Like most homeowners, you probably consider doing DIY projects around the house, whether pressure washing the exterior, sealing the deck, or repairing minor cracks in the home’s siding. Whatever the case, most minor DIY projects can be done at home, offering homeowners cost savings and a quick result.
Though some projects are great for DIYers, others should always be left to the professionals to ensure correct installation/repair and safety. These include roof installation, siding replacement, window installation, and gutter installation. They should always be left to the professionals to avoid pitfalls in installation, and for warranties, should something ever be damaged or malfunction.
If you’re contemplating DIY or professional gutter installation, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain the pros and cons of a DIY project and the benefits of a professional gutter replacement so you can make an informed decision that’s best for your budget and needs.
Pros of DIY Gutter Installation
Some homeowners opt to install gutters themselves despite safety risks and concerns. If you are attracted to the idea of DIYing your gutters, there are a handful of pros of a DIY gutter installation:
Financial Benefits
The number one reason homeowners opt to install gutters themselves is the financial benefits it offers. When you hire a professional gutter installation company, you’re paying for labor and materials, increasing the cost of the gutter installation project. Installing yourself eliminates the cost of labor and reduces the cost of materials, helping you save money in the short term for the initial installation, assuming there are no gutter installation mistakes.
Versatility
Homeowners who attempt a DIY gutter installation may find having full control over their project appealing. The versatility of a DIY installation allows homeowners to select the gutter material, size, and colors they want, whether shopping inside a home improvement store or online. Ordering with a few clicks or picking up gutter installation materials is quick and convenient, allowing them to customize the gutters themselves rather than needing help from a professional gutter installation company.
Cons of DIY Gutter Installation
While there are a couple of pros to a DIY gutter installation project, there are far more cons, significantly outweighing the pros. Below are some cons of a DIY gutter installation:
Safety Concerns
Installing gutters involves dismantling an existing gutter system and installing/mounting a new system. You’ll need to use a tall ladder while carrying heavy gutter materials, tools, and supplies. Climbing tall ladders and lugging heavy equipment and materials to the roofline, especially on a multi-story home, can result in serious injury. Falls and serious injuries from using tools and carrying heavy gutter materials can be dangerous, throwing you off balance.
Selecting the Wrong Gutter Materials
Gutter material matters; installing one with a cheaper price tag could cause severe damage to your home and cost you more money in the long run. Homeowners attempting a DIY gutter installation project often select the wrong gutter materials since ones with a lower price tag are most attractive. Lower-quality aluminum and vinyl gutters are the most common DIY gutter materials used, but they don’t hold up well in Ohio.
Low-quality gutter materials can’t support the weight of snow accumulation or debris, causing the gutters to tear away from the home. Ohio has four seasons, all with severe weather, including severe thunderstorms, ice storms, blizzards, and strong wind gusts. Over time, the wrong gutter material will warp, leak, corrode, and malfunction.
Mistakes in Installation
There’s a reason professional gutter installation companies like K-Guard® exist. We are experts in dismantling old gutter systems and installing K-Guard® Gutters, ensuring the system has the proper slope, alignment, measurements, and is properly mounted. DIY gutter installation projects often result in improper slope/alignment, inaccurate measurements, and mounting. Gutters that have mistakes in installation can cause foundation damage, basement leaks, and roof damage, to name a few.
Hidden Issues
A DIY gutter installation job might look good on the outside, but there are most likely hidden issues that won’t be caught until heavy rain, snowmelt, or strong winds expose them. Issues like improper slope and inaccurate mounting might not be seen until water doesn’t drain into the gutters during a downpour or the gutters sag and damage the soffit and fascia. The naked eye might miss hidden issues that could cost you a fortune to repair.
Why Choose Professional Gutter Installation
Having your new gutters professionally installed is the wise choice to protect your investment and home from water damage. There are many advantages of opting for a professional gutter replacement, especially when you install K-Guard®:
- Keeps you safe
- Avoids pitfalls in installation
- Quality workmanship
- Adds to home value
- Saves money in the long run
- Some companies offer warranties
Not all professional gutter installation companies are the same – choosing one for your installation should be carefully considered. You’ll want to hire a company with proper insurance and licensing, an excellent reputation and reviews, expertise, and warranties.
Replace Your Gutters with K-Guard®
Never worry about pitfalls in installation, inaccurate measurements, or quality again by choosing K-Guard® for your gutter replacement. K-Guard® is a gutter system with multiple components working together to collect and drain water away from the home. Our gutters are sleek and offer exceptional performance during the most severe weather. Below are some of the many advantages of installing K-Guard:
- Extremely durable aluminum that resists corrosion
- Oversized gutters and downspouts to keep up with downpours and meltwater
- Support heavy snow accumulation, never tearing or sagging
- Clog-free, never requiring you to clean your gutters again
- High-quality aluminum and paint that will never chip or dent from hail or severe storms
- Multiple transferable life warranties
- Beautiful and seamless appearance to add curb appeal and prevent leaks
K-Guard® Gutters are best for Ohio homes for many reasons: they last much longer than other gutter systems (for the life of the house), are so durable that they withstand all severe weather, including snowstorms and ice storms, add curb appeal with their beautiful and seamless appearance, and come with multiple transferable life warranties.
We promise our gutter covers and guards will never fade, chip, clog, or require gutter repair or cleaning, and our installation will never void your roof’s warranty. We’ll ensure the pitch and downspout placements are correct and that there are enough downspouts, avoiding common gutter installation mistakes. Contact our team today to schedule a free estimate. We’ll provide a detailed analysis of your current gutter system and offer a quote for installing our K-Guard® Gutters!