What You Should Know About Gutter Replacement

Having a Good Gutter System is Important

We’re a little deeper into fall now, and that means it’s time for the leaves to start falling. That being the case, it’s likely that if you’re located in the Southeast, your gutters will start to collect leaves soon, if they haven’t already. Falling leaves and other debris can fill up your gutters in a hurry!

Having a good gutter system in place matters for the health of your roof, and it matters for the overall health of your building’s infrastructure. Whenever any precipitation falls, all that water ultimately has to go somewhere. You could choose to just let it cascade off your roof, but your windows, siding, and building foundation may all pay the price in terms of resulting water damage. Effective rain gutters are designed to drain water off your roof and then direct it away from your home or other building. But once your gutters stop working properly, it’s really time to take some proactive measures.

When is it Time to Plan for a Gutter Replacement?

How do you know when it’s time to replace your gutters? You can start by looking up. Do your gutters dip or sag at any point? Are they sitting at an odd angle or tilt? Can you see that your gutters are starting to pull away from the roof? Notice any visual gaps between your gutters and the edge of the roof?

And even if you aren’t seeing any of the above, you may have noticed some water erosion beginning to develop around the perimeter of your house, particularly in the areas that your gutters are supposed to be protecting. All of these can be telltale signs that you’re experiencing some issues with your gutters. And the fact of the matter is this – those issues aren’t going to fix themselves. If you find yourself in this situation, then you really shouldn’t wait to take action.

What About a DIY Gutter Replacement?

Many homeowners assume that putting up gutters can be accomplished as a simple DIY project. But unless you’re a general contractor with specific training and experience in working with gutters, effective gutter installation can be a lot harder than it looks. Gutters that are improperly installed can result in serious water damage to your home or other building. What is the best way to avoid these potential problems? Entrust the job to a trained roofing and gutters professional like Skywalker Windows & Siding.

Things to Keep in Mind with a Gutter Replacement!

If it’s time for a gutter replacement, there are a few important things you’ll want to keep in mind. Which gutter material will you choose? Vinyl is the cheapest option, but it’s not the best option for residential applications. Metal is a better bet, as it’s stronger and more versatile. Galvalume steel, aluminum, and copper can all work for you, but there are certain pros and cons with each. Here are some essential points to note:

→ Size & Style of Gutters

Are your current gutters actually designed to fit your roof? If not, what should you do differently? If your roof is steep, or if you tend to get a good bit of rain or snow, you might be better off choosing a bigger 6” gutter option (as opposed to the standard 5”). You’ll also need to decide between a K-style or a half-round gutter style.

→ How Much Roof Surface do you Have?

Your currently installed gutter system may not offer proper coverage account for the amount of square footage that your roof drains. If that’s the case, you really might want to add some more guttering. Or even better, you could just let a pro like Skywalker Windows & Siding build and install some seamless gutters for you!

→ Gutter Materials

Copper is widely recognized as the gold standard of gutter materials. A copper gutter system will last you a lifetime – but it isn’t cheap. Galvalume metal and galvanized steel also work really well, thanks to their long-lasting performance, many color choices, and more affordable pricing. Aluminum could be a good option as well, depending upon the particulars of your roof, building, and climate.

→ Remember Your Fascia & Soffit, too

If you don’t know, fascia is the board which is installed underneath the edge of your roof. Fascia offers support to your roof structure, and is where your gutters are typically mounted. Soffit is the finishing material mounted horizontally beneath your roof overhang, and it also provides needed intake vents for proper roof ventilation. If you’re replacing your gutters, it may be time to replace your fascia & soffit as well.

→ Check the Condition of Your Roof

If it’s time for a gutter replacement, it’s probably wise to check the condition of the rest of your roof, too. If your gutters are in bad shape, it’s possible that your roof may also have some needs to address. If a roof replacement is called for, it’s better (and more cost-effective) to do both at the same time.

Skywalker is Here to Provide for your Gutters, Gutter guards, and Roofing Needs in NC & VA.

If you need a new gutter installation, a gutter replacement, or perhaps a new gutter guard installation in North Carolina or Virginia, then look no further than the pros at Skywalker Windows & Siding! Ask around, and you’ll quickly learn that Skywalker is the name you can trust! We fabricate custom, seamless gutters to match your roof perfectly right on your property, and we will, of course, install them for you as well. In addition, we also install many fantastic gutter guards and gutter guard replacements.

You may already know that Skywalker Windows & Siding does windows & siding (it’s in our name, after all), but we’re also roofing contractors that deliver comprehensive roof solutions. If you have any type of roofing, gutter, or gutter guard need, Skywalker has you covered in the NC Piedmont Triad, NC Piedmont Triangle, Mooresville & Lake Norman area, or southern Virginia region all the way up to Roanoke.

You can connect with us online here, but for an even faster response, simply give us a call at (336) 627-5596 today. Experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!