust-resistant and durable metal. Homeowners opt for seamless aluminum gutters because they are budget-friendly. They are available in red, brown, dark blue, gray, and green colors.
What’s the most common issue with seamless gutters?
Clogging is common when there are leaves and debris in the gutters. Aside from cleaning your gutters yearly, you should invest in leaf guards. Leaf guards keep leaves and dirt from clogging your gutters and downspout.
Should you caulk seamless gutters?
Caulking seamless gutters prevent water leaks at the corners and downspout. Seamless gutters have seams at the corners, which may cause water leakage. Roofing cement also seals gaps in the joints.
Wrapping Up
Seamless guttering is effective in diverting water away from the roof. Most manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty on labor and material. Cleaning your gutters at least once a year ensures water flows to the downspout. With proper maintenance, seamless gutters can last a lifetime.