Seamless gutters are a type of gutter that professional installers cut on-site to match the exact specifications of a building. As a result, they are completely seamless. The simpler design makes them less prone to leaks and clogs, and the smooth finish provides better curb appeal.
Homeowners who choose seamless gutters will pay more up-front than they would for regular gutters. However, they get a more reliable product that can last for decades. Below, we outline reasons why seamless gutters might be the best gutters for your home.
Seamless Gutters vs. Regular Gutters
Below is a breakdown of how seamless and regular gutters differ.
Seamless Gutters
Manufacturers produce seamless gutters as one long piece of material. You cannot find seamless gutters in stores; instead, a professional must install them. The contractors who install seamless gutters cut the material on-site with a special machine to ensure a custom fit.
Seamless gutters require less maintenance than regular gutters, especially if equipped with high-quality gutter guards. Because they have fewer parts, less can go wrong. Seamless gutters often perform better and last much longer than their sectional counterparts.
Regular Gutters
Contrary to seamless gutters, manufacturers pre-cut regular gutters into sections of different lengths. Contractors must join and seal these sections on-site. Unlike seamless gutters, you can install regular gutters yourself. You can find pre-cut gutters in most home improvement stores.
The sealant the installer applies to the seams of regular gutters must be reapplied every few years. Leaks and clogs may develop along the seams, too. Experts from companies such as HomeCraft Gutter Protection and LeafFilter recommend cleaning regular gutters at least twice per year—once in the fall and once in the spring. You may need to clean them more often if your yard has many trees.
Pros and Cons of Seamless Gutters
Like any product, seamless gutters come with a list of pros and cons.
Pros
- Last 20 years or longer
- Experience fewer clogs and leaks
- Require less frequent cleaning
- Resist sagging or pulling away
- Have a smooth, sophisticated look
Cons
- Have higher installation costs
- Require professional installation
- Cannot be repaired as easily as regular gutters
Pros and Cons of Regular Gutters
Homeowners should also consider the pros and cons of sectional gutters before opting for their seamless counterparts.
Pros
- Cost less than seamless gutters
- Can be purchased by the homeowner directly
- Do not require special cutting equipment
- Can be repaired by replacing only the damaged section
Cons
- Tend to leak and clog at the seams over time
- Require sealant to be reapplied every one to five years
- Must be cleaned more often than seamless gutters
- Are more prone to sagging and pulling
- Have a shorter lifespan
- Offer less curb appeal
Seamless Gutter Designs
Seamless rain gutters are available in various styles and can be color-matched to your home. You can even customize your gutters with decorative elements, such as crown molding, on the exterior-facing side. Homeowners can choose from the following designs:
- Box
- Decorative
- Fascia
- Flat-angle, or F-style
- Half-round
- K-style, or ogee
- Quarter-round
- Radius
Your options may be limited depending on the contractor that installs your seamless gutters. Not all companies offer every style. Similarly, the style you prefer may only be available in certain materials.
Seamless Gutter Material Costs
Vinyl is both the least expensive and the least durable material for gutters. However, finding seamless gutters made of vinyl can be a challenge. Zinc and copper are the most expensive and durable materials. Seamless aluminum gutters are a popular and budget-friendly option, as is galvanized steel.
Separating material costs from labor costs can be difficult since you’ll require professional gutter services. Below are average price ranges* for popular gutter materials:
- Vinyl: $2–$6 per linear foot
- Aluminum: $4–$13 per linear foot
- Galvanized steel: $8–$13 per linear foot
- Galvalume: $20–$23 per linear foot
- Copper: $15–$33 per linear foot
- Zinc: $36–$43 per linear foot
Be sure to check the warranty on whatever gutters you choose. Many companies offer a 20-year or even lifetime warranty on materials.
*Price ranges included in this article are based on various cost reports, including homeowner projects aggregated by HomeAdvisor and Fixr.
Seamless Gutter Installation Costs
In addition to the material costs mentioned above, you should factor labor costs into your budget. Costs will vary depending on where you live and the materials involved. A gutter company might set an hourly rate to install gutters, but most charge per linear foot. You can expect to pay $60 to $80 per hour or $2.50 to $7 per linear foot.
Any upgrades to your gutter system will increase the overall cost of your gutter project. For instance, installing gutter guards, also known as leaf guards, can cost anywhere from $600 to $4,300 for 200 linear feet. The exact price will depend on the type of gutter covers you choose. Other potential upgrades include screens for downspouts, splash guards, and heat tape.
As you look for a company to install your new gutters, be sure to compare not only the price but also the workmanship guarantee offered by different gutter contractors. If you are installing seamless gutters because of a problem with your current setup, consider having a professional evaluate your home’s roof, eaves, and soffits. Gutter issues can often damage these parts of your home.
Our Conclusion
Because seamless gutters stand up well to high amounts of rainfall, they are an especially good investment for homeowners in rainy locations, such as Boca Raton and Palm Beach, Fla. Seamless gutters are also a reliable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners anywhere in the United States. The average cost to install seamless gutters is around $1,200, and you can expect them to last at least 20 years. Copper gutters can last 50 years or more.
Although you will pay more up-front for a seamless gutter system, you will save money in the long run. For instance, you may only need to pay for gutter cleaning services every one to two years instead of every six months. You may also save money on gutter repair, as seamless gutters are less likely to sag, leak, or clog. For the best value, choose a gutter company with years of experience and a generous warranty.
FAQs About Seamless Gutters
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score each provider against our review standards for specifications, services, reputation, warranties and discounts, payment options, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.
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