All homes in the majority of North American regions will need good rain gutters to divert rain away from their home. Whether you are looking to do a full gutter replacement, a gutter repair, or update your home with some seamless gutters, here are a few tips that can help you decide whether you are up for the task or if you should call in the professionals.

Rain gutters Fort Collins

This information was originally provided on Yahoo! Voices, in the article 5 Things to Consider When Installing Your Own Gutters. It was originally written by Eric Brennan, and altered by us to suit our region. We serve Fort Collins, CO, Loveland, CO, Longmont, CO, Greeley, CO, and all of northern Colorado.

LADDER USE AND NAVIGATION

To do a gutter replacement or repair requires a lot of ladder use. If you are not comfortable using a ladder, and navigating the ground around your home, perhaps you should call in some professionals who use ladders regularly.

HAVING ENOUGH HELP

Even though this would be called a DIY job, if you opt to do it yourself, you can’t possibly do it by yourself. It takes at least two people to hold and install rain gutters properly. If you won’t have good help, you should really hire some, for both safety and ease.

AFFORDABILITY

Many believe (often incorrectly) that they will save money doing a job themselves. When it comes to gutter replacement, however, the materials are likely far more expensive for you than they are for the professionals, who get big discounts.

Make sure that you get a few price quotes – both on materials for yourself and professional installation services for rain gutters before deciding whether or not you will be saving money.

SECTIONED RAIN GUTTERS OR SEAMLESS GUTTERS?

Price both seamless gutters and sectioned gutters before making a decision on which type you will use.

Sectioned gutters will typically come in a length of 10-12 feet and are sealed at the seams with silicone or butyl. Seamless gutters are all one piece and only have seams at the corners and downspouts. Seamless gutters often require less maintenance than sectioned rain gutters.

LEAF SCREENS

Regardless of the number of trees around, installing a good leaf screen on your rain gutters is always a good idea. Not only does it protect your gutters from leaves, but also bugs, debris, and small animals or birds. A leaf screen will drastically reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do on your gutters – essentially keeping them clear for you.

(Image and excerpt from “5 Things to Consider When Installing Your Own Gutters”)