Can I Install My Gutters?

Can I Install My Gutters? 

Why should I not install my gutters?

You should not install your gutters. In short, Gutter Installation as a DIY project is not advisable. When it comes to replacing your gutters, there are several compelling reasons to hire a professional. These include ensuring safety, conducting thorough water damage inspections, and ensuring proper pitch for optimal functionality.

Gutter Systems play an important role. A well-installed rain gutter system protects a home and its foundation from water that could seep into the walls or erode the soil and cause damage. Over time, a gutter may weaken or become damaged, putting your house at risk. Gutter replacement is not considered as difficult a task as some home improvement jobs can be, so many homeowners choose to go the DIY route. While there are some advantages to replacing a gutter on your own, a professional installation is also worth considering—and in most cases, advised. Installing a gutter on your own can sometimes cost less than hiring a professional, but if inferior materials are used or if the gutters are installed at the wrong pitch or are the wrong style for your house or region, structural damage could occur to the house over time.


Can you install your own gutters?


Difficult DIY Project

Undertaking a gutter installation has proven to be an intermediate to difficult project. Special equipment is required for replacing gutters, and caution must be taken when working on high ladders or roofing surfaces. It is crucial to take extra care in measuring, fabrication, pitching, and installing the gutters to prevent future water damage. 
Numerous homeowners choose to clean out their gutters on their own, leading them to consider replacing their old gutters themselves. Deciding to proceed with a gutter installation without assistance from a professional will hinge on several factors, such as one's comfort level on a ladder at the height of the gutters, possession of specialized tools, capability to use tools while on a ladder, available time to finish the job, and the possibility of help from a competent friend or family member.
Rain gutter installation is not a simple process, even if you're familiar with your existing gutters. It's important to understand how gutters are installed to ensure proper water flow, particularly away from the house. If you've repaired gutters in the past, you may already have some familiarity with their operation. It's critical to make certain that downspouts are positioned correctly, so water doesn't pool near your home's foundation. If you don't have enough downspouts or they're not located properly, you'll need to decide where to add more. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't know which materials are ideal for gutter installations or where to purchase high-quality materials. Hardware stores typically stock low-quality gutter materials that professionals rarely use. If you use these materials, your gutter system installation will be subpar.

Specialty Tools & Equipment 
Homeowners who frequently tackle outdoor DIY projects may not possess the necessary specialty tools and equipment required to replace gutters. A suitable extension ladder that is capable of reaching the roof is one such tool that is required to complete the task. Additionally, homeowners should have tools such as a cordless drill, tape measure, hammer, prybar, 2 ft. level, caulk gun, metal snips, endcap crimpers, downspout crimpers, a hex head driver, hacksaw, miter saw, hole saw, and offset tin snips. Using a pop rivet gun can also aid in driving the rivets into the holes. It's important to note that gutters that are too small for heavy rainfall or snow could lead to leaks under pressure or water spilling into the house structure or foundation. Conversely, oversized gutters could detract from the house's curb appeal or detach from the house if not fastened correctly.

Material Costs
Replacing all the gutters on a house can be a bigger job than anticipated. Initially, it may seem more cost-effective to buy the materials on your own, but it could end up costing more than what a gutter company would charge. Typically, gutter installation materials include the gutters, heavy-duty brackets or fasteners, downspouts, elbows, end caps, gutter flashing, gutter sealant, and screws or rivets depending on the gutter style. Retail prices on these materials can add up quickly. A pro installation company usually buys gutter installation parts in bulk to get wholesale pricing cheaper than a homeowner can. Professional gutter companies also have their own gutter machines which allow them to run out seamless gutters on site which saves them a lot of money. The cost to have gutters delivered to a property is very expensive and will increase your materials cost significantly. Purchasing long gutters from a gutter supply company and transporting them yourself may save you quite a bit of money but it is very risky as this task is very challenging to do safely. 

Costly Mistakes
Incorrectly cutting gutters is a prevalent mistake, even among professionals. This mistake can be costly and difficult to fix for homeowners. One incorrect cut may necessitate the purchase and delivery of an entirely new gutter. Homeowners who are unfamiliar with gutter replacement should be mindful of two common issues that could result in higher expenses. A professional will be able to inspect the house for existing water damage and properly install gutters at the correct pitch to prevent water from flowing onto the house and foundation. A gentle pitch is ideal for proper water flow into the downspout, preventing water from pooling up incorrectly. If gutters are installed on rotten wood, future repairs will likely be more extensive and costly.

Safety
Homeowners who are thinking about replacing their gutters themselves should keep safety as their top priority. Certain homes have multiple roof levels, steep pitches, or a lot of linear square feet to cover, which can all be handled professionally by trained experts who are comfortable working on roofs of different sizes and shapes. These professionals are insured against accidents and their work often comes with warranties, making it very crucial.
It is advisable to hire professionals for gutter replacement if you lack confidence or stability when using a ladder. Fear of heights is a common issue, even among DIY enthusiasts. While some homeowners may feel secure climbing up a ladder to reach a single-story house, others may not feel safe enough to climb up a two-story roof. Gutter replacement requires not only climbing the ladder but also holding materials and working at that height. Ladder accidents are unfortunately common, and it's best to avoid this risk by entrusting the job to professionals if you're uncomfortable using a ladder.

Long-Term Consequences
Replacing your own gutters can be an enjoyable and demanding task for homeowners who have experience with technical work and working on ladders. However, it is not a task that can be completed alone, and gutters are not a one-size-fits-all product. If you make the mistake of installing the incorrect gutter or installing it improperly, there may be long-term consequences.

Professional Gutter Installation by Golden Hammer Gutters

Professional Knowledge and Experience
Not all houses and climates are compatible with gutters. A company that installs gutters in the area will have knowledge of the most suitable gutter style for your home and weather. These professionals will be able to secure the gutter firmly to the house with hooks or fasteners to ensure it can withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and snow or ice. A gutter that is not fastened properly, too big, or sloped incorrectly can detract from the home's curb appeal.
Trained professionals can detect water damage resulting from a leaky gutter in a house. Promptly fixing the issue can prevent severe damage in the future. Additionally, professionals can recognize any areas of poor performance on existing gutters and provide solutions when they are replaced. Properly positioning downspouts can prevent water from accumulating near the foundation of the house.
It is not advisable to perform gutter installation as a DIY project. Rather, it is recommended that homeowner safety and structural integrity of the house be prioritized by hiring a professional company to complete the gutter replacement. Attempting to replace the gutters on your own most likely will not result in cost savings in the long term, especially if incorrect materials are purchased, the new gutters leak, or someone is harmed by falling off a ladder. A professional will be able to assess the house adequately to choose the appropriate gutter style, examine the house for water damage to the walls or foundation, and install the gutters at the correct pitch with the appropriate connections and seals to prevent leaks.

Key Takeaways
Replacing worn-out gutters should be a priority as gutters play a crucial role in a house's structural integrity. Hiring a professional gutter installation company has numerous benefits. Professionals know the best style of gutters to collect rain and snow and prevent damage to the house. They can also quickly identify hidden damage in soffits, fascia, roofs, walls, or foundations and make repairs before replacing your gutters. Unlike DIY gutter replacement, professionals provide a warranty and ensure the job is up to code. Properly sized and securely fastened gutters will appear nearly invisible and boost the house's curb appeal. Homeowners who utilize the expertise of a gutter installation company can expect to maintain or even increase their property value without worrying about malfunctioning gutters, water damage, or odd-size gutters that detract from the home’s appearance.

Should I replace my gutters or repair my gutters?