Aren't all Seamless Rain Gutters the same?
No, Many people assume that comparing Seamless Rain Gutter estimates is comparing apples to apples.
The truth however is that you are comparing apples to Carrots.Aside from the Obvious questions people tend to ask (Are they seamless? Material type, Colors, Licensed, Insured,Availability)
We are going to try to break down some of the questions that many people don't know to ask when getting multiple estimates for new Rain Gutters or Rain Gutter Repairs. We will also try to explain why we feel that they are important questions to ask. Besides from the important questions, we feel that there are also other factors which should be taken into account when deciding on which Rain Gutter contractor to hire. We will offer our opinion on that as well.
The truth however is that you are comparing apples to Carrots.Aside from the Obvious questions people tend to ask (Are they seamless? Material type, Colors, Licensed, Insured,Availability)
We are going to try to break down some of the questions that many people don't know to ask when getting multiple estimates for new Rain Gutters or Rain Gutter Repairs. We will also try to explain why we feel that they are important questions to ask. Besides from the important questions, we feel that there are also other factors which should be taken into account when deciding on which Rain Gutter contractor to hire. We will offer our opinion on that as well.
What type of Gutter Fastener or Bracket does your company use?
When it comes to fastening the gutters to your home, there are a few different methods available. The two most common methods are: 1) Spike and Ferrules and 2) Hidden Hangers with screws.
Spike and Ferrules - Although these are the cheapest and most commonly used method for attaching rain gutters to homes and businesses, They are the least effective over the long term, They are the least attractive, and the most problematic method. These are basically just long nails which are hammered through the front face of the gutter and into the wood,stucco or rafter tails behind the new gutters. They have a dime sized nail head which is visible every three feet along the front face of the gutter ( In our opinion this is very unattractive.)
While the nails do have small rings on the tips to grab into the wood, We find that within 2 years or less some of the nails tend to work they're way out of the gutter and set the stage for debris and water to slowly pull the gutter completely off of your house. We know this is true because we get 3 or 4 calls a week from customers that want us to come and fix the gutters which are falling off of their house. The fallen gutters are ALWAYS Spike and Ferrules Never the Hidden Hanger with screws. The spikes are quite thick and also tend to damage the exterior of the home as well. Many times when we remove old gutter to replace it, we find that the spikes have cracked the stucco or plaster behind the gutter or have made large sized holes in the wood and invited termites to enter your home.
Spike and Ferrules - Although these are the cheapest and most commonly used method for attaching rain gutters to homes and businesses, They are the least effective over the long term, They are the least attractive, and the most problematic method. These are basically just long nails which are hammered through the front face of the gutter and into the wood,stucco or rafter tails behind the new gutters. They have a dime sized nail head which is visible every three feet along the front face of the gutter ( In our opinion this is very unattractive.)
While the nails do have small rings on the tips to grab into the wood, We find that within 2 years or less some of the nails tend to work they're way out of the gutter and set the stage for debris and water to slowly pull the gutter completely off of your house. We know this is true because we get 3 or 4 calls a week from customers that want us to come and fix the gutters which are falling off of their house. The fallen gutters are ALWAYS Spike and Ferrules Never the Hidden Hanger with screws. The spikes are quite thick and also tend to damage the exterior of the home as well. Many times when we remove old gutter to replace it, we find that the spikes have cracked the stucco or plaster behind the gutter or have made large sized holes in the wood and invited termites to enter your home.
Hidden Hangers with screws (screws should be at least 2 inches long and full threaded)
Hidden Hangers are in our opinion a far superior fastener that will last for many years to come. If aesthetics and quality are important to you then make sure that Your chosen rain gutter contractor uses only hidden hangers for the installation. Hidden Hangers cannot be seen on the face of the gutters and the full threaded wood screws grip the wood far better than the spikes.
Hidden Hanger with screw
Hidden Hanger with screw secured in the gutter and ready to be fastened to your wood fascia board or rafter tails.
No unsightly nail heads on the front face of the gutter
What type of corners or Miters does your company install?
There are 2 basic types of corners (also referred to as miters) 1) Box Miters and 2) Hand cut corners.
When installing seamless Rain Gutters don't be fooled by the term seamless. Corners or turns in your gutter system cannot be made seamlessly they have to have a joint or a seam and tend to be the fist area that will leak in your gutter system.
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
When installing seamless Rain Gutters don't be fooled by the term seamless. Corners or turns in your gutter system cannot be made seamlessly they have to have a joint or a seam and tend to be the fist area that will leak in your gutter system.
THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION