Should You Install Gutters Yourself?
If you are in need of new gutters, you are probably wondering whether you should install them yourself. While DIY gutter installation may save you money initially, it can lead to mistakes that can leave you with a great deal of headaches and expenses down the road. Here are several of the many mistakes you can make while installing gutters yourself.
Selecting the Wrong Gutter Type
With such a variety of gutter types on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Therefore, it is in your best interest to hire a professional gutter installer who can inform you of the pros and cons of each gutter type and help you make an informed decision. Professional gutter installers will keep your home type and climate in mind when making a recommendation.
Incorrectly Spacing Hangers
Gutter hangers are used to attach gutters to homes. In the event that gutter hangers are spaced improperly, they may fail to hold up in extreme weather conditions like large rainfall. Therefore, you should hire on a professional gutter installer who understands how to space gutter hangers correctly.
Installing at the Wrong Pitch
Gutters need to be installed with a slight pitch so that they can direct the water towards the downspouts. When a pitch is too steep, water can move too quickly and flow over the edge of the gutter system. On the other hand when a pitch isn’t steep enough, the flow of water may be prevented and damage the gutters as a result.
Securing Gutters in the Wrong Spot
Many people who opt for DIY gutter installation make the mistake of securing their gutters in the wrong spot. Rather than securing gutters at the edge of your roof, you should secure them a few inches below the roofline. By doing so, you can ensure that rainwater will flow straight through the gutter system instead of the back edge. A professional gutter installer can ensure that gutters are secured in the right location.
As you can see, it’s all too easy to make mistakes when installing gutters yourself. If you’d like to save your time and eliminate your risk of costly repairs down the road, you should skip DIY gutter installation and invest in a professional gutter installer.
If you’d like professional gutter installation in addition to high quality gutter guards that will keep your gutters in tip-top shape for years to come, request a free estimate from LeafFilter today.
