Are Seamless Gutters Worth the Expense?

Sectional versus seamless: it’s an ongoing argument. But there is one fact about seamless that you can’t dispute: unless you plan on going into the gutter installation business yourself, you’ll need to hire a contractor to install them, and that means seamless gutters cost more.  But is that cost really worth it?

To answer this question, we must first look at what seamless and sectional gutters are.  Sectional gutters are pretty much what they sound like: sections of gutter, usually about twenty feet long, that you purchase and cut to fit your needs.  Seamless gutters are extruded from metal coils to fit the exact length needed for each part of the system.

Generally, sectional systems will involve a “snap-together” system with silicon gaskets or will require you to weld sections together if you need something longer than twenty feet.  Sectional can have a lower cost because you can do it yourself relatively easily: a general contractor or experienced handyman will have no problem installing most sectional systems over the course of a calm, quiet weekend.

However, that’s just installation.  Over the long term, you’re going to need to keep checking those gaskets or those welds, and fix them if they break.  Checking your gutter system is going to be an ongoing chore, as you’ll need to keep an eye on every single connection point.  And that’s in addition to cleaning the gutters out.

Seamless gutter systems are much simpler to maintain; after all, they’re just long sections, and the only connecting points will be at the corners and at the downspouts.  But that brings us back around to the costs – seamless systems are going to cost more than sectional systems: materials and labor just come at a higher price. However, seamless gutters also come with benefits such as:

1. A perfect fit: Seamless gutters are custom-fashioned to each home. Homeowners are guaranteed a perfect fit. If gutters fit well, they will also function well. A gutter system that is custom-fit to your home will perform the way it is meant to without issues.

2. Less maintenance: Because seamless gutters have significantly fewer joints then sectional gutters, they don’t accumulate the same amount of debris. They also attract fewer critters looking for a cozy home. This leads to less time spent maintaining and cleaning your gutter system. Adding gutter screens will reduce the number of hours you spend on your gutters annually even further.

3. Fewer clogs and backups: The joints and seams of sectional gutters make them more prone to clogs and backups. Leaves, twigs and other debris can collect in sectional gutters and create problems. When blockages become too big for water to flush them other, water can back up and cause damage to your home.

4. Fewer leaks: Any time there is a joint in a gutter, there is a possibility that it will leak. Over time joints can widen from each other. Holes can form and rust can begin to set in. With fewer joints, seamless gutters are less likely to rust and leak.

5. Visual appeal: One of the biggest benefits to seamless gutters is that they simply look better. Constructed from aluminum, they can be painted to match or complement the home’s exterior. They last for years and often never require re-painting.

In the end, it comes down to who you are and what your needs are.  If you want a simple gutter system and are comfortable enough with a hacksaw and a welding torch, sectional systems will probably be your best bet.  But if you don’t feel quite handy enough, don’t have the time, or simply want a more reliable guttering system, seamless might be the way to go. If you’re looking for a reliable contractor in Miami, look no further than ABC Seamless Rain Gutters and their 30 years of experience.