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DIY Gutter Installation: Some Things Great And Others You'll Hate

October 27, 2022
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Key takeaways:

  • Installing gutters is important to protect your home from water damage.
  • Seamless gutters are less prone to leaking but require specialized equipment and training for installation - many homeowners opt for sectional gutters instead.
  • Homeowners may want to complete the gutter installation without a pro if they are familiar with their home's gutters. 
  • Having the right tools and equipment, the time to dedicate to gutter installation or replacement, or having someone available to assist with the project is crucial in DIY projects.
  • Hiring a professional is recommended in severe weather conditions or high roofs.
  • Researching before attempting DIY gutter installation is key!

Installing gutters yourself can be a great way to save cash on your home renovation project, but it's not all fun and games. There are definitely some aspects of the DIY gutter installation that you'll love, while others you'll absolutely hate. In this post, YTown Roofing LLC will consider the factors before starting a DIY gutter installation project. So, before you grab that ladder and start climbing, make sure to read this post!

Gutter Installation: A Brief Overview

Just imagine all the rainwater, leaves, and debris that would fall on your head as you move in and out of your house if you didn't have gutters. That's why installing gutters is so important – they protect you and your home from water damage by redirecting all that water away from your house.

There are two types of gutters: seamless and sectional. Seamless gutters are basically constructed from a single piece of material. In contrast, sectional gutters are made from multiple pieces of material that are then connected. Many homeowners opt for seamless gutters because they're less likely to leak than sectional ones.

Installing seamless gutters is usually best left to the professionals because it requires specialized equipment and training.

When To DIY Gutter Installation?

Many homeowners do their gutter cleaning, making them more likely to want to replace worn-out gutters. The decision to complete the gutter installation without a pro will depend on many variables:

The ability to utilize simple tools while standing on a ladder, comfort level at the height of the gutters on the property, availability of time, and prospective help from a skilled friend or family member are all factors to consider.

01: When You Are Familiar with Your Home's Gutters.

It helps to be aware of how gutters are properly placed to facilitate water flow away from home since installing rain gutters is not as simple as it may seem. You could already be knowledgeable about how they operate if you've performed minor gutter repairs in the past. Downspouts should be strategically placed to prevent water from collecting near the foundation. You'll need to consider the ideal location to install downspouts if this isn't the case or if there aren't enough of them already. A nearby hardware store has new gutters that homeowners can pick from immediately.

02: When You Have the Right Tools and Equipment.

The tools and equipment required to execute a gutter repair are probably already possessed by homeowners who regularly undertake DIY outdoor tasks. The equipment required to execute the work is an extension ladder that extends to the roof. Further tools that every homeowner needs are a cordless drill, tape measure, caulking gun, offset tin snips, duckbill tin snips, a crimper, a hex head driver, and a hex head driver. A pop rivet gun might be useful to push the rivets into the holes. Otherwise, a hammer and nails may be adequate, depending on the built gutters. A miter saw might be used to cut gutters more rapidly if one was available.

03: When You Have Time to Dedicate to Gutter Installation or Replacement.

The time required to install the gutter will be determined by the size of the property and the number of broken gutters that need to be replaced. It's also important to consider how much longer it will take to choose the best gutters for your house, especially if they'll be customized. If they have all the necessary tools and supplies, most homeowners with average-sized homes can install their gutters in a day or less.

04: When You Have Someone to Assist You with The Gutter Installation.

It's better to get assistance when replacing gutters on your own. Steel or copper gutters are substantially heavier than vinyl gutters and typically lightweight. On a ladder, homeowners may be safe by having a second person hold or steady a clumsy piece of gutter. It's advisable to avoid as many risky positions as you can when handling large or unwieldy goods because accidents involving ladders are all too often. The second set of eyes can also help measure the gutter's pitch as it is being adjusted before installation on both ends.

When To Hire a Professional?

There are certain cases where hiring a professional to do the job is better. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions- having professionals install your gutters is ideal. It also ensures the gutters are able to withstand the high winds and heavy rains. Also, if your gutters are located on a very high roof, attempting to install them on your own might be dangerous. In these cases, it's always best to avoid caution and hire a professional gutter installer.

Is It More Cost-Effective to Do DIY Gutter Installation?

Depending on the size and sort of your gutters, hiring a professional to install them may cost anything from $300 to $1,000. If you're handy and have all the necessary equipment, doing it yourself may save you a lot of money. Suppose you're unsure about your skills or don't want to risk damage to your home. In that case, it's always best to leave gutter installation to the professionals.

Research Is the Key to DIY Gutter Installation!

Before attempting a DIY gutter installation, it's important to research and ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Many resources and helping guides are available online and in libraries to help you with the installation process. If you're unsure about something, it's always best to ask a professional for help.

YTown Roofing LLC, serving Canfield, OH, can help with the installation!

We offer a great customer experience. We inspect, install, and educate our clients about gutter installation.

Get a quote today!