Copper Gutters Installation in Chicago, Benefits and Drawbacks

Without a doubt, gutters are one of the most important parts of any house and in their absence, it would be easy for water to runoff from any roof that builds up around the home’s foundation and causes a lot of damage. However, the good news is that if you are going to have the gutters installed by a professional, then you won’t have to worry about your foundation or basement getting flooded. With that in mind, it’s also a fact that unless you decide to install copper ones, gutters are not really that beautiful to look at. And while you can get them in galvanized steel or aluminum, the ones that generally stand out of the crowd are the copper ones.

Copper Gutter Cost: you are looking at approximately $15 – $25 per linear foot which puts them in a “luxury” bracket. In general though, the majority of residential properties are outfitted with gutters made of aluminum. These ones are a lot cheaper compared to their copper counterparts and can range anywhere between four to eight dollars per linear foot. If luxury is something you are accustomed to you’ll still have a few dollars to play with and your beautiful copper gutters thickness will directly influence their final price.

The good news about this though is that they’re going to last you for many years and your neighbors will be jealous. If money is no option for you, then getting gutters that are point thirty two inches thick is recommended, yet if you want to save a bit on the cost, point eighteen inches should still make for a pretty durable copper gutter system. Another thing you should factor when it comes to getting copper gutters is that they’re going to have to be installed by a professional, someone who has a lot of experience installing them.

That’s because they require special care and you may not be able to install them on your own. On average, you’re looking at a cost of about three – four dollars per linear foot in terms of labor costs.

Chicago rain gutter contractor

Materials required for installation

If you want to have your copper gutters installed by a professional, then you don’t have to worry about anything, however, there are quite a few things needed for installation. First on the list are the gutters themselves and they are available in various styles, including half round, high back ogee and K style. In order to secure the gutters in place they require hangers and those are also available in a few styles.

Some are hidden so gutters appear to be suspended along the roof’s edge, other have more ornamental appeal. Next on the list are end caps, downspout reducers, outlets, elbows, miters, connectors, expansion joints, wire strainers, cleanouts, leaf guards, offsets… Of course, not all of those parts will have to be used on every copper gutter system installation in Chicago. Each house is different and some of the components may not be required at all.

Copper Gutters Installation Benefits and Drawbacks

As expected, there are benefits and drawbacks of copper gutters and even though they require a bit more maintenance compared to other materials out there, they do last a lot longer. As a homeowner you need to decide whether these types of gutters are actually the kind that will make your home look better and that they are worth that extra money. Copper or aluminum gutters will do the same job as far as water discharge from your roof and for as long as they are properly installed they will also help keeping water away from your basement and foundation walls.

Benefits of copper gutters installation

Most of the times copper is used in wiring and piping due to the fact that it has a natural resistance to corrosion. In fact, it’s not uncommon for copper gutters and anything else that’s made from copper to last between sixty and up to a hundred years or even longer if they’re properly maintained. And since they don’t have to be replaced once every few years, you won’t have to worry about them filling the landfills and becoming damaging for the environment. Not to mention the fact that the look of copper is great and it gets even better as they start aging.

Drawbacks

The price is probably the biggest drawback  and that’s why so many people don’t really consider copper gutters. Since they can cost as much as twenty five dollars per linear foot, it’s simple to understand why they aren’t that popular. Second thing, which might be considered as a positive by some homeowners is the fact that copper starts getting greenish tint as it gets old. It’s a matter of taste…

Patina covered copper gutter

There’s one more drawback, there are some accounts of homes that have copper gutters installed and have been targeted by thieves.

Copper gutter maintenance

If you want to make sure that your gutters are still going to look amazing after a few years, then you need to learn how to properly maintain them. As a homeowner, you should also bear in mind that every single time you’ll need to work with your gutters, it’s best that you wear gloves.

Why is that? Well, your hands produce a certain type of oil that negatively affects copper when it comes in contact with it. From time to time, you also need to consider cleaning the gutters, since the debris accumulating on them can damage the finish. Compared to other types of materials used for gutters, copper can be scratched very easily and in order to avoid that, you’ll need to use plastic tools for removing debris. Maintenance though extends a lot more than that and you should also polish your copper gutters from time to time.

As you can very well see, there are things that will need your attention even if you hire a professional copper gutter installer on your Chicago property, that is probably why there are so many people who have second thoughts about getting them. Even though polishing the gutters needs to be done only once a year, the costs easily add up and not everyone is comfortable with making such a huge investment mainly for their appeal.

Hanging Rain Gutters and Downspouts Installation

Hanging Rain Gutters and Downspouts InstallationIf you got to this part of our rain gutter installation manual we are ready to hung sections of the gutters along the roof’s edge. If you skipped the first part, we’d suggest to scroll down and click the left button to start from the beginning.

Hanging gutter sections

Setting a proper slope of a gutter is mandatory at this point and the easiest way to do that is by driving a nail half an inch below the shingles on the higher side of the gutter run or in the middle of the 40′ (or longer) fascia span. The distance from the nail to the bottom of fascia board should then be carefully measured and recorded.

Next, a quarter of an inch should be subtracted for every ten feet of a gutter from this measurement and marked at the low end of the gutter run. At this mark make sure that you drive a nail and between the 2 nails you should stretch a chalk line. With this method you have to be sure that your fascia boards are 100% level because you are using the fascia edge as a reference.

Example: a 20 feet long gutter should drop at least 1/2″ along its run, a little more is recommended to achieve better flow.

In case the fascia boards are not leveled properly, double-checking the chalk line’s slope before snapping is mandatory, so don’t forget about this step. As for the bubble, it needs to be a bit off-center towards their higher side. If you are not getting it you need to adjust the string to the point where you’re going to see that the bubble indicates the fact you got the right slope. Lastly, all you’ll have to do is mark a line on the fascia board by snapping the string.

You don’t need much, a little slope is just fine

If you want to make sure the downspouts are going to empty fast, then you need to greatly consider the size and number of your downspouts as well. Securing them at a proper slope is going to help eliminate standing water which can lead to a host of problems such as leaks, corrosion, and clogs.

Remember, each gutter run should be sloped towards the downspout approximately a quarter of an inch for every ten feet of gutter. 

Finish with hangers and flashing

At this point you’ll need to add gutter flashing under your shingles and use one inch nails to secure them ever two feet. The gutter flashing sections should also be lapped about two inches. No more water damage when flashing the shingles

Did you know that you can easily install a metal gutter apron flashing under your shingles in order to prevent water from running behind the gutters?

If you cannot find pre-bent flashing at your local hardware or center store, then get in touch with a local sheet metal manufacturer or aluminum siding contractor to bend a few for you. It’s recommended that the flashing is slid under the roofing paper or ice and water shield. If you cannot do that because the procedure may cause too much damage, then you can just go ahead with slipping the flashing under the shingles. In case the flashing you plan on using is too short and it cannot reach over the gutter’s back edge, then slide an extra strip of aluminum over the gutter’s back wall and under the bent flashing.

Install hidden hangers

After the gutters have been properly secured to the fascia, installing the hidden gutter hangers is very simple. To strengthen the front edge, but also support the gutters, it’s very important that hangers are installed every two feet. However, since we’ve already used flashing in order to cover this edge, make sure they’re held level and then secure with screws driven through the gutter and flashing right into the fascia board.

Downspout installation

You should start this step by securing one elbow to the downspout outlet and after that, while holding a second elbow against the wall measure the distance between them. It’s recommended that you allow for a one inch and up to one inch and a half overlap at both ends. You can cut the extra length using a hacksaw. Install the downspout tube and elbows by making sure that the crimped ends face down in order to avoid water leakage through the joints. Instead of rivets, it’s best that you use sheet metal screws. By doing so, you’ll be able to remove the downspouts in the future when cleaning them for instance.

The professionals generally use a quarter inch hex head screws with sharp points, due to the fact they make the installation process very simple. Downspout tubing can be easily cut with a hacksaw blade – use safety googles and protective gloves! On one end, each length of elbow and gutter needs to be crimped or squeezed to ensure the pieces fit perfectly together with one another. Because ten foot long lengths of downspout will only be crimped on 1 end, one end of any cutoff piece needs to be crimped so it properly fits inside the next downspout section or elbow.

The last part of the downspout installation process lies in hanging the downspouts and properly attaching them to the wall. You can purchase various types of straps designed for this particular purpose or cut long, aluminum straps from pieces of gutter or downspout.

Gutter and downspout maintenance

Gutters and downspouts maintenance Last but not least, leaves should be cleaned from the gutters 2 times a year, but if you can’t do that on your own or don’t want to, it’s better to hire a specialized company to help you with it. Not only will you eliminate issues such as clogged downspouts and backed-up gutters, but also greatly extend the life of the gutters themselves.

The above installation guidelines are dedicated to gutters that you can purchase at most home improvement centers. However, the most recommended seamless gutter systems require special machine to produce long sections of gutter.

If this is something you’d consider for your Chicago property, give us a call at the number below. In case you are considering copper roof gutters installation, don’t forget to ask when contacting us.

How to Prepare for Roof Rain Gutters Installation

Did you know that you can easily create better looking and also stronger gutter by modifying old gutter systems on your Chicago home? This is a very simple project that anyone can tackle, so if you want to consider it, then below you’ll learn more about what you need to get started. There’s however one thing that you are not going to be able to achieve by following those guidelines.

Your gutter system will have to have seams on any run longer than 10 feet, there are no longer sections you can purchase in a home improvement store. Although, if done properly, the seams should hold for a long time but still, any seam could eventually start leaking.

Give us a call or email your contact information if you’d like to receive a free gutter system installation quote in Chicago or surrounding suburbs. Glavanized gutters installation in Chicago

With just some basic handyman skills you should be able to complete such project over the weekend. Its cost may vary significantly because of the variety of materials available on the market. You can use plastic, aluminum, copper, or even galvanized gutters for your house.

1. Logistics of your gutter installation project.

Many home improvement stores have readily available gutter system which are designed so they can be installed in just a few simple steps. However, the good news is that you can make use of these same parts in order to install downspouts and gutters that not only look better, but are also much stronger.

Evaluation

You can save a lot of money by ditching a professional gutter system installation and installing them yourself. The first step to achieve this would be to carefully inspect the soffit and fascia boards in order to see if there are any indication of decayed wood in which case they would require repairs or replacement. If yours are aluminum clad or some kind of composite material you may not need any extra work in that area.

Prepare a drawing and carefully assess the size of your house

At this point the size of the gutter runs needs to be carefully recorded and you should also wisely choose the locations of the downspout as well. After that, the external and internal corners and end caps need to be counted up. The height of the downspouts will now have to be assessed, you should add four feet to each one of them. Keep in mind that you’ll need 3 elbows for every downspout and while the majority of installations are only going to make use of front elbows, a side elbow can also be required depending on your house.   Front and side downspout elbow1 Most of the times these are used for turning the downspout extension sideways. Below you’ll find some planning advice that is going to help you a lot with completing these steps:

  • The downspout should be located in areas of the house that are not obstructed by anything so that the rain water flow can be easily redirected away from the structure. Locations that feature obstacles of any kind, including sidewalls, hose bibs and electric or meters should be avoided.
  • The downspouts extensions should be placed (if at all possible) in concealed locations.
  • Oversized three by four inch downspouts are recommended to be installed on gutters draining big roof areas. The same also applies if you live in a region that receives frequent and heavy rain pours.
  • If your house’s roof has a 40 feet or longer span, you should slope the gutter from the center towards both ends and install downspouts at each end.
  • There are a few commonly used fascia designs, although the most popular one is vertical, which makes gutter installation easy, there are also angled fascia designs and ones without fascia boards. Therefore, make sure you pick the right hanger type for your design. 

Cut to size and join gutter sections

Using tin snips cut the back and front sides of the gutters, slightly bend those sections to create a gap and cut the bottom portion.

Assemble gutter components

Joining sections on the ground is by far a lot easier (and safer) compared to working while you’re on a ladder. The manufacturer generally recommends that you butt parts together and then use a seam cover in order to cover the joints. However you should try applying caulking between the overlapping surfaces (overlap seams from two to four inches), riveting joints and applying caulking along the inside edge. The same principle applies when joining a gutter section to a corner as well as joining any 2 parts of a gutter.

One more suggestion, when you’ll need to splice gutter sections though, it’s recommended that the best factory cut end is left on the exterior.

When lapping long sections of the gutters make sure that you do it in such a way that the interior section will face downhill. This way, water won’t be forced under the seam. Pay close attention to where the gutter ends and then carefully cut it in order to extend approximately 1” over the end of the fascia board so that it’s going to be able to catch water from the shingles that overhang. Use rivets to secure the end cap and finally, use gutter sealant along the interior of this newly  created joint.

Mark the downspout outlet

On the bottom of the gutter you’ll now need to mark the middle of the downspout outlet. The outlet should then be centered (making sure the flange is with the side down) over the mark and make sure that you’ll then trace around the interior. With a chisel cut a notch (in the shape of a V) which is going to be the main hole for the tin snips.

Cutting the downspout tubes

The first step you should take involves measuring from the corner of your property to the middle of the location you’ve chosen for the downspout. It’s very important that there are no obstructions. The dimension you got should then be transferred to the gutter so the downspout outlet can be cut. This method will eliminate 2 seams from your gutter design.

The downspout tube cutout can be made using a duckbill tin snips or a pair of offset snips. duckbill and offset tin snips1 To continue installation of a gutter system on your Chicago home, please follow this link – gutter repair Chicago

Aluminum and Copper Seamless Gutters Installation

Installation of Seamless Aluminum & Copper Gutters in Chicago

Soffit & Fascia, Seamless Gutters Installation in Chicago

Seamless gutters have established themselves as the most popular kind of gutters. Also known as continuous rain gutters and seamless rain gutters, seamless gutters account for about 75 per cent of all American gutters. The popularity of this kind of gutter system is down to its functionality.

Not only do seamless gutters get rid of unsightly seams, but they also reduce leakage. Enamel is used in the finishing of these gutters, meaning that you will never find the need to paint it. The gutter will be formed on the site where it is going to be installed, so that exact measurements can be taken.

There are various colors of seamless gutters to choose from, and the process of installation will take less than 24 hours. If you’re looking to keep your home’s beauty intact and improve overall drainage properties, it is beneficial to install seamless gutters.

The Need for Installation of Guttering Systems in Chicago

Soffit & Fascia, Seamless Gutters Installation in Chicago 2Rain water can accumulate in large quantities sometimes and cause inconveniences to homeowners. By installing a gutter system in Chicago, the rain water can be collected from your roof before it is dispersed away from your house. It is very essential to install downspouts (drain pipes, leaders) that are properly configured.

If there are faults while a guttering system in being installed, it may lead to damages to building foundations, walkways, driveways, shingles, landscaping, soffit, and fascia.

Regular maintenance is required to ensure that the guttering system protects your home. It is important to keep your gutters free from leaves, debris, bird’s nest and shingle granules. Neglecting it can result in deterioration, make the fasteners loose, thereby forcing immediate repairs so as to prevent further damage of the gutters.

Importance of Hiring Chicago Contractors to Carry Out Installation of Seamless Gutters

It is essential to hire qualified and experienced contractors to carry out installation of seamless gutters in your home. Whether you’re looking for the stability of aluminum or the beauty of copper, a professional contractor can help in designing the most attractive look your home has probably ever had!

You will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and add value to it, give us a call or click here to find out more about – Chicago gutter installation.