According to Bob Vila, the average cost of installing new gutters is between $585 and $1,535, with a national average of $1,057. For homeowners in Aurora, replacing or installing new gutters is like a rite of passage. But if you’re going to install new gutters, you’d better do it the right way.
To do so, you’ll first need to be aware of the most common gutter installation mistakes made by homeowners. That way, you can sidestep them and have a successful gutter installation project. This begs the question, what are the gutter installation mistakes homeowners in Naperville need to avoid?
An excellent question and we have all the answers you need right here. In today’s post, we’ll be highlighting some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing gutters.
1. Picking the Wrong Type of Gutter
It sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many times homeowners pick the wrong types of gutters for their homes. This is mostly because some homeowners think that all gutters are the same. But that’s far from the truth.
There are many different types of gutters available on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common types of gutters used by homeowners are:
K-style gutters: Also known as Ogee or OG gutters, these are the most popular type of gutters used in residential gutter systems. They’re easily recognizable because of their flat bottom and decorative front.
Decorative gutters: These are the most popular type of gutters used in residential properties. They’re easy to install and offer a clean, finished look to your home’s exterior.
Half-round gutters: As the name suggests, these gutters are half-round in shape and were traditionally made out of copper. Nowadays, they’re available in a variety of materials, including aluminum and vinyl.
Box gutters: These are square or rectangular in shape and are most commonly used in commercial properties. They’re more difficult to install than other types of gutters but are excellent at draining large amounts of water.
Clearly, there’s a gutter type for every home and budget. So, before you start your gutter installation project, take the time to research the different types of gutters available and pick the one that’s right for you.
2. Starting Without a Plan
While gutter installation seems easy on the surface, it’s actually pretty complicated. That’s why the first step in any gutter installation project is creating a plan. Your plan should include:
- The type of gutter you’re going to install
- The material you’re going to use
- The size and shape of your gutter system
- Where the gutters will be installed on your home
Creating a plan may seem like a lot of work, but it’s essential if you want to avoid a heap of problems down the line. Also, define your budget and stick to it.
3. Making the Wrong Measurements
Despite having a considerable DIY skillset, you can never rule out the possibility of making wrong measurements. And when it comes to gutter installation, one wrong measurement can throw off your entire project. So, how do you avoid making this mistake?
The best way to avoid making mistakes in measurements is to measure twice and cut once. In other words, take your time measuring the area where the gutters will be installed and double-check your measurements before cutting the gutters to size.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a gutter installation kit. These kits come with all the materials you need for a successful gutter installation, including pre-cut gutters.
4. Improper Leveling
Not angling or leveling your gutters correctly could disrupt the flow of water through the gutters. It’s unfortunate that improper leveling is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing gutters.
To avoid this mistake, make sure to angle the gutters so that they slope towards the downspouts. This will ensure that water flows smoothly through the gutters and doesn’t pool up or overflow. You can also use a leveler tool or mark a level line to get your leveling right.
5. Leaving Too Little Space for the Hangers
Most homeowners choose to install their gutters using hangers. These hangers act as supports for the gutters during installation. They’ll hold up the load of the gutters when you fill them.
Failing to leave adequate space for your hangers will lead to the entire thing crumbling down. Seek professional advice on hanger spacing to avoid such disasters.
6. Skipping the Gutter Cover
It’s tempting for homeowners to skip the gutter cover, especially when they’re in a rush. But this is a mistake you’ll regret later.
Gutter covers are important because they:
- Prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters
- Help to keep animals and pests out of your gutter system
- Make it easier to clean your gutters
There are various types of gutter covers available on the market, so ensure you find the right one for your specific gutters.
7. Inadequate Knowledge of Downspouts
Downspouts are one of the more complicated aspects of installing gutters. The type of gutter system you have determines how many downspouts you need and how you’ll position them.
Before you start your new gutter installation project, make sure you have a clear understanding of downspouts. That way, you can avoid making any mistakes that could jeopardize the success of your gutter system. As a rule of thumb, consider installing one downspout every 35 to 45 feet, maximum.
8. Overreliance on DIY Installation Kits
Regardless of your DIY experience, you can never be on par with a pro with years of experience installing gutters. That’s why you shouldn’t rely too much on DIY videos and self-installation kits.
If you’re having trouble with your gutter installation, don’t be afraid to call in the experts to give you a hand. At least that way, you can be sure of a successful gutter installation.
Avoiding Gutter Installation Mistakes for Homeowners
While installing new gutters is no cakewalk, avoiding the above gutter installation mistakes will help make it a breeze. Remember, if you doubt your DIY skills, you can always leave it to the pros. At least, they have a warranty that covers any mistakes or defects on their part.
Schedule an estimate in Naperville and we’ll get started on your gutter installation ASAP.
