A Quick Guide To Gutter Replacement For Homeowners

When your existing rain gutter system starts showing signs of damage or wear, it might be time to consider a gutter replacement for your property. However, having the right information is very important for making decisions about your home. 

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your local gutter company in Pittsburgh, PA. We have installed and replaced countless rain gutter systems across the region. Based on our experience, we will share everything you should know about gutter replacements in this complete guide. 

Let’s get started.

What Is A Gutter Replacement And Why Is It Important?

Protecting your home's structure and foundation from water-related damage is important. Weak or damaged gutters can be a major cause of water-related roof and structural damage. 

When gutters start to sag, leak, or pull away from your house, it's time to consider gutter replacement to protect your home's structural integrity. Replacing a gutter system means thoroughly assessing the underlying damage, removing the old components, and installing a new system, including downspouts and gutter guards. 

If you notice that your gutters are damaged or are reaching their estimated lifespan, they should be replaced before they start causing problems. Damaged or broken gutters can lead to water damage to the roof, exterior and interior structures, and the foundation of your home. 

That’s why it’s very important to consider a gutter replacement once you notice wear or signs of damage. 

What Are The Signs Your Gutters Need A Replacement?

As we said already, it is better to notice early signs of damage than to deal with costly problems later. Here are some signals that indicate it’s time to replace your gutters. 

#1 Cracks

Even small cracks can lead to serious damage to your home's fascia boards, shingles, and foundation. If you spot multiple cracks, contact a gutter replacement company for an inspection.

#2 Peeling Paint

When you notice paint peeling or orange spots on your gutters, it often means water isn't draining properly. A reliable gutter replacement service can determine if repairs will help.

#3 Water Pooling

Standing water or mildew near your house's foundation suggests your gutters aren't working right. If simple fixes don't help, it might be time to replace your gutter system.

#4 Water Marks

Look for water stains or damage right under your gutters on sunny days. These marks mean water is leaking or overflowing, and you might need to replace a gutter section.

#5 Sagging Sections

When gutters pull away from your house or sag in the middle, they're likely full of water or debris. A professional gutter replacement service can check if your current system is right for your home.

#6 Broken Seams

Gutters should connect tightly at their seams. If you notice frequent breaks between sections, consider calling the local gutter replacement companies to explore replacement options.

#7 Rust Spots

Large areas of rust mean your metal gutters are wearing out. While small spots can be fixed, extensive rust usually means it's time to replace gutter sections or the whole system.

#8 Loose Hardware

Finding nails or fasteners on the ground indicates your gutters are becoming unstable. Contact a local gutter replacement company to assess whether repairs or a replacement make more sense.

What Are The Different Types Of Gutters?

When you start to look at gutter options on the market, you'll find different materials and styles. You will need to choose gutters based on your preferences, home requirements, and budget. 

In this section, we will categorize the different material and style options for rain gutters. 

Different Types Of Gutter Materials

Here are common gutter materials that most homeowners prefer. 

👉 Aluminum 

Aluminum gutters are lightweight and won't rust. They come in many colors and are popular among homeowners. While they're durable, they can get dented easily due to their lighter weight.

👉 Copper

Copper gutters look beautiful and are mostly found on older, historic homes. They add a classic touch and attractive appearance to any property. But they are the most expensive gutter option. 

👉 Vinyl

Vinyl gutters are cheap and easy to find in stores. They don't rust and keep their color well. However, they can bend under heavy rain and crack in very hot weather.

👉 Steel

Steel gutters are strong and last a long time. They have special coatings to prevent rust and damage. They come in many colors but might need professional installation.

Different Gutter Styles

Here are different gutter styles that you can choose when you replace a gutter system. 

👉 K-Style Gutters

K-Style gutters have a crown-molding-like design with a flat back. They are easy to install, and efficiently carry water using rectangular downspouts in 5 or 6-inch widths.

👉 Boston-Style Gutters

Boston-style gutters are made from PVC but they mimic the appearance of wood. This popular rain gutter style is a low-maintenance option that does not require regular painting or oiling.

👉 Half-Round Gutters

Half-round gutters have a traditional pipe-like design, which generally looks pretty nice on retro-style homes. They are especially attractive in copper and they can be a good choice for colonial-style homes.

👉 European Style Gutters

European-style gutters have a curved and outward-facing design with specialized hangers. They can also efficiently manage rainfall while naturally preventing bird and rodent nesting along rooflines with their design. 

How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost?

Another very important thing to keep in mind when planning this project is the cost to replace gutters.

In general, the cost to replace a gutter system can be anywhere between $5 to $15 per linear foot on average, and this range depends on certain things.

The exact gutter replacement cost for your home will depend on the type, shape, and size of the gutters you choose and the labor for installation and removal of the old material. The complexity of your roof’s layout will also affect the total gutter replacement cost. 

Generally, most homeowners pay between $600 to $4,000, with an average of $1,640 for full rain gutter replacement. 

Also Read: How Much Do New Gutters Cost in 2024?

How To Replace Gutters?

Knowing the steps involved in the gutter replacement process is important to make sure the job is completed correctly. Below we will cover everything involved in replacing a gutter system.  

#1 Measure The Roof Edges

The first step is measuring the length of your roof edges where gutters will be installed. This helps you determine how much gutter material you'll need.

#2 Gather Tools And Materials

Collect necessary items like a ladder, measuring tape, saw, drill, screws, gutter sections, downspouts, and brackets.

#3 Remove Old Gutters

Take down the existing gutters carefully, removing all fasteners and brackets from the fascia board.

#4 Mark The Gutter Slope

Draw a chalk line on the fascia, sloping slightly towards the downspout locations for proper water flow.

#5 Install Brackets

Attach gutter brackets to the fascia board, spacing them about every 2 feet along the chalk line.

#6 Cut Gutter Sections

Measure and cut gutter sections to fit your roof using a saw or tin snips. Remember to account for corners.

#7 Attach End Caps

Seal the ends of gutter sections with end caps, using rivets and sealant to make them watertight.

#8 Cut Downspout Holes

Mark and cut holes in the gutters where downspouts will be attached using a saw or hole cutter.

#9 Install Gutters

Place the gutter sections into the brackets and secure them with screws. Make sure they're level and properly aligned.

#10 Install Downspouts

Attach downspout outlets to the gutter and connect downspout sections, securing them to the wall with brackets.

#11 Test And Clean Up

Run water through the gutters to check for proper flow and leaks. Clean up your work area when finished.

REMEMBER: Knowing the steps doesn’t mean that you start this risky job by yourself, especially without any past experience. Professionals have the knowledge to perform this job safely and efficiently. 

So, it is wise to hire professionals to save time and future costly repairs caused by improper rain gutter replacement. 

Professional Rain Gutter Replacements In Pittsburgh

As your neighbors in the community, we've dedicated ourselves to providing honest, professional gutter and roofing services that homeowners can trust. At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC,  we provide durable gutter replacements in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.

Our experienced team takes pride in installing durable, high-quality gutter replacements that stand up to Pennsylvania's diverse weather conditions. We believe every homeowner deserves a clear understanding of their home's drainage needs, which is why we take the time to explain every aspect of your gutter system including its current condition and repair recommendations.

Let's have a conversation about your home's needs. Give us a call at (412) 353-5660. We're looking forward to serving you with the same care and attention we've provided to your neighbors throughout Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions