Gutter FAQ
Which rain gutters are best?
ANSWER: Aluminum gutters are the most sought-after because they don't rust. When picking out a style you want something that's going to have plenty of flow. 5K & 6K style gutters for instance have a wider bottom where more water/debris can flow vs fascia style gutters which are much narrower at the bottom where the water flows.
When should gutters be cleaned?
ANSWER: Typically twice a year Springtime & again in late fall, after most of the leaves have fallen. Although if your house is surrounded by trees you may want to clean them more often or a simple leaf guard may be all you need.
What gutter size do I need?
ANSWER: When it comes to gutters bigger is better, while the standard size for residential seamless gutters is 5" many homeowners are upgrading to 6" over sized gutters. While they're only one inch bigger they can handle over 40% more water. And say you got a couple fir trees or pine trees towering over your gutters with 6-inch gutters and 3x4 downspouts everything goes right through the system no need to worry about clogging.
Will copper gutters turn green?
ANSWER: This answer depends on a lot of factors...so maybe. Overtime the copper metal interacts with the oxygen and moisture in the air. This is known as patina or copper oxidization. The gutters will slowly develop a green, pale green color, bronze to dark bronze. Here in the northwest we see most homes achieve a dark bronze color within just a few years.
How much will gutters cost?
ANSWER: this depends on several different factors including location, complicated roof lines, single/multiple stories, size of the house, and (on custom jobs) availability of the materials, typically for aluminum you're looking at around $5 - $9 per linear ft. if you want copper triple that.
How long will gutters last?
ANSWER: Properly maintained aluminum gutters can last 20-25 years. Galvanized steel up to 20 years and copper lasting the longest with up to 50 years!
Can gutters cause water damage?
ANSWER: improperly installed gutters CAN lead to water damage.
Can gutters overflow in heavy rain?
ANSWER: yes, and often due to clogged downspouts and/or gutters that have not been properly sloped.
What gutter guards work best?
ANSWER: We recommend the fine stainless steel mesh guards for most situations. These guards are durable and prevent most debris from entering your system. They should significantly reduce the number of required cleanings your gutters will need.
Can I install gutter guards myself?
ANSWER: only for the avid DIY'r, as it can be dangerous it's best left to the pros.
Can gutters be cleaned in the winter?
ANSWER: as long as it's not below freezing they can be cleaned but bring your hand warmers.
Can gutters be installed in the winter?
ANSWER: yes we install year round.
Why do gutters overflow?
ANSWER: usually because one or more of the downspouts are clogged or they could have been installed incorrectly.
What gutter material works best?
ANSWER: they all move the water about the same. But, copper and aluminum are the the best choices.
How are seamless gutters made?
ANSWER: Seamless Gutters originally come on a spool of flat stock sheet metal that holds anywhere from 500 - 900 ft, it's then fed into a machine that is full of heavy duty rollers that bend it, forming it into a gutter.
Is this insurance and licensing thing really a big deal?
ANSWER: The short answer is: yes! Here is the key: the law is clear if you hire someone to work for you and they do damage, or if they get hurt, you are liable. That means you are responsible to pay for it. So if you hire a couple of guys from the hardware store and they don’t have both liability and workers comp insurance, you are fully liable for whatever happens. Because the law says they are your employees. If they fall off a ladder, or damage a neighbor’s car, and cause personal or property damage, you are liable. If they fall off the roof and get hurt (or say they fell off the roof—stranger things have happened) you are liable for their medical expenses. The few dollars you might save by hiring unlicensed, uninsured people could mean that you end up spending $20,000 or $30,000 in medical expenses. It might be unlikely but its possible. You decide whether to risk it.
We are a licensed General Contractor in the state of Oregon, proof of our insurance is posted on the CCB website. This protects you, you're covered!