Even if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects, unless you’ve installed new gutters before or know someone who has and can help you, gutter installations should be left to the pros. Regardless of the type of gutters and downspouts you choose for your home’s exterior, it’s going to be money spent – a professional gutter contractor will help you get it right the first time.
It costs less but….
Since you are not paying for labour, the total cost might be less, especially if you plan on installing aluminum gutters, an economical gutter material. But don’t forget not to factor in all of the other components you will need – hangers, brackets, other types of hardware, downspouts, endcaps, sealant, etc. Gutter installation companies have access to quality materials through their preferred vendors. A gutter company’s free estimate itemizes everything they will charge you for when installing your new gutters. And if you have to backtrack and fix mistakes, it could end up costing you even more out of pocket.
You have to do the math.
Before you begin to buy materials and install the new gutters, you have to do the math. You will need to do calculations to determine the following:
- The roof’s square footage
- Roof pitch
- Gutter slope
- Drainage area
- Total linear feet of sectional gutters; number of downspouts; and the number of pieces of hardware such as brackets, hangers, nails, etc. (based on the above calculations)
Get any one of these equations incorrect, and you risk not getting the outcome you want – a fully functioning (leak free) gutter system.
Some gutter materials are easier to DIY.
Both vinyl gutters and aluminum gutters are ideal for DIY projects because they are lightweight and budget-friendly. However, if you want to give your home’s exterior a high-end appearance with zinc, steel, or copper gutters, these gutter materials are best left to the pros, who know how to handle and install heavier materials.
You can’t DIY seamless aluminum gutters.
Seamless aluminum gutters are a popular choice with homeowners because they only have seams in the corners where two runs meet (fewer places where leaks can form). Gutter installation technicians form and cut each gutter run designed to fit the roofline of your home exactly. Because a seamless gutter machine or roll forming machine used by a gutter installer requires specific skills and techniques, seamless gutters aren’t a feasible choice for do-it-yourself installations.
You experience acrophobia or aren’t comfortable working on a ladder.
Gutter contractors possess the experience, have the training, and practice the safety protocols necessary to do gutter installations from start to finish safely. If you are afraid of heights or you don’t really feel comfortable working from a ladder, you put yourself at risk of falling and suffering injuries such as a twisted ankle, serious bruising, or pulled back muscles.
Is this really how you want to spend your free time?
You might enjoy the challenges of a multifaceted DIY gutter installation, but some do-it-yourself projects require a time commitment that takes you away from movie nights and other activities with the family. On the surface, it might seem cost-effective because you are saving money. But if you’re using vacation days or you encounter surprises you’re unsure how to resolve, it can become more time-consuming and costly pretty quickly. Professional roofing and gutter companies do installations and deal with the unexpected on a daily basis.
