FAQs

Are seamless gutters better than regular gutters?

Seamless gutters are universally considered to be far superior to regular, or sectional as they are often referred to. This is due to improved performance in regard to durability, leak resistance and overall aesthetic appeal. While seamless gutters are associated with higher upfront costs, they also offer greater long term benefits, like reduced maintenance, less repairs and increased curb appeal. 

Can I install gutters myself?

Yes you can install gutters yourself if you are comfortable working on ladders at heights and if you have the correct tools. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges and safety considerations associated with installing gutters.

Pros of DIY Gutter Installation: 

• Cost Savings:  Installing gutters on your own has the potential to save you labor costs. 
• Personal Satisfaction:  It can be rewarding to complete a home improvement project like this. 

Cons of DIY Gutter Installation:

• Safety:  Working on ladders and roofs can be very dangerous, with a risk of severe injury or even death.
• Possible costly mistakes:  The potential for costly mistakes is high, possibly resulting in water intrusion, roof leaks, landscape damage and even physical health implications.
• Time:  Your time is valuable and a gutter installation for the DIYer who doesn’t have a lot of experience may take longer than desired.
• Specific tools required:  This is the most common reason people don’t do their own gutter installations.  The only way to install an actual seamless gutter system is to have an expensive gutter machine that custom forms the gutters to the exact measurement needed.

What is the cost of gutter installation?

The cost of a gutter installation will vary greatly depending on many factors such as:

• Type of gutter material
• Size of gutters needed
• Type of fascia board that gutters will attach to
• Type of roof that gutters will work with
• Height of roof
• Architectural style of building
• Desired profile of gutters

Do gutters increase house value?

Gutters that are installed with quality workmanship will increase your home’s value and will attract buyers.  A home without gutters or a home that has a poorly installed gutter system has the potential to create thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to a home.  Faulty gutters can result in undesired water intrusion, which can be responsible for cracked or damaged foundations, leaking roofs, damaged siding, and even lead to compromised health conditions for occupants of the home.

Are gutter guards worth it?

Yes, gutter guards are worth investing in if your home is surrounded by trees or bushes that could potentially clog your gutters and cause water damage to your home or landscaping around your home.  There are many different types of gutter guards on the market and there is definitely not a “one size (or style) fits all”.  Factors such as roof type, roof pitch, size of gutters, specific landscaping around the building, and architectural style of the building all contribute to which type of gutter guard will be the best option.

Can you replace gutters without replacing the roof?

Yes you can replace the gutters on a home without replacing the roof.  Although often the roof and gutters have a similar life span, with correct training and technique a gutter system can be successfully retro-fitted to an existing roof system.

Is it better to have 5 or 6 inch gutters?

A professional gutter company will take into consideration many factors when deciding the size of gutter needed.  Some of those factors are: the square footage of roof, the pitch of roof, the roofing product used, rain intensity data per region, the amount of downspouts being used, the size of downspouts being used, the landscaping condition of where the rain water will be draining to, etc.  5” gutters are sufficient to cover the vast majority of homes in Idaho, while 6” gutters are used mostly on commercial properties or large shops.

What type of gutter is considered the best?

There are many options when it comes to gutter material, everything from vinyl to aluminum to copper to steel and even wood is used to make gutters.  Most experts agree that aluminum is considered the best all around choice for gutter material.  It resists rust and corrosion, it is affordable and very strong.  Vinyl is often sold as an inexpensive DIY option, although most vinyl gutters don’t last more than one season before they start rotting and warping from the sun.  Copper gutters are a premium option that many people like for the aesthetic properties and durability to the weather, although they will cost up to 10 times more than their aluminum counterparts.  Many commercial applications will employ steel gutters if the roof and siding material is a form of steel.  Steel gutters are strong but can be prone to rust.  

Does homeowners insurance cover gutters?

Your homeowner’ insurance policy may cover damage to your gutters in the event of a hail storm, damage from a falling tree branch, or other “acts of God”.  Your policy will not cover normal wear and tear or damage from lack of maintenance. 

How do you choose the right gutter company?

There are many trustworthy and reliable gutter companies serving the treasure valley, but here are a few things every homeowner should look for when deciding which one to hire to work on their gutters.

1. Is the company licensed? –  A simple online search can show if a company is licensed with the state of Idaho and what their standing is.
2. Is the company insured?  –  Any contractor or home service company should have liability insurance and if they have employees, should also have workers comp insurance.  Hiring a contractor that does not have the correct insurance is a huge risk to homeowners.  

It is the homeowner’s right and responsibility to verify the status of a contractor’s license and insurance.  Contractors should be able and willing to show proof of a current license and proper insurance when asked. 

1. Check online reviews.  –  A well established company will have many reviews on Google and other platforms.  These reviews are very helpful for homeowners to read and take into consideration when choosing a gutter company to work with.