Rain Gutters And Downspouts - Tips And Choices

Rain gutters and downspouts may not seem like a very important area around your home, but what they do for you is vital in maintaining a good foundation and keeping water out of your basement or crawlspace.

During an average rainstorm, gutters and downspouts see hundreds of gallons of water flow through them. Imagine all that water coming off your roof and just sitting there next to your house? So what are some of your options when it comes to installing gutters?

Rain Gutter Types

The first thing you will want to do is to choose the type of gutter system you want installed. Costs will of course depend on the material.

Vinyl Rain Gutters – These are the least expensive and are a good choice for do-it-yourselfers. They are flexible, easy to work with, lightweight and available in many different colors.

Aluminum Rain Gutters – Another very popular option is aluminum gutters. They cost a bit more than vinyl, but require virtually no maintenance and last a long time.

Copper Rain Gutters And Others – On the higher end of your rain gutter options are copper, stainless steel and wood. Although these materials are great looking and maintenance free, expect to pay 3 times the price you would for vinyl or aluminum.

You’ll also need rain downspouts to complete the project, which will add a little extra to the final cost.

Rain gutter contractors should always include the cost of taking down old gutters and installing the new ones in their estimates.

The key with finding a good gutter installation contractor is to check references or get a referral. Many people advertise for gutter installs as an easy way to make a few quick bucks. Unfortunately, their lack of experience shows through and in some cases they may not even complete the job.

Don’t always assume the lowest price is always the one to go with when it comes to installing rain gutters and downspouts. Be sure the bids are based on the same materials, thicknesses and other factors. Finally, how long have they been in this business?