The gutters and downspouts play a key role in protecting your home. Not only do they keep rainwater from damaging the roof and siding, they also ensure that water doesn’t pool and accumulate on your home’s foundation that can cause near-irreparable damage.

Like any exterior part of your home, the gutters will eventually need replacing so it’s important to keep the following in mind when doing this project.

Gutter Size

You’ll want to have a look at your existing gutters and check if their current size is adequate for the amount of rainfall your area gets. Smaller and narrower gutters are at risk of overflowing when there’s too much rainfall, which can have a negative impact on your exteriors. Cladding, foundations and even the entry doors are all at risk of water damage if the gutters are at an inefficient size.

We recommend that you have an experienced gutter installer check your existing gutters and see if the current size is adequate. That way, you can make a more informed decision when it’s time to replace your gutters.

Material Type

Gutters now come in a range of materials, with the most popular three being aluminum, copper and galvanized steel. Aluminum is the most common and comes in a variety of colors. While it’s the least expensive of the three, it offers adequate durability and water resistance.

Copper gutters have the longest operating lifespan, at a ‘minimum’ of 150 years. While it’s pricier than aluminum, it’s also more aesthetically pleasing to look at and can really improve the look of your house’s roofline.

Finally, there’s galvanized steel, which sits in the middle between the two. It offers better durability and water resistance than aluminum at a reasonable price.

Roof Condition

Finally, you’ll want to have a roofer give your roof an in-depth inspection so you can repair or do some much-needed maintenance. It’s always a better idea to start on your gutter project after replacing the roof since you’ll need to take down the gutters before you replace the roof.

Exterior Building Solutions is the name to trust when it comes to your exterior needs. We replace gutters and roofs and install windows. Call us today at (314) 470-8783 to learn more on how we can help you. We offer roof, gutters and siding services throughout St. Louis and Chesterfield.