Gutters are a necessary part of every single home. Most people will gravitate towards traditional gutters, but seamless gutters are very popular in recent years – and there is a good reason.
By choosing to install seamless gutters rather than traditional gutters with sections, they will be able to reduce the gutter buildup and help maintain their efficiency.
Seamless gutters are also stronger and more trustworthy drainage than traditional gutters. Seamless gutters are constructed with one material so they offer strength and rigidity.
Leaking and requiring maintenance is quite common with traditional gutter systems. Comparatively, a seamless gutter system requires the least amount of maintenance or leaking.
While seamless gutters can cost more to install, they save the homeowner money on repairs or future replacements.
Traditional gutters, in contrast, are the most arguably easiest to find and least expensive. They come with disadvantages that can cost a homeowner dearly without resolution.
For instance: Traditional gutters are more prone to leaking than seamless gutters due to the joints that are sealed with external sealant. However, repeated exposure to the elements can wear down the sealant causing leakage.
Seamless Gutters Overview
If you haven’t already known, seamless gutters are formed from a single piece of material.
Unlike conventional gutters that are sections fitted together with joints, a seamless gutter is all one piece with only the end caps sealed or soldered.
This minimizes the chance of leakage and can prolong the life of your gutters, soffit, fascia, and siding.
Seamless gutters are also stronger than traditional gutters.
Seamless gutters can come in many standard gutter materials including steel, zinc, aluminum and copper.
Pros
- A longer lifespan compared to traditional gutters.
- A gutter system that is more robust and far more durable than standard gutters (no sagging).
- Far less susceptible to leaking, holding debris, or clogging.
- Less maintenance vs. regular gutters.
- Can be cut to any size, accommodating all roof pitches and rainfall.
- More aesthetically pleasing.
- Add value to the property (curb appeal).
- A much more uniform (consistent) appearance.
- More colour options.
Cons
- Requires a particular machine when installing
- It’s heavy
- It’s expensive
- Take longer to install
Although they may be higher in cost than other gutters.
Nevertheless, they are much less probable to leak and more long lasting compared to other gutters, which may save you a lot of money.
Another attractive point of seamless gutters are that they require less of an up-keep. It would only require the cleaning of tree debris once or twice a year.
Traditional Gutters Overview
Traditional gutters come in pre-cut sections ready to be assembled.
The installation includes linking the pieces together to cover the length of the area to be covered.
Parts need to be sealed or soldered joint because they are multiple pieces or sections.
Pros
- Easily accessible at stores for renovations
- Different material selections are allowed.
- Less expensive than other alternatives.
- Simple to build and install for someone handy or a homeowner.
Cons
- Anticipate even more leaks
- Demand even more maintenance and get clogged easier
- You should tend to cut sections (those sections need to be welded and sealed)
- Demand routine maintenance
- Have a shorter lifespan
The connection points are where leaks can occur as water can begin to leak through and into the fascia or siding of your home.
When that happens, you’ll want to make immediate repairs to prevent further damage to your home.
There are traditional gutters made from different materials, including aluminum, copper, steel, and vinyl.
Although steel is the most durable, copper, aluminum, or vinyl may also be suitable options for your particular situation.
Seamless Gutters Vs Traditional Gutters
| Traditional Gutters | Seamless Gutters | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum, steel, copper, vinyl | Aluminum, steel, copper |
| Lifespan | Usually max of 20 years | From 20-60 years |
| Design | Sections (usually 10 feet) | Custom one long piece |
| Cost | From $3 to $20 per linear foot with installation | From $4 to $30 per linear foot installation included |
| Installation | DIY | You need a professional |
Cost
Seamless gutters are more costly to install because they are professionally installed and the cost will generally range from $800 to $5000 from a qualified service provider. The costs will additionally be between $4 and $30 per linear foot plus the installation costs.
Whereas, traditional gutters are much cheaper because no professional installation is required. The prices for traditional gutters will run from $3 to $20 per linear foot installed.
Even by using traditional guttering with a professional installation it still results in a lower cost. If you also choose to install the gutters yourself, it will costs you around half of the price per foot.
| Material | Cost Per Foot (Traditional Gutters) | Cost Per Foot (Seamless Guters) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3-$6 | Not Available |
| Aluminum | $5-$10 | $6-$13 |
| Steel | $7-$11 | $8-$12 |
| Copper | $16-$28 | $17-$32 |
| Zinc | $8 – $12 | $20 – $25 |
Cost depends on the following factors:
- Length of home.
- Number of storeys.
- Price installers charge in your area.
Durability
While both seamless and traditional gutters are made from similar materials, seamless gutters are more durable because there are no seams that can fail.
Eventually, all traditional gutter seam seals will fail, and therefore they will require repairs regularly.
These seams are also points of weakness at which those gutters may sag.
Because seamless gutters have no seams, they will last longer before they need replacement or repair.
Most traditional gutters will have a maximum service life of 20 years or so, depending on the circumstances (installation, maintenance and weather).
Seamless gutters, on the other hand, can last 30 years or more.
Also, note that the lifespan of gutters significantly depends on their material composition:
- Aluminum gutters: 20 years
- Galvanized steel gutters: 20 years
- Vinyl gutters: 25 years
- Copper gutters: 50+ years
- Zinc gutters: approximately 50 years
The two aspects that matter most when it comes to the lifespan of your gutters is maintenance and climate conditions.
For example, vinyl gutters can become brittle or break when exposed to high temperature swings and strong winds.
Maintenance
Seamless gutters require upkeep every year just like sectional gutters do, but are easier to maintain because there are less places for debris to build up and weigh down the gutter.
If you have seamless gutters it’s wise to just check corners and downspouts for leaves.
Scoop them out to avoid potential problems like clogging and or backing up water. Gutter guards could also be helpful in keeping debris out.
On the other hand, traditional gutters will require routine maintenance because of the joints and seams between each section and fasteners ever three feet.
Repairs
In the conversation about seamless gutter repairs, any repair will essentially be a complete gutter replacement.
Since they are seamless, we cannot just repair one section and leave the rest of the gutter. We must replace the entire gutter system.
For conventional gutters, they can be easily repaired by just replacing the damaged area and not the entire gutter system.
Gutter Guards
Gutter guards have their benefits to both traditional gutters and seamless gutters.
Gutter guards prevent leaves from going into the gutter channel.
On sectioned gutters, the gutter could pull away from the gutter guards and leave a gap.
So the gutter guard will always need to be reattached from time to time. This does not happen with seamless gutters because gutters do not sag or come apart.
Shapes
Seamless gutters are available in various styles, while traditional gutters have one standard style.
Gutters are classified into three types:
- Fascia gutters: This modern-looking gutter style is only available as seamless gutters and is one long length. Traditional gutters do not come in fascia.
- K-style gutters: These gutters, available in either traditional or seamless gutters, appear to be shaped like the letter “K”. K-style gutters can also have ornamental areas that look like crown molding. K-style gutters have a flat-back design that makes them easier to nail to fascia boards, but they are more difficult to clean than half-round gutters.
- Half-round: This style can come as seamless gutters, and half-round gutters are round, which allows water to drain out instead of pooled in the flat bottom of the k-style gutters.
Installation
The installation process and difficulty of seamless gutters and traditional gutters also differ.
However, seamless gutters must be installed by a professional.
The reason for the professional installation is that seamless gutters are made using a roll-forming machine to bend and cut the gutter to the exact length of the roof.
Traditional gutters, however, can be installed by anyone with basic DIY skills.
The availability of traditional gutter sections and components at most home improvement stores also allows for easier installation.
Appearance
Classic gutters often show signs of seams and joints.
In contrast, seamless gutters have a flushed polished look that makes them more attractive.
Another downside of traditional gutters is that they can sag and detach from the home, thus lowering their aesthetic.
Both options are available in some colors to complement your property; however, seamless gutters have many designs and patterns to choose from.
Leakage
The primary benefit of seamless gutters are that they have no sections.
Seams are only at the downspouts and corners, so it takes away the risk of leaks.
No matter how well traditional gutters are installed, the risk of leaks is a significant disadvantage of traditional gutters.
Over time, the seams and joints will eventually fail and cause leaks.
Material
Seamless and traditional gutters are made from the same options, minus the option of vinyl which is not available with the traditional gutters.
Examples include: Aluminum, steel, and copper also falls under this category as options.
Seamless gutters built on-site are cut to the exact size, while traditional gutters are sold in sections of 10 to 20 feet.
Steel
Steel is one of the most substantial materials available.
This means that it is a great option for locations where extreme weather may occur, such as torrential rains and heavy snowfall.
On the downside, steel will rust when exposed to moisture over time.
Furthermore – due to their weight, they are quite difficult to hold and install.
Steel gutters are typically galvanized, giving them the same weigh rating as aluminum but an industrial appearance.
Copper
Copper is rust-resistant and is a lightweight metal, making it perfect for use when guttering.
Most people know the color that you can see over time. However, it is just oxidation and is not the same as rust.
Zinc
Zinc gutters do have a higher price tag.
But when you purchase zinc gutters, you can be assured that you will be getting long-lasting and weather-resistant gutters.
Additionally, zinc is an alloy reinforced with both copper and titanium.
When zinc gutters are first installed, they will be a dull gray, but over time they will provide a pleasing patina appearance.
Aluminum
People adore aluminum gutter systems. They are lightweight, rustproof, and easy to install.
Additionally, they are capable of handling cold weather.
Moreover, homeowners can paint this material to match their home’s exterior color.
Related – Vinyl Vs Aluminum Gutters: Which Are Better?
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters won’t rust or corrode, unlike a metal gutter.
They are also lighter in weight, making them easy to install. The downside to vinyl gutters is their short lifespan.
When they get clogged, they are prone to warping and sagging.
Which Is Better: Seamless Or Regular Gutters?
Both gutter systems have pros and cons.
However, based on the pros and cons listed above, seamless gutters are better than traditional gutters.
Seamless gutters are considered better than sectional because the design reduces the chance that a leak will occur.
Even the seams on high-quality traditional gutters will break down and deteriorate over time.
Depending on your location – if you’re surrounded by trees with overhangs, leaves or pine needles can easily gather in your gutters, causing clogs and, in turn, leaks. Seamless gutters will hold up against those clogs better, leading to less stress and saving you money.
Traditional gutters, on the other hand, will cause backing up of water and debris will form clogs because the seams are located at the bottom of the gutter.
Also, seamless gutters are better looking and will last longer than traditional gutters.
However, seamless gutters will be much more expensive than traditional gutters because they require professional installation.
This may make a difference to those on a budget, and they will want to stick with traditional gutters.
While seamless gutters will cost slightly more upfront, the low maintenance and headaches often make more than up for it in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Traditional gutters and seamless gutters each have their advantages and disadvantages.
However, seamless gutters are the superior option. Because they do not have sections or seams, they are significantly more durable and leak-resistant. Because seamless gutters are more durable, they require less maintenance.
However, not everyone will find seamless gutters financially practical.
Seamless gutters are slightly more costly than traditional gutters to install, making them unsuitable for budget-conscious individuals.