How Much Can Gutters and Downspouts Cost In Pittsburgh? The Answer May Surprise You.

When it rains, it pours, and when your home’s gutters aren’t working properly, you may have pouring water in places you don’t want it. For all gable-roofed homes, properly installed gutters migrate water away from your home and keep you dry, but what happens if you need replacement gutters?

How Much Does It Cost to Install Gutters and Downspouts?

For an average gutter replacement on a typical house expect to spend between $1,000-$2000. Of course, it depends on the size of your home among other factors. Gutter installation prices can range easily from the mid $500s to $9,000 or $10,000. 

Replacing vs. Repairing Gutters and Downspouts

A complete gutter overhaul isn’t always necessary. Sometimes heavier materials like copper gutters can come loose from wind or weather wear. Keep an eye out for the signs below to not over-react to mild gutter issues:

Repair your gutters if:

• Gutters have concentrated damage in one area. For example, if a falling tree branch compromised the gutter in one section of the roofline, you could realistically expect to repair your gutter effectively.
• You notice one or two cracks or leaks in the gutter or downspout system.
• One or two gutters or downspouts are leaking, but can be fixed with added sealant or alignment.

Replace your gutters if:

• They’re detached from the roofline or each other. Most often, if gutters are detaching from themselves or the roof, it’s a sign of systemic gutter failure.
• Rust, cracks, and holes — for most gutter systems, if you can see rusting and decay, it means they’re simply too old or too worn to function properly.
• Sagging — If you notice gutters sagging anywhere this can also indicate complete system failure and will generally need replacing.
• Flooding — Whether it’s in your basement, driveway, sidewalk, or yard, standing water anywhere near your home can indicate gutter failure in one form or another.

Paint problems are a high-profile indicator that gutters are nearing the end of their useful life. Examine areas where you might be noticing fading or peeling paint along siding or the gutters themselves, and chances are you’ll find a compromised gutter or downspout.

If you have seamless gutters and you notice any of these issues, or something has happened to compromise part of the gutter, then it’s best to replace the entire system because of the way they’re constructed.

Types Of Gutters & Downspouts:

Half-Round Gutters

With a half-round design, half-round gutters are available in 5- to 6-inch widths. Their downspouts are typically rectangular. Half-round gutters are commonly found in older homes built prior to 1960. It is common for local ordinances to require this style gutter for historic homes or neighborhoods.

K-Style Gutters

K-style gutters come in 5- to 6-inch widths with rectangular downspouts, similar to the half-round gutters. K-style gutters differ from half-round in that they feature a flat back and can be nailed directly to fascia boards without brackets. These gutters are the most common style of gutter.

Custom Fascia Gutters

Made from a custom piece of aluminum, custom fascia gutters provide a seamless contemporary look. The aluminum is custom-built according to your Pittsburgh home’s measurements and roof’s pitch. Because they are custom, this gutter option is likely to cost double that of k-style and half-round gutters.

Box-Style Gutters

It is common for commercial or industrial buildings to have box-style gutters; however they can also be used for residential homes. With 7 to 10 inch widths, box gutters are designed to handle heavy rainfall.

Gutter Materials

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are made from PVC and plastics and are the most common type of gutter material lasting between 10 to 20 years depending on climate.

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are a lightweight, rust-resistant option with an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Galvanized Steel Gutters are durable and sturdy, as they are soldered to the home. If maintained to avoid rust, these gutters can last up to 30 years.

Copper Gutters Copper Gutters do not warp, bend or rust, making them a very durable option. The natural color of these gutters offer a unique look to any home.

Gutters and downspouts are crucial to protecting any home’s siding, roof and foundation. These components help homeowners avoid leaks, flooding, corrosion, and other water damage. Choosing the correct gutters and having them professionally installed can stand between your home’s safety and the headaches that come with water damage.

To get an estimate, call 724-969-4145 or send us a message: info@gregorroofing.com

Citations:

https://mygutterpro.com/types-of-gutters/#:~:text=There%20are%203%20main%20styles,they%20are%20primarily%20used%20for.

https://www.manta.com/cost-seamless-gutters-pittsburgh-pa

https://www.homeblue.com/gutter-installation/pittsburgh-pa-gutter-installation-cost.htm

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-rain-gutters/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/gutters/reviews/types-of-gutters

Ice In Gutters and Downspouts? Here’s What You Can Do.

Ice buildup in your gutters and downspouts can cause serious damage to your home. Knowing how to prevent this build-up and how to treat is key to keeping your home’s gutters and downspouts in good condition.

What Causes Ice to Invade Gutters and Downspouts

A common suspect of ice blockages on and around your roof is from poorly insulated attics. An attic lacking good insulation allows heat to escape the home, melting the snow on the roof and allowing it to turn into ice when the temperature outside drops below freezing. Another common cause is poorly maintained gutters. When gutters and downspouts are not kept clean year-round, leaf and debris buildup prevent melting snow from escaping, and it eventually turns into ice.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms on the eaves of a roof. This thick layer of ice traps melting snow (water), from escaping the roof. The built-up water can eventually leak into a home causing roof, ceiling, and wall damage.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams are caused by heat escaping a home through the roof. When this happens, the snow melts in some areas but leaves the thick ice that has already formed on the edge of your roof as ice. The ice ridge remains on the edge of the roof, as the snow melts and trickles down, it is unable to leave the roof. Eventually, the water leaks into the home or freezes again. If the water freezes again, it will help the ice dam grow, continuing this cycle again and again and increasing the chances of your roof leaking.

What Are the Effects of Ice Dams?

When the water backed up by the ice dam finds its way into your home, this moisture causes mold and mildew growth. The sooner these effects are treated, the better. Another major effect of ice dams is damage to your gutters and roof. The heavy dams often cause severe damage to gutter systems. The built-up water causes leaks and harsh wear and tear on your shingles.  

How to Prevent Ice Dams: Call Us!

Ice dams can cause your home to have several types of damage and need to be prevented. Our team of roofing contractors will perform an inspection and develop a course of action for your ice dam issues. Contact us today at 724-960-8002 or send us a message: info@gregorroofing.com

Works Cited:

https://www.servicemasterbyzaba.com/blog/how-to-remove-ice-dams-dos-and-donts/

https://extension.umn.edu/protecting-home-rain-and-ice/dealing-and-preventing-ice-dams

https://heattrak.com/blogs/homeowner/removing-ice-dams-from-your-roof

https://daleenrestoration.com/effects-of-ice-damming-on-your-home-or-business/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21017660/how-to-get-rid-of-ice-dams