If you’re in the market for a new gutter system, you’ve probably come across the terms sectional and seamless. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which is best for your home. A new gutter system is an investment you’ll want to be sure is the right choice for your house. While both styles offer protection, seamless is the best option for homeowners in and around Lynchburg for many reasons.
Continue reading to learn how sectional and seamless gutters compare and about the five benefits of seamless gutters for your home so you can make an informed decision.
What are Sectional Gutters?
Before we discuss the benefits of seamless gutters, let’s first explain what sectional gutters are. Sectional gutter systems are installed in sections and are connected using bolts and screws. Unlike seamless gutters, sectional gutters are installed piece by piece until the entire gutter system mounts to the home.
Sectional gutters have some disadvantages. First, since they’re installed in sections, sectional gutters often leak. Natural wear and tear and severe weather can loosen the bolts and screws that connect each section, causing gaps in the gutter system where water can trickle through.
Next, sectional gutters are fastened to the fascia boards, a dangerous way to mount a gutter system. When they leak, that water will run into the soffit and fascia boards, potentially causing wood rot. Sectional gutters also clog since debris can get trapped in the seams. Clogged gutters damage a home, so installing sectional gutters is not the best option for your home, especially if surrounded by trees near the roofline.
What are Seamless Gutters?
Seamless gutter systems have no seams. Unlike sectional gutters that are installed in pieces and sections, seamless gutters are installed using one continuous piece of material. This continuous piece of aluminum that’s mounted to the home connects to the downspouts, which are also seamless. Since seamless gutters don’t have seams, they won’t leak or clog like sectional gutters.
When a gutter system is seamless, water can flow freely throughout the system rather than trickle through a loose seam. As a result, rainwater or meltwater can flow freely from the gutters to the downspouts without leaks and clogs.
Benefits of Seamless Gutters
1. They Eliminate Leaks
As previously mentioned, seamless gutters eliminate leaks since it’s one continuous piece of material versus sections fastened together. One continuous piece of gutter versus multiple sections that are fastened together by screws results in zero leaks. Zero leaks mean your home is better protected from drainage issues.
2. They Reduce Clogs
Seams that loosen over time from severe weather, strong wind gusts, ice dams, or snow accumulation create tiny gaps in the sections that trap debris. Leaves, pine needles, silt, and even debris left behind from pests inside of gutters can get trapped in these seams as they move through the gutter system. Eventually, the debris will build up, causing a clog and impeding water flow.
Seamless gutters reduce clogs since there aren’t multiple pieces that are connected. Debris can move through the system without getting trapped in a tiny opening of a loose seam.
3. They Require Less Maintenance
Seamless gutters require less maintenance than sectional gutters, giving you more time to spend doing the things you love. The daunting task of gutter cleaning takes hours, scaling a ladder while carrying a bucket and scooping out debris from the gutters around the perimeter of your home. Sectional gutters may take longer to clean since they’re more likely to catch and retain debris.
Seamless gutters require less maintenance since there’s no chance for debris to get lodged in tiny seams like with seamless gutters. You’ll still need to clean your seamless gutters if they don’t have guards, but it’ll take significantly less time than cleaning sectional gutters.
4. They Last Longer
Since seamless gutters don’t have seams or extra components and countless bolts and screws connecting everything, they last longer than sectional gutters. These excess pieces can get damaged and separate from severe weather, strong wind gusts, ice dams, heavy snow, etc. Seamless gutters will last longer even with less maintenance.
5. They Add Curb Appeal
Have you ever seen a home with unsightly gutters? Some older, sectional gutters have dents, paint chips, leaks, and mini “trees” sprouting from the gutter. Some gutters can be an eyesore, deterring potential homebuyers and upsetting HOAs. Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters add curb appeal. With their sleek look, seamless gutters blend in with a home, adding to its beauty and never taking away from it. They’re also more durable and last longer, looking newer for years to come.Seamless gutters reduce clogs since there aren’t multiple pieces that are connected. Debris can move through the system without getting trapped in a tiny opening of a loose seam.
One Stop Home Improvement Shop’s Seamless Gutters
All these benefits are just a few reasons why you should install seamless gutters in your home. If you’re considering switching from sectional to seamless gutters, contact K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop. We have Central Virginia’s best seamless home gutters – our seamless half-round gutters and the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System.
Our gutter solutions will protect your home from drainage issues while keeping your roof dry and your soffit and fascia boards safe! Plus, our seamless gutter installation is quick with three simple steps: free estimate, customizing your seamless gutters, and, finally, the gutter installation!
K-Guard / One Stop Home Improvement Shop can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation!
