All in a Day's Work

What To Do Before Installing New Gutters

If your home's gutters are not moving water away from your home when they should, it may lead to significant water damage to your home. Cracked, improperly installed, and old gutters are more than just eyesores, which is why you need to look into new gutter installation sooner than later if you are dealing with these issues. There's more to selecting gutters than choosing ones that look good with your home. Here are three things you should do before you start a gutter installation on your home. 

Determine What Size Gutters Are Necessary

While finding gutters that complement your home is essential, you also want to select gutters that are the right size for your needs. The gutter size that works best for your home will depend on the pitch of your roof and the average rain rates where you live. If you are struggling to find the right size for your home, there are calculators that can help. Your gutter contractor will also advise you on what size gutters will work for your home. For example, most homes will require five or six-inch gutters, but that's not true for every home. 

Set A Budget For Installation

Another thing you need to do before gutter installation is to determine how much you can pay for this home improvement project. While gutter installation isn't something you want to put off, it's also something you don't want to go broke from. The cost of gutter installation depends mainly on the gutter material. On the affordable end, vinyl gutters cost between $3 and $5 per linear foot. High-end gutters made of copper cost between $25 and $40 per linear foot. Steel and aluminum gutters are mid-range options. 

Hire A Contractor

There are many home improvement projects you can tackle on your own, but gutter installation is not one of them. Proper gutter installation is crucial. Gutters that are not installed correctly may lead to water damage. There are plenty of qualified contractors to choose from for your home's new gutter installation. Taking the time to look around and get a few quotes is crucial when looking for a contractor to add new gutters to your home.

If new gutters are in your future, there are a few things to do before installation. First, you need to determine what size gutters are appropriate for your home. Second, setting a budget for gutters is vital. Finally, taking the time to hire a reliable and qualified contractor is a must. Make sure you do your research.