Gutter Fabrication and Installation

Gutter Fundamentals

Types
Elite Gutter Service is proud to offer the following types of gutter fabrication:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Copper Bent
• Galvanized
• Routine Cleaning Services

Basics
Our seamless aluminum gutters are rust free. Sporting a color to complement your brick or siding, they make you look like a great home owner. We have more than 20 colors that you can choose from, and our seamless aluminum gutters are custom made right at your home.

• If you have lots of trees, we can provide oversized downspouts.
• If you have a larger home or a wood shake or tile roof, may be you need a 6″ gutter rather than a 5″ gutter.
• If you need improved ventilation under your eaves, we can help you decide between vented or solid soffit panels.

Materials
Vinyl, aluminum, steel and copper are some of the materials that gutters and downspouts are made of. Vinyl is great for do-it-yourselfers and can be found at home-improvement centers. Aluminum gutters are the most common. Primary aluminum is the thickest and most consistent kind. Avoid secondary aluminum, a recycled product that’s often plagued by inconsistent thickness. Metal gutters are made in sheet metal shops and require gutter specialists to install them.

Shapes and Sizes: U-and K-Shape, or Custom Fabricated
Gutters come in several sizes and shapes called profiles. The most common are the U shape and the K shape. The more important choice is the sizing of the gutters and the downspout. Choices include 2×3-in or 3×4-in. rectangular shapes, as well as 3- or 4-in. round pipes. Metal gutters are also available in different sizes. The most popular is 5″ gutter which is typically paired with 2×3-in. downspout. 4″ gutter is more popular in areas where there is less rainfall. Occasionally, you will see 6″ gutter in markets where rainfall is particularly heavy.

Color
So as to allow you to match house color or trim, there are more than 100 different colors to choose from when you buy seamless aluminum and steel gutters. Copper has a natural color and comes unfinished.

Types of Gutters

Sectional
Sectional types are sold in 10- to 22-feet long pieces. They’re made of vinyl, painted aluminum, or pre-painted steel. Gutter sections are joined together by snap-in-place connectors. All sectional systems have end caps, corner pieces and drop outlets for connecting to downspouts. The negative to sectional systems is that there is a potential for leaks through all those seams. One positive is that they can be installed by either the homeowner or by a professional installer.

Seamless
Seamless gutters are the most popular type today. The biggest selling point is that they don’t have any seams which could potentially leak. The sections join only at inside and outside corners and at downspout outlets. Seamless gutters are usually formed from aluminum that has a baked-on finish, but they may be made from copper or factory-painted steel. They are made with a special machine that’s brought to your home by a gutter contractor. These types of gutters can not be installed by do-it-yourselfers.

Maintenance Tips

Keep your gutters clean. If water can’t flow out, it backs up, causes damage, and standing water creates places for mosquitos to breed. Clean your gutters every spring and fall. Remove any large objects such as toys, balls, branches etc. Use a garden hose, child’s rake, rubber spatula, or your fingers to flush the troughs clean. Flush out the downspouts. if they are clogged, use a plumber’s snake. In addition, look for loose or damaged hangers, gutters, and downspouts.

Regular maintenance is important to keeping your gutters working properly and maintaining your properties’ value. Reach out to Elite Gutter Service for more information.