When you decide on new gutters you will have a few other decisions to make. These choices will involve making decisions that attempt to balance cost, convenience, aesthetics, and lifespan.

Your first choice will be to decide between sectional or seamless gutters. Gutters are either sectional or seamless. The sectional type of gutters are sold in pieces and installed as component systems. Every one of the do-it-yourself type of gutter systems are sectional. The gutter sections can be more than 20 ft. long each or cut to any size with a good saw. The sections are usually connected by being snapped together. All of the available sectional systems have end caps, corner pieces and drop outlets for connecting to downspouts. The most significant drawback to the available sectional systems is that all of the connections and seams can eventually invite leaks. Keep in mind that a leaky gutter system is a worthless gutter system.

The seamless gutter systems won't leak at seams because there are no seams. The gutter sections join only at inside and outside corners and at downspout outlets. This is the primary reason why seamless gutters are the most popular gutter system configuration. Seamless gutter systems can be made of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper. They are custom made on the site of installation using a portable machine. The major drawback of the seamless gutter system is that seamless gutters must be installed by a contractor. This increases the overall price of the seamless gutter system.

What are your options for rain gutter sizes and profiles? Gutters are formed in several profiles and sizes. The standard profiles are a simple "U" shape and a "K" style, which has a ogee-shaped front, vaguely reminiscent of the letter "K." The gutter channels are primarily 4, 5 or 6 inches in diameter; 5-inch K-style gutters are one of the most popular types of gutter. Matching downspouts are 2 by 3-inch or 3 by 4-inch rectangular profiles or 3 or 4-inch round and are often corrugated pipes. The larger gutter systems are generally worth the higher price because they are less likely to clog. If trees overhang your house a larger downspout is a good idea. However, a gutter protection system is also a wise investment for any gutter system.

120 Foot House Pack For 5 Inch Standard Rain Gutters Enough GutterBrush Gutter Guard to completely protect most homes. $390.00

Custom Quantity by the Foot For 5 Inch Standard Gutters Buy exactly the length you need in custom quantities from 12 ft. to over 240 ft. Starting at $4.00/ft.