In today’s remodeling market, seamless gutters are almost always the product used by the pros.  Seamed gutters have their place, predominantly among DIYers. They are convenient, cheaper up front, and fairly easy to assemble, coming in plastic kits available at big box stores. But these benefits quickly become overshadowed by the hassles of maintaining, repairing, and replacing seamed gutters. Please read our post to learn more about the advantages of seamless gutters and why they are the go-to for professional installers.

What Are Seamless Gutters, Anyway?

Before we dive into the advantages of seamless gutters for your home, let’s discuss a few of their characteristics and briefly outline the installation process. After all, not all seamless gutters are created equal. They come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Understanding the materials available to you and the various styles to choose from will help you make a more informed decision.  

Choosing The Right Size Gutters

Gutter size is measured on the x-axis, horizontally across the gutter. K-style seamless gutters, as pictured below, are typically offered in 5” and 6”. 

At A New Look Exteriors, we utilize almost exclusively the 6” variety. Their sizes are comparable in price, yet a 6” gutter can hold as much as 50% more water than a 5” system. For those of us living in the Midwest, this can make all the difference. Our storm season is notorious, and having a gutter system that can withstand both high winds and heavy rainfall is essential. 

Choosing A Style For Seamless Gutters

K-style seamless gutters are a very popular option among installers and homeowners alike. They work well enough and their seamless design already enhances the home’s aesthetic. 

At A New Look Exteriors, however, we often recommend installing designer “fascia style” gutters. These gutters attach directly to the fascia of the home and are slightly larger than K-style ones. Not only do they blend more effectively with the home’s existing look, they can take on sudden, heavy flows of water far better than the smaller K-style design. Again, this can be a game changer for homes during the Midwest’s destructive storm season.

Seamless Gutters Material Options

You also have your choice of materials when it comes to seamless gutters:

Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular option, mainly because of the price. However, most, if not all, professionals will not recommend vinyl for your gutters. This is because the material is not designed to withstand heavy loads for long periods of time. Vinyl is highly susceptible to cracking and warping, and the strain can cause the gutter system to pull away from the home, potentially compromising the underlying structure.

Copper

Metal is much more preferable for a durable, low-maintenance gutter system. Copper is a beautiful and classic option, but it is quite expensive. It is also prone to oxidation, producing that tell-tale green discoloration (think Statue of Liberty).  Although copper is a beautiful and classic guttering option, copper gutters are expensive. 

Aluminum

Then we have aluminum, which is available in 2 main sizes: 0.27  and 0.32. Most gutter companies use the 0.27 because it is marginally cheaper. For reference, the 0.27 measures the thickness of the steel in inches. At that minimal thickness, aluminum is brittle and prone to dents. This is true even of the 0.32 measurement.  

Steel Seamless gutters

Finally, we have steel, which is what we use at A New Look. As an ABC Seamless Franchise partner, we utilize 28-gauge steel gutters that are guaranteed to last decades with minimal upkeep. All our gutters are cut and installed onsite to ensure a perfect fit and look.  

So, Are Seamless Gutters Worth It?

Yes. Seamless gutters cost marginally more up front to install, but they more than pay for themselves for the following reasons:

Durability

Seamless steel gutters are designed to last 30 years or more. In an area with heavy storms and winds, you’d be lucky to get 15 years out of a vinyl gutter system.

Greater Water Capacity

Our gutters can handle up to 33 percent more water than 6” K-style gutters, reducing the risk that your gutter will flood during heavy rainstorms. 

Lower Maintenance

Because there are no seams to trap debris, like leaves, cleaning seamless steel gutters is far easier. They are also less prone to warping and sagging than sectional gutters. Steel will also not dent or crack, and does not oxidize or rust in the way that copper can. 

Customizability

With an ABC seamless gutter, you will get to choose from a wide selection of colors and finishes to help your gutter beautifully blend into your home’s decor. 

Streamlined Appearance

We use hidden gutter hangers, which not only help your gutter system look cleaner, but are also stronger than traditional house gutter fasteners. In addition, the enhanced exterior aesthetic increases curb appeal. In the event you decide to sell your home, you may be able to attract more buyers at a better price. 

Iowa Seamless Gutters Installation

The benefits of a seamless gutter system far outweigh any marginal higher cost of the project. In Iowa, trust A New Look Exteriors to install your steel seamless gutters. We are consummate professionals who treat each client as family. We will work with you to tailor your project to your design and budget needs. Call or go online today to get started!