Box Store Gutters VS. Seamless Gutters
One of the biggest differences in box store (Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware) gutter when compared to seamless gutters is that you can only purchase box store gutters in 10′ sections. When you compare the price of a new gutter installation by a professional seamless gutter company to the price of doing it yourself, the price comparison is very close to even. However, what you probably have not realized is the quality of box store gutters. Most gutter companies sell a minimum of .027 thickness aluminum. The thickness of the box store gutters is generally .024 or less. That might not seem like much, but in regard to lifetime you are talking about 15 year gutters compared to 7 year gutters. Furthermore, seamless gutters are in fact, seamless except for the the corners where miters are installed. Box store gutters have a seam every 10′ feet. This increases the chance of a leaking gutter because every seam must be sealed properly. Another hidden factor is the hardware. At Martin’s Seamless Gutters we buy our material in bulk which allows us to sell much better products for less money than a consumer can buy at a box store.
Another issue is that box stores do not warranty the installation of the materials you put on your house. Reputable gutter companies have to use quality products to ensure their products will last and minimize call backs. When chosing a gutter company, ask them these questions:
- What kind of hardware they use
- What kind of warranty they offer
- If you can get the warranty in writing
- How far they space their installation brackets
- What types of sealants they use
- If they are licensed and insured (request a copy)
The last point to discuss are the types of sealants offered. We have done a vast amount of research at Martin’s Seamless Gutters on the types of sealants available. Through much trial and error, we have selected the best sealants for our climate. Most box stores only offer a few sealants and they are distributed around the country. The problem with this is that all cities do not share the same weather forecasts. You would not use the same sealant in a warm muggy climate as you would where it snows 6 months out of the year. Different climates require different sealants. In conclusion, when it comes to protecting your house/business from water problems, it is always best to hire a reputable professional. Call Martin’s Seamless Gutters today for a free quote!!! (850) 343-3228
