How to Replace or Add Gutter Covers
Why do we need a gutter covers anyway? A gutter cover is perforated cover that keeps leaves and other objects out of the gutters so that the gutter doesn’t clog up. Clogged gutters can cause serious water damage to a house during a heavy rainstorm as it can lead to water leaking in the roof. Gutter covers can prevent this so that your house will be easier to upkeep. You no longer have to spend hours up on an extremely dangerous ladder removing trapped debris from your gutters and can instead spend a lazy afternoon to yourself. Gutter covers will not only up the homes market value as potential buyers are more attracted to a well kept home, but will also keep your house looking neat and clean during those wet and sludgy autumns and winters. Gutter covers come in a variety of colors and styles so you can be assured that there will be one out there to match your house. The only task in hand is finding one you like.
Budget
Before starting your search for your gutter covers, decide how much your budget will be. When it comes to home remodeling or repairs, it is easy to go overboard on the spending and before you know it, you have spent thousands of dollars on a product that should only have cost half the price! The average price of gutter covers runs from between $6 – $7.50 per lineal foot. The average size of a house may have up to 200 feet of gutter which can add up to a pretty hefty cost. But, if you weigh up the potential damage that clogged gutters can cause, it’s still cheaper than having to pay for home repairs. Be sure to take into consideration your budget but also be reasonable; do not expect your house to be cover guttered out for $100 because that simply will not be the case! Remember too, that you get what you pay for; it’s not just about quantity but about quality of the product.
Some things to consider when looking for your gutter covers…
Is your roof made from wood? Slate and copper? Composition? The type of roof you have is an essential part to remember when looking for your gutter cover. Not all gutter covers work on all types of roofs so be sure to keep in mind what kind of roof you have. What kind of material is the gutter cover made from? Durability and longevity are two key points you must remember when deciding on the right gutter cover for you. Make sure that the gutter cover is rust free or with the exposure to rain and possible snow, it may not last for more than a few years. Gutters now come in a variety of plastics and sealed metals that repel water to avoid rust and rot.
Aesthetics
Whilst functionality should be the most important thing to remember when shopping around for gutter covers, you also want it to match your house. Almost all gutter covers come in the basic black, brown, white and clay but if you ask the retailers, they might also be able to get hold of less common colors such as burgundy or green. Any home can have matching or contrasting gutters, just ask you retailer what the options are.
Installation
Do not worry, after purchasing your gutter covers if you are not sure how to install them. You can ask the retailers to install them for you and many may offer their services before the sales transaction. Some may ask for a small fee so make sure you are aware of this before you agree to installation! Don’t just assume it’s free because they didn’t tell you how much it was going to cost. Gutter covers are an essential part of house maintenance and will undoubtedly save you a fortune in repairs in the long run. So, if you’re still picking at those leaves yourself, climb down and go gutter cover hunting before the winter months ahead!
