4 Reasons To Avoid DIY Gutter Installation
Many people don’t realize it, but your gutters are one of the most important features of your home,
and one of the things that you really shouldn’t skimp on when it comes to the installation. They look simply enough when you just stand back and look at them, but installing gutters actually takes some expertise and experience. If you are thinking about attempting to install your gutters by yourself, and think you are going to be saving yourself some money, below are some of the reasons that you should avoid DIY gutter installation.
Hard to Guess Pitch
Just because your gutters appear to be level from a distance, does not mean that they are. Even if you have used a level before and think you know what you are doing, it can be quite cumbersome trying to line up gutters during installation. Having your gutters properly pitched by an expert can avoid water pooling, which can end up damaging the gutters and your home if the water starts to seep into areas where it shouldn’t.
Forward Tilt
You don’t want your gutters to be level in all directions. Front to back, your gutter should not be completely level. Many homeowners who attempt DIY gutter installation end up having their gutters pitched too far forwards, which can place a lot of strain on your gutter and the roof once they begin filling up with water and other debris.
Hanger Spacing
It’s hard to get the hanger spacing just right, and even if you know how to properly pitch the gutters from your home, having incorrect hanger spacing can render all of that work and perfection absolutely useless. If you don’t have an adequate amount of hooks holding your gutter up, it will end up putting strain on the end hooks, which could eventually damage your gutter and your home.
Gutters are Delicate, After All
Most gutters are made out of aluminum and are very delicate. This means that you need to be especially careful during the installation, and take care not to warp or damage the material. All it takes is a big hit from a ladder, or accidentally dropping it on the concrete below, and you might be forced to buy a whole new gutter when you could have saved yourself the money by hiring gutter installation pros.
Your gutters are not something to take lightly. Having gutters installed by people who will take the utmost care could mean saving yourself a lot of time, money and hassle in the future, even if you’ve saved a bit of money in the short term.
