Are your gutters sagging, rusted, or just about ready to fall off of your home? If you answered yes to any part of that question, it’s probably time to invest in new gutter installation. This should be a time of celebration — you’ll be rid of your terrible old gutters for good!
But as with all new home improvements, preparation is key. Before you saddle up and have your seamless gutters and downspouts replaced, make sure you’re taking the proper steps to ensure a smooth and efficient gutter installation. Keep reading to learn more.
Check for Water Damage
This is perhaps the most important preparatory step in new gutter installation. Checking for things like rotting soffits should be high up on your list of pre-gutter priorities. In the event that you do find some extensive water damage or mold growth, it’s important to get that taken care of before your new gutters can be installed. If you install new gutters over vinyl siding or wooden soffits and fascia that’s already damaged, you could be in for some more extensive (and expensive!) repairs in the very near future.
Repaint Before You Replace
It might be tempting to wait until your new gutters are installed to do any painting, but the truth is that any chipped paint should be fixed well before your new gutters arrive. This not only ensures the most efficient gutter installation, it protects your home from sustaining more damage before those new gutters arrive. And if you’re looking for an excuse to install new siding, the weeks leading up to gutter installation are a great option.
Think About Drainage
Your new gutters will most certainly direct water away from your house, but where will that water be deposited? If your water is dumped into a garden, all of your plants will drown. If you direct water down your driveway, you could be in for an unpleasant, icy surprise come winter. Instead of leaving this decision up to chance, make sure you’re speaking with your gutter installation team well before your gutter decisions are finalized.
Once you check all of these preparatory items off of your list, you should be 100% ready for new gutters. It can’t hurt to get a roof inspection beforehand, either. In normal circumstances, roofing inspections are only necessary one or two times per year, and new gutters provide a perfect opportunity to get one of those inspections out of the way. Don’t wait to have your gutters and roof checked out!
