Dallas Rain Gutter Options
What You Need to Know About Rain Gutters
Rain gutters, also known as eaves-shoot or eavestroughs, are the main part of the rain collection system that get installed on all types of houses and buildings in Dallas. Their purpose is to direct rain water from the roof of the building and channel it to an area on the ground where it will not affect the foundation, siding, doors and windows.
Though most lay persons in Dallas do not spend a significant amount of time thinking about the gutter system on their houses, these systems play a major part in keeping a building in good condition. As such, they represent a significant investment and all home and building owners should take the time to educate themselves on the subject.
Here we will give you a snapshot of what you need to know about rain gutters so you can make some informed decisions about installation, repair and upkeep. Just a small bit of information can potentially save you thousands in home and building repairs.
Types of Rain Gutters in Dallas
There are three main components to the type of gutters you may choose from. They include material, shape and construction. Goode Gutters in Plano has access to a variety of these materials.
Rain Gutter Material
Originally most gutters in Plano and Dallas were fashioned out of clay or wood, but clearly we have developed better and longer-lasting materials that are far less prone to cracking and rot. Below is a list of the current materials available along with their pros and cons.
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters in Dallas are the cheapest and easiest to install for DIY projects. You will be able to find them in home improvement stores for around $1 to $2 per linear foot. The price goes up to $5 per linear foot for professional installation. The good thing about vinyl is that it does not rust or corrode, and because the plastic is the same color throughout, any scratching will not be visible from the ground. Vinyl gutters also won’t dent.
However, being plastic, the color will fade over time in direct sunlight. Also, vinyl is prone to cracking and shattering in very cold or hot climates, especially if the gutters are made of a thinner variety. If you are going to go this route, it’s advisable that you make sure you are purchasing a quality product.
One thing to be aware of with vinyl gutters is that they typically will not support a heavy ladder, so you will have to be extra careful when performing maintenance.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most popular material used for most modern homes because it is a relatively low cost material and doesn’t rust. The cost is around $2 to $3 per linear foot and around $6 for professional installation. Aluminum gutters are also available in a number of finishes and colors and can be painted to match or accent your home nicely. There are several thicknesses and gauges available.
0.025 inch is the lightest and least expensive option available for this material, but it is prone to denting, making it a poor choice for areas of heavy rain and snow. Aluminum gutters also come in thicknesses of 0.027 inch and 0.032 inch, the heaviest of which can last up to 25 years.
If you choose to do a DIY installation, you can find lengths of aluminum gutters in most home improvement stores.
Steel
There are a few varieties of steel used for Dallas gutters and they range in price. All are quite a bit more expensive than vinyl and aluminum because they are much sturdier and hold up in any kind of weather. The most common option is galvanized steel, which is steel coated in a thin, protective layer of zinc. Although galvanized steel gutters are much stronger than aluminum gutters, they are still prone to oxidation after about 10 to 15 years.
Stainless steel gutters will not rust, but they are even pricier than the galvanized alternative. Expect to pay around $8 to $10 for galvanized steel and $18 to $25 per linear foot for stainless steel gutters when professionally installed.
Galvalume is a specialty option that is less common and more expensive than galvanized steel. The material consists of steel coated in a combination of zinc and aluminum. This option outperforms the galvanized alternative and can last decades without problems. The cost ranges from $12 to $30 per linear foot.
Steel gutters are quite heavy, so it is recommended that you have them professionally installed.
Zinc
Typically found only on high-end homes, zinc gutters must be professionally installed as they need to be welded together at the joints. Zinc gutters are very resistant to weather wear and do not bend or warp like some cheaper alternatives. This material is also attractive to buyers because it develops a lovely patina as it ages which further protects it from the elements.
Zinc gutters are very resistant to weather wear and do not bend or warp like some cheaper alternatives. They typically cost between $10 to $22 per linear foot and last around 50 years. This is a great option for historic restoration of an older home.
Copper
Similar to zinc, copper gutters are usually only installed on high-end homes or historic restorations in Dallas. Lasting up to 100 years if properly welded and installed, copper gutters are extremely durable and age beautifully. Over time, copper develops a unique greenish patina that gives it a particular old-world appeal.
The cost for professionally installed copper gutters is around $25 to $30 per linear foot. Most people who choose this option for their home are doing so more for the appearance than anything else.
Style
The style of gutters that you can choose from is mainly centered around the shape. Although there are several unique styles of gutter that are found on much older buildings or restorations, the two main styles are the K-Style and Half-Round.
K-Style
K-Style gutters are the most popular style of gutter found on modern homes. If you are buying a house that was built within the last 50 years, it will most likely have this type of gutter. People tend to appreciate the way K-style gutters blend into the fascia of the home. They also have the appearance of crown molding which can add a good tie-in to the home’s interior.
Being such a common option, K-Style gutters are available in a variety of materials and can be easily made on-site to perfectly fit your home. This style of gutter has a flat back and bottom and can generally hold more rainwater than rounded styles.
The only drawback to this type of gutter is that they tend to be slightly harder to clean than rounded styles due to the inner angles.
Half-Round Gutters
This style of gutter is exactly what it’s name depicts, a half round shaped tube. Unlike the flat-bottom K-style gutters, the Half-round style has a curved shape which does not sit flush against the fascia of the home. Because of this, they typically require brackets to keep them in place.
Half-Round style gutters are found more often on older and historic buildings and are typically fashioned out of metal. Though the rounded shape of this style makes them more prone to collecting debris than K-Style gutters, they are usually easier to clean and tend to drain water more thoroughly.
Fascia Gutters
One other option is a custom built Fascia gutter style that is composed of one long piece of aluminum instead of pieces that are then snapped or welded together. This is a much more expensive option and must be professionally installed.
Because custom Fascia gutters are made from one length of metal, they are less prone to leaks than their K-shaped or Half-Round counterparts. They have a stream-lined contemporary look which matches up well with newer homes.
The main downside to this option is the cost.
Construction
As you may have already guessed from the previous sections, construction has to do with how the gutters are fitted together and fitted against the house or building. There are only two options here: Sectional or Seamless.
Sectional
By far the most common type of gutter construction is the sectional variety. As the name implies, this type is fashioned out of a number of lengths of material which are then fitted together onto the home or building.
Sectional gutters are not custom made, but instead are cut, trimmed and installed on site in order to fit any home or building. Because they are fitted together with a connector or welded at each joint, there is a risk of leaking if not installed correctly or due to the passage of time.
Most home-owners still feel comfortable with this type of construction due to the ease of installation and cost effectiveness. Sectional gutters stand much more of a chance of going leak-free with proper care and cleaning.
Seamless
If you want Seamless gutters you will definitely need to consult an expert and be prepared for a much pricier endeavor. As opposed to sectional gutters, the seamless option is constructed out of one long length of material that only has joints in corners and at downspouts.
People typically choose seamless gutters because they are sturdier and won’t break, crack or leak during heavy storms. They are also much easier to clean, require less upkeep and increase the overall value of your home.
So there you have it, an overview of all that you need to know when choosing the type, style and construction of gutters for your home or building. Stay informed and leak-free for the future!
Rain gutters, also known as eaves-shoot or eavestroughs, are the main part of the rain collection system that get installed on all types of houses and buildings in Dallas. Their purpose is to direct rain water from the roof of the building and channel it to an area on the ground where it will not affect the foundation, siding, doors and windows.
Though most lay persons in Dallas do not spend a significant amount of time thinking about the gutter system on their houses, these systems play a major part in keeping a building in good condition. As such, they represent a significant investment and all home and building owners should take the time to educate themselves on the subject.
Here we will give you a snapshot of what you need to know about rain gutters so you can make some informed decisions about installation, repair and upkeep. Just a small bit of information can potentially save you thousands in home and building repairs.
Types of Rain Gutters in Dallas
There are three main components to the type of gutters you may choose from. They include material, shape and construction. Goode Gutters in Plano has access to a variety of these materials.
Rain Gutter Material
Originally most gutters in Plano and Dallas were fashioned out of clay or wood, but clearly we have developed better and longer-lasting materials that are far less prone to cracking and rot. Below is a list of the current materials available along with their pros and cons.
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters in Dallas are the cheapest and easiest to install for DIY projects. You will be able to find them in home improvement stores for around $1 to $2 per linear foot. The price goes up to $5 per linear foot for professional installation. The good thing about vinyl is that it does not rust or corrode, and because the plastic is the same color throughout, any scratching will not be visible from the ground. Vinyl gutters also won’t dent.
However, being plastic, the color will fade over time in direct sunlight. Also, vinyl is prone to cracking and shattering in very cold or hot climates, especially if the gutters are made of a thinner variety. If you are going to go this route, it’s advisable that you make sure you are purchasing a quality product.
One thing to be aware of with vinyl gutters is that they typically will not support a heavy ladder, so you will have to be extra careful when performing maintenance.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most popular material used for most modern homes because it is a relatively low cost material and doesn’t rust. The cost is around $2 to $3 per linear foot and around $6 for professional installation. Aluminum gutters are also available in a number of finishes and colors and can be painted to match or accent your home nicely. There are several thicknesses and gauges available.
0.025 inch is the lightest and least expensive option available for this material, but it is prone to denting, making it a poor choice for areas of heavy rain and snow. Aluminum gutters also come in thicknesses of 0.027 inch and 0.032 inch, the heaviest of which can last up to 25 years.
If you choose to do a DIY installation, you can find lengths of aluminum gutters in most home improvement stores.
Steel
There are a few varieties of steel used for Dallas gutters and they range in price. All are quite a bit more expensive than vinyl and aluminum because they are much sturdier and hold up in any kind of weather. The most common option is galvanized steel, which is steel coated in a thin, protective layer of zinc. Although galvanized steel gutters are much stronger than aluminum gutters, they are still prone to oxidation after about 10 to 15 years.
Stainless steel gutters will not rust, but they are even pricier than the galvanized alternative. Expect to pay around $8 to $10 for galvanized steel and $18 to $25 per linear foot for stainless steel gutters when professionally installed.
Galvalume is a specialty option that is less common and more expensive than galvanized steel. The material consists of steel coated in a combination of zinc and aluminum. This option outperforms the galvanized alternative and can last decades without problems. The cost ranges from $12 to $30 per linear foot.
Steel gutters are quite heavy, so it is recommended that you have them professionally installed.
Zinc
Typically found only on high-end homes, zinc gutters must be professionally installed as they need to be welded together at the joints. Zinc gutters are very resistant to weather wear and do not bend or warp like some cheaper alternatives. This material is also attractive to buyers because it develops a lovely patina as it ages which further protects it from the elements.
Zinc gutters are very resistant to weather wear and do not bend or warp like some cheaper alternatives. They typically cost between $10 to $22 per linear foot and last around 50 years. This is a great option for historic restoration of an older home.
Copper
Similar to zinc, copper gutters are usually only installed on high-end homes or historic restorations in Dallas. Lasting up to 100 years if properly welded and installed, copper gutters are extremely durable and age beautifully. Over time, copper develops a unique greenish patina that gives it a particular old-world appeal.
The cost for professionally installed copper gutters is around $25 to $30 per linear foot. Most people who choose this option for their home are doing so more for the appearance than anything else.
Style
The style of gutters that you can choose from is mainly centered around the shape. Although there are several unique styles of gutter that are found on much older buildings or restorations, the two main styles are the K-Style and Half-Round.
K-Style
K-Style gutters are the most popular style of gutter found on modern homes. If you are buying a house that was built within the last 50 years, it will most likely have this type of gutter. People tend to appreciate the way K-style gutters blend into the fascia of the home. They also have the appearance of crown molding which can add a good tie-in to the home’s interior.
Being such a common option, K-Style gutters are available in a variety of materials and can be easily made on-site to perfectly fit your home. This style of gutter has a flat back and bottom and can generally hold more rainwater than rounded styles.
The only drawback to this type of gutter is that they tend to be slightly harder to clean than rounded styles due to the inner angles.
Half-Round Gutters
This style of gutter is exactly what it’s name depicts, a half round shaped tube. Unlike the flat-bottom K-style gutters, the Half-round style has a curved shape which does not sit flush against the fascia of the home. Because of this, they typically require brackets to keep them in place.
Half-Round style gutters are found more often on older and historic buildings and are typically fashioned out of metal. Though the rounded shape of this style makes them more prone to collecting debris than K-Style gutters, they are usually easier to clean and tend to drain water more thoroughly.
Fascia Gutters
One other option is a custom built Fascia gutter style that is composed of one long piece of aluminum instead of pieces that are then snapped or welded together. This is a much more expensive option and must be professionally installed.
Because custom Fascia gutters are made from one length of metal, they are less prone to leaks than their K-shaped or Half-Round counterparts. They have a stream-lined contemporary look which matches up well with newer homes.
The main downside to this option is the cost.
Construction
As you may have already guessed from the previous sections, construction has to do with how the gutters are fitted together and fitted against the house or building. There are only two options here: Sectional or Seamless.
Sectional
By far the most common type of gutter construction is the sectional variety. As the name implies, this type is fashioned out of a number of lengths of material which are then fitted together onto the home or building.
Sectional gutters are not custom made, but instead are cut, trimmed and installed on site in order to fit any home or building. Because they are fitted together with a connector or welded at each joint, there is a risk of leaking if not installed correctly or due to the passage of time.
Most home-owners still feel comfortable with this type of construction due to the ease of installation and cost effectiveness. Sectional gutters stand much more of a chance of going leak-free with proper care and cleaning.
Seamless
If you want Seamless gutters you will definitely need to consult an expert and be prepared for a much pricier endeavor. As opposed to sectional gutters, the seamless option is constructed out of one long length of material that only has joints in corners and at downspouts.
People typically choose seamless gutters because they are sturdier and won’t break, crack or leak during heavy storms. They are also much easier to clean, require less upkeep and increase the overall value of your home.
So there you have it, an overview of all that you need to know when choosing the type, style and construction of gutters for your home or building. Stay informed and leak-free for the future!
