How do you buy gutters for your house?
Option 1: DIY sectional gutters
Home centers sell aluminum and vinyl gutters in short lengths with connectors, corners, end caps and downspouts. They make sense for a garage, shed or short single-story run if you are comfortable on a ladder. The drawbacks are seams at every connection, which eventually leak, and the work of setting a consistent slope over long runs.
Option 2: Seamless gutters installed by a pro
A crew brings a gutter machine and forms each run from a coil to the exact length of the wall. Joints exist only at corners and outlets. This is the standard for whole-house gutters.
What to specify in writing
- Profile and size: K-style 5-inch or 6-inch, or half-round.
- Material and thickness: aluminum is typical; ask for the coil thickness.
- Color for gutters and downspouts.
- Hangers: hidden hangers screwed into fascia, with spacing stated.
- Downspouts: size, number and locations.
- Discharge: extensions, splash blocks or connections to underground drains.
- Removal of old gutters, and the per-foot price for fascia repair if needed.
- Guards, if wanted, by type.
- Workmanship warranty terms.
Timing your purchase
If your roof is aging or recently hail-damaged, sort out the roof first. New gutters hung against new drip edge work better, and storm-damaged gutters may belong in an insurance claim. Read gutter sizing and seamless gutters and how to choose a contractor in Georgia.