Gutters: Why seamless is better than spiked
Gutters play a very important role to the overall performance and look of your house. Today we are going to discuss why seamless gutters out perform your old-school spiked gutter systems.
Seamless Gutters - New School
Seamless gutters are the modern solution. The gutter is secured with hangers and screws on the inside of the gutter making for a seamless look. These gutters are made from flat metal rolled through a machine to create each length right in front of your house. Some advantages of new seamless gutters are:
No Spikes. The hanger is hidden within the gutter. This gives it a much cleaner, and aesthetically pleasing look as compared to the very visible spike.
Strength. The bracket and screw design of a hidden hanger provides more strength. The hanging gutter is fastened to the fascia board. Because it is more secure, it can outlast a spiked system.
Not compromised by expanding aluminum. During weather changes and certain atmospheric conditions, aluminum will expand and contract. If your gutters are hung by a spike, they will begin to pull out of, and away from the fascia board. This can allow water to flow in between the gutter system and the fascia board, and create potential for the gutter system to come down. Because of the security and design of hidden hangers, they do not move or pull away when aluminum contracts.
Not as time consuming. Since spikes have to be hammered into the fascia, it takes more time and care to install while avoiding the gutter from getting bent. Also, if the fascia is too hard, it may cause the spike to bend.
Easier to repair. Once the spikes are in, it is nearly impossible to repair or re-pitch it without damage, as removing spikes is typically done by using a crowbar on the gutter to pry the spikes out.
Spiked Gutters - Old School
An indicator of a gutter system that has been installed with spikes is the visible head of the spike on the outside of the gutter. Overtime these spikes tend to get pretty loose do to expansion and contraction of the aluminum gutter and fascia board. Any extra weight to the gutter from water or leaves can pull the gutters away from the fascia board and could cause big issues.
In conclusion Seamless gutters are the way to go. The overall look, performance and longevity of this system is superior. If you need gutters today reach out to Reformation GC for an estimate!