Installing gutters on your home is one of the best investments you can make to protect it from potential water damage and is an essential part of your home’s water drainage system. What appears to be a simple, linear piece of metal attached to your home’s roof may not be so simple to install correctly. Still, homeowners often consider the installation of rain gutters as a reasonable Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project they can tackle. When considering whether to hire a professional to install a gutter system or a DIY project; the installation time is a main consideration for homeowners.
The average time to complete a gutter installation is not exactly straightforward and is dependent on several factors including the size of the project (linear feet), roof height, steepness of the roof, gutter materials and the type of gutter to be installed. It is estimated that the DIY time to install a gutter system on an average-sized home with a standard height and pitched roof is approximately one full day. This time includes the installation activities ONLY and does not include any of the preparation work of measuring and ordering materials, gathering/purchasing all materials and accessories, organizing and acquiring necessary tools, and scheduling a helper. Including all of the ancillary activities, the total time spent to complete a DIY gutter installation project can span from several days to a week.
Time Factors That Impact Gutter Installation Projects
Aside from the skills and competency of the gutter installer, there are several unique factors that impact the time required to complete the gutter installation. These factors include:
Size of Roof and Number of Corners – Not only will larger projects require more installation time. But, typically larger roofs are more complex and require more custom cutting of gutter material for corners.
Height of Roof – The higher the roof, the more trips up and down the ladder are required.
Steepness of Roof – The roof pitch can impact the speed at which the installation can occur. Steeper roofs require more careful navigation by installers.
Types of Gutters – Not all gutters are created equal in terms of ease of installation. The material of each gutter type also plays a factor in the time to install.
Weather Conditions- Scheduling installation on days that are warm and dry will speed up installation times.
Gutter Installation Considerations
There are other gutter installation considerations that may impact other factors than time to complete the project. Some of these elements could even impact the quality of your home’s gutter installation project and may create a future time and financial burden if errors are made in the installation process. In general, homeowners often choose to DIY a gutter installation project solely based on cost. Although cost is an important consideration, the below elements should also be considered:
– Homeowners who are not well equipped with the correct knowledge of gutter systems as well as access to the correct tools for installation are putting the project at risk for pitch issues and selection of incorrect gutter style for the type or location of the home. This may lead to future structural and water damage to your home.
– Gutter installations are considered an intermediate to difficult construction project. This is due to the need for special tools and equipment, ladders, and proper measurement and pitch calculations.
– Installers must be comfortable working and operating tools on an extension ladder.
– Basic tools and equipment are needed to complete the job. Basic tools include cordless drills, tape measure, caulk gun, duckbill tin snips, crimper, hex head driver, offset tin snips, pop rivet gun, miter saw, and ladder.
– Gutter materials are typically available to purchase or custom order from local hardware stores. It should be noted that homeowners often have to pay more for materials than a professional roofing and gutter company may have to pay as they buy in larger quantities.
– Ancillary gutter materials include hangers, brackets, fasteners, downspouts, elbows, end caps, gutter flashing, sealant, nails, and rivets. Organizing all of these materials can also add to the time commitment and cost of a DIY project. These materials are standard inclusions in professional gutter installation proposals and are typically purchased by professional companies at a much lower cost as they buy in bulk.
– Professional gutter installation companies may offer warranties on both the materials and the installation. This provides additional assurance that your home will be protected in the long run.
Hiring a Professional Gutter Installation Company
Hiring a professional gutter installation company has many advantages, one of which includes time savings. Depending on the size of the project you can expect it to be completed in one day. Here at One Way Exteriors, a professional Ludington seamless gutter installation company we understand the importance of a timely gutter installation that is guaranteed to protect your home from future water damage. Not only will professional installers limit the disruption to homeowners’ schedules by completing installations in a more timely and efficient manner, but they primarily work in teams of 2 or more individuals. Another advantage to hiring a professional seamless gutter installation company is when homeowners are unsure of what gutter system is appropriate for their home style and the type and size of gutter needed for the local weather conditions. Installing the incorrect type and size of gutter can add up to a greater financial investment to replace it as well as the risk of damage to your home. Lastly, although the initial cost consideration of hiring a professional may be higher, the time savings and peace of mind of having a professional complete the job may be worth the additional cost.
In closing, the time it takes to put gutters on your home is dependent on many factors and there is no easy estimated answer. When considering the investment of a gutter installation; consider the time, resources, and financial impacts of not only the installation of the project but also the longevity and long-term value of the project on your home. As a homeowner, knowing the time and installation considerations will help prepare you for the project if you choose to DIY the project. If you are uncomfortable with any of the considerations discussed, it is best to reach out to a professional seamless gutter company.