Gutter Installation by Elite Home Solutions
Installation, Replacement, Repair, and Maintenance
Elite Home Solutions is a licensed contractor and gutter installation company. We replace and install roofs, gutters, fences, decks, and build new homes or structures. We are a top-rated contractor and are committed to quality, integrity, and customer service. We offer a variety of styles and materials to meet our customers’ needs. We can replace or install vinyl, aluminum, zinc, copper, and galvanized steel rain gutters for a traditional or modern aesthetic. At Elite Home Solutions, we have the machinery to fabricate the gutters – making the gutter installation process as streamlined as possible. We use software to enter your home’s measurements, and it calculates all of the technical stuff. From there, we take that data and create gutters to match your home’s specifications. Next, we install and test the new gutters to ensure operational efficiency and proper directional flow of the water drainage.
We are an experienced gutter installation company in Northwest Arkansas and understand how to use gutters to ensure proper drainage and protection of foundation, but to also add an aesthetic pop to the exterior of the home. We offer seamed and seamless gutters; as well as gutter guards and other accessories to decrease maintenance (removing leaves from the gutters) or increased directional flow. We have many years of experience in the construction industry and understand not only your gutters, but also the construction of your home and structures – and how it all works together to protect your home.
Keep reading to learn more about gutters. We are here to answer any questions that you may have.
Gutter Basics | Common Questions
A gutter system consists of two essential components: gutter channels and downspouts. Gutter channels, typically available in various sizes and shapes, collect rainwater along the roof's edge. Downspouts, vertical pipes, then carry this collected water to ground level, ensuring it is directed away from the foundation. While gutters are generally necessary in most regions of the United States, their suitability depends on the local climate. In colder areas, grade-level drainage systems may be more appropriate due to the risk of gutter freezing.
Proper installation is crucial for a gutter system's effectiveness. Gutter channels should be installed with a slope to facilitate water flow towards downspouts. The choice of material for gutters and downspouts impacts durability and appearance. Options include vinyl, aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. By understanding these key factors, Elite Home Solutions can assist you in selecting and installing a gutter system that effectively manages rainwater runoff and protects your home from potential water damage.
To prevent water damage and maintain the integrity of your home's foundation, it's crucial to effectively manage rainwater runoff. This can be achieved through the installation of gutters and downspouts, which channel rainwater away from the foundation, reducing the risk of soil saturation. Proper sizing of gutters and downspouts ensures they can handle your home's rainfall, while efficient drainage systems, such as sloping final grades, underground catchment systems, or rainwater harvesting systems, direct water safely away from the foundation. Even homes without rain gutters can be protected from water splash damage by extending foundation walls, using overhangs, or employing cladding materials with appropriate drainage features. By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and protect the long-term health of your home with storm gutters.
Gutter System Essentials: A Guide to Protection
Gutters are essential components of a home's roofing system, designed to protect your property from water damage and maintain the integrity of your home. Gutters, which come in sections, catch rainwater along the roof's edge. End caps are used to seal the ends of gutter sections, preventing leaks. Downspouts, vertical pipes, carry the collected rainwater away from the house. Elbows, angled connectors, allow downspouts to change direction, enabling them to navigate around obstacles and direct water to appropriate drainage areas. Finally, brackets or cleats secure the entire gutter system to the roof, ensuring stability and preventing dislodgement. By capturing rainwater as it flows down the roof and channeling it away from the foundation through downspouts, gutters help prevent erosion, mold growth, and other issues caused by excessive moisture. Additionally, gutters play a role in managing snowmelt, further safeguarding your home's structure. Proper installation of gutters, including ensuring they are sloped correctly, and downspouts are unobstructed, is crucial for their effectiveness. Through effective rainwater management, gutters can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and maintain the integrity of your home.
The Importance of Gutters: Protecting Your Home
We are a licensed and insured roofer and contractor. Elite Home Solutions is a top-rated gutter installation company and licensed contractor. We understand how your home or business' gutters fit together with other elements of your property to protect your foundation and direct waterflow.
We have gutter specialists who are experts in all things gutters. Elite Home Solutions offers free in-home consultations in our service areas across Arkansas. During a gutter consultation, we measure your home and detail specifics about the existing or new gutter installation. We also assess pitch and other factors and based on our conversation with you and water flow needs - we will design the best gutters to meet your water drainage needs and compliment your property's aesthetics. Our new gutter installations are backed by product (may vary by manufacturer) and service warranties and Elite Home Solutions is committed to using high quality products and workmanship. To schedule or request a quote, use our quote form or call us at (479) 231-1199.
Elite Home Solutions is a top-rated gutter installation company in Northwest Arkansas
DIY (do it yourself) gutter installation is a cost-effective alternative to hiring a professional, but it's a complex task that requires careful planning, preparation, and a good understanding of hand tools. While homeowners can significantly reduce costs by doing it themselves, it's not a suitable project for everyone. The process involves working at heights, using ladders safely, measuring and cutting gutter sections precisely, and lifting and hanging long lengths of gutters. These tasks can be challenging, especially for homes with complex rooflines, multiple stories, or difficult-to-reach areas.
Gutter Installation: A DIY Project with Risks
Box gutters, often favored for their minimalist aesthetic, offer a functional and discreet solution for rainwater management. Their rectangular design provides ample capacity for collecting and channeling large volumes of water, making them suitable for areas with heavy rainfall and buildings with expansive roof surfaces. While traditionally made of wood, modern box gutters are typically constructed from durable materials like copper, aluminum, or steel.
While primarily used in commercial settings, box gutters are also available in smaller sizes for residential applications. Their built-in design, when properly installed and maintained, can provide long-lasting performance and enhance the structural integrity of your home. However, choosing the right material for box gutters is crucial, as replacement can be labor-intensive. Factors like climate, budget, and desired aesthetic influence material selection. Durable materials like copper, cast iron, or galvanized steel generally require a higher initial investment but often result in lower long-term maintenance costs.
Aluminum, a popular choice for its durability, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance, is a cost-effective option. However, it may not be suitable for extreme weather or heavy loads. Cast iron, a historical favorite, offers exceptional durability and longevity but can be heavy and challenging to install. Copper, known for its durability and natural patina, is a visually appealing choice but comes with a higher price tag. Galvanized steel, a strong and durable option, is less prone to denting but requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion. PVC gutters, while budget-friendly, are less durable than metal and better suited for mild climates. Ultimately, the best box gutter material for your home depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Box Gutters: A Modern Approach to Rainwater Management
Downspouts, also known as drainpipes or waterspouts, are essential components of a gutter system. These vertical pipes provide a pathway for rainwater to flow from gutters to the ground, preventing water damage to your home's foundation and surrounding areas. By directing water away from the base of your home, downspouts help protect against erosion and structural damage. Without downspouts, rainwater would accumulate in gutters, potentially leading to leaks, mold growth, and even foundation damage. To maintain a cohesive appearance and enhance curb appeal, downspouts are typically made from the same material as your gutters, such as aluminum, zinc, copper, or steel.
The Importance of Downspouts
Downspout elbows, essential components of gutter systems, are bent pipes that direct rainwater away from your home and into safe drainage areas. These elbows, typically located at the bottom of downspouts, are available in various shapes, including rectangular, round, and square, with rectangular and round elbows being most common for residential use. While most downspout elbows are 75 degrees, 45-degree elbows offer a straighter path for water flow. Due to the layout of homes and the presence of obstructions, downspout elbows are often necessary to efficiently route rainwater from gutters to the ground. A-style elbows, consisting of two separate pieces, are typically used to connect downspouts to gutters. B-style elbows, single-piece bends that turn side to side, are helpful for navigating around obstacles. AB-style elbows, with perpendicular outlets, allow for transitions between different downspout styles. By incorporating downspout elbows into your gutter system, you can ensure effective rainwater management and protect your home from water damage.
Downspout Elbows: Essential for Efficient Water Drainage
Pipe cleats, also known as downspout straps or brackets, are metal brackets used to attach downspouts to the side of a house. These brackets are typically bent to encircle the downspout and are secured to the siding using screws. Pipe cleats are available in various materials, including aluminum, vinyl, and steel, each offering different benefits in terms of durability, cost, and appearance. While pipe cleats are commonly used for residential downspouts, they may not be suitable for larger commercial applications.
Pipe Cleats: Securing Your Downspouts
Drainage systems, which include gutters, work together to protect your home and landscape from water damage. Gutters collect rainwater from your roof and direct it away from the foundation. This water is then carried through downspouts and underground pipes to areas where it can safely absorb into the ground or evaporate. Proper drainage is essential to prevent various issues, including basement flooding, mold and mildew growth, structural damage, foundation damage, and yard erosion. Signs of drainage problems may include basement moisture issues, damaged gutters, foundation cracks, interior leaks, unhealthy plants, soil erosion, and standing water after rain.
Effective Drainage: Protecting Your Home and Landscape
Eaves, the overhanging portions of a roof, play a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. The underside of the eaves, known as the soffit, is often vented to allow for air circulation within the roof space. The fascia, a horizontal board attached to the roof rafters, supports the bottom row of shingles and provides a surface for gutter installation. Eaves and fascia can be made from various materials, including wood, aluminum, vinyl, or UPVC, each offering its own advantages in terms of durability, maintenance, and weather resistance. The choice of materials for eaves and fascia can significantly impact the overall appearance and performance of your home's exterior.
Eaves and Fascia: Key Components of Your Roofline
End caps, crucial components of gutter systems, are flat metal pieces that fit over the ends of gutter sections. Their primary function is to prevent rainwater from leaking out and causing water damage to your property. Available in various shapes, sizes, and materials such as vinyl, aluminum, steel, and copper, end caps can be installed using crimping, riveting, or zip screws. By ensuring proper installation of end caps, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and maintain the integrity of your gutters.
End Caps: Protecting Your Gutters from Leaks
Fascia boards, long, straight boards that run along the lower edge of a roof or deck, serve multiple purposes. In roofing, fascia boards connect to roof rafters, covering the soffit and providing a finished appearance. They protect the roof sheathing and prevent moisture from entering the attic. Fascia boards can be made from various materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, or composites. On decks, fascia boards, also known as rim joist covers, conceal the joists and deck board ends.
Beyond their functional roles, fascia boards enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home, often matching the color or finish of other trim elements. They also play a crucial role in water management, ensuring rainwater flows into gutters rather than infiltrating the roof. Additionally, fascia boards facilitate air circulation between the roof and eaves, preventing moisture and heat buildup.
Fascia boards can be damaged by various factors, including animals, trees, or other roofing issues. Signs of damage may include claw marks, chewed wood, insect holes, cracked or curling shingles, peeling paint, leaks, and discoloration. Regular inspections and maintenance of fascia boards are essential to ensure their continued functionality and protect your home from potential water damage.
Fascia Boards: A Crucial Component of Your Roof
Fascia gutters offer a sleek and functional alternative to traditional K-style gutters. These gutters are installed directly into the fascia board, creating a visually appealing and integrated look that complements the exterior of modern homes. With their deep profile, fascia gutters are highly effective at handling large amounts of rainfall, ensuring efficient water drainage. This design provides a strong and stylish solution for protecting your home from water damage while enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.
Fascia Gutters: A Modern and Sleek Solution
Older homes often feature traditional gutter systems with visible spikes and ferrules, a style that is less common in modern construction. While these methods were once standard, they have been largely replaced by hidden hanger systems that offer improved durability and a cleaner aesthetic. The tubular piece of aluminum visible on older gutters is known as the ferrule, which, along with the spike, was used to secure the gutter to the roof. Ferrules are hollow shafts that enclose the long screws, also known as spikes, which attach the gutter to the house. This traditional method, while functional, has been superseded by more modern and aesthetically pleasing gutter installation techniques.
Traditional Gutters: A Look Back at Spike and Ferrule Systems
Gutter guards, coverings or screens placed over or within gutters, offer various benefits by preventing debris buildup and reducing maintenance. By minimizing the accumulation of leaves, dirt, and other debris, gutter guards help prevent clogs and overflow, thereby protecting your home from water damage. They can also help reduce the risk of fire by creating a barrier between embers and debris in gutters. Additionally, gutter guards can deter pests such as mice, squirrels, bats, birds, spiders, and mosquitoes, which often find refuge in gutters. This not only prevents potential damage to your gutters but also eliminates the health and nuisance concerns associated with these pests. While gutter guards may not entirely eliminate gutter maintenance, they can significantly reduce the time, effort, and cost involved. By investing in gutter guards, you can improve the curb appeal of your home, enhance its value, and enjoy a more hassle-free experience.
Gutter Guards: A Solution for Debris and Pest Prevention
Gutter hangers, essential components of a gutter system, connect gutters to the roof's fascia board, ensuring stability and security. These hangers provide vital support, preventing gutters from sagging or detaching, which can lead to water damage. A well-installed gutter hanger system is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your gutters and protecting your home from potential water-related issues.
Gutter Hangers: A Crucial Component for Stability
Gutter pitch, the slope or angle at which gutters are installed, is crucial for the effective functioning of your home's gutter system. Proper gutter pitch allows rainwater to flow freely towards downspouts, preventing potential damage to your home's foundation and mitigating the risk of mold growth. It's essential to ensure that gutters are pitched in the correct direction, as water cannot flow uphill. By understanding and implementing proper gutter pitch, you can optimize your home's drainage system and safeguard your property from water-related issues.
Gutter Pitch: Essential for Optimal Drainage
K-style gutters, also known as ogee gutters, are a widely popular choice among homeowners due to their durability and versatility. Their distinctive K-shaped profile, characterized by a flat bottom and vertical front and back walls, complements a variety of architectural styles. One of the key advantages of K-style gutters is their straight back, which allows for bracket less installation, simplifying the installation process. Compared to rounded gutter styles, K-style gutters are better equipped to handle larger volumes of rainwater, making them an ideal choice for modern homes.
K-Style Gutters: A Versatile and Durable Choice
K-style gutters, characterized by their distinctive shape, are the most commonly installed gutter type in North America. While other styles like galvanized, commercial, and half-round gutters exist, K-style gutters have become the standard due to their versatility and effectiveness. When selecting K-style gutters, size is a crucial consideration. While 5-inch and 6-inch sizes are both popular, 6-inch gutters offer a significant advantage, capable of holding approximately 50% more water than their 5-inch counterparts. To determine the appropriate gutter size for your home, factors such as the size of your home and roof planes, the pitch of your roof, and the average rainfall in your area should be taken into account.
6-Inch Gutters: A Bigger Advantage for Heavy Rainfall
Half-round gutters, a classic gutter style, are shaped like a half-circle or the letter U. Typically crafted from materials like aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, or vinyl, they offer a traditional aesthetic that complements older homes. While their smooth appearance is visually appealing, half-round gutters can be more challenging to install compared to modern K-style gutters and most often require professional expertise. The choice of material for half-round gutters impacts both cost and durability. Vinyl gutters, while budget-friendly initially, are susceptible to cracking and brittleness over time. Aluminum gutters offer better durability and rust resistance but are lightweight and can dent easily. Galvalume and galvanized steel gutters provide greater strength but are heavier and prone to rusting. Copper gutters, although the most expensive option, offer exceptional longevity and can last for decades without needing replacement.
Half-Round Gutters: A Classic Choice with Unique Considerations
Leaf guards offer a convenient solution for eliminating the hassle of gutter cleaning. By preventing leaves, debris, and other materials from entering gutters, leaf guards also known as gutter guards (or leaf protection) significantly reduce the need for regular maintenance, especially for homes located near trees. This not only saves time and effort but also prevents clogged gutters and potential water damage. Investing in a leaf or gutter guard system can ultimately lead to cost savings by reducing the need for maintenance related to leaks, drainage issues, or foundation problems.
Leaf Guards: A Hassle-Free Solution for Gutter Maintenance
Miters, essential components of gutter systems, are the corners where gutter sections meet. These extra pieces provide an added layer of protection against leaks, which are more likely to occur at the seams where gutters connect. Miters help prevent leaks by directing water around the corner and towards the downspouts. There are two main types of miters: box miters and strip miters. Box miters, pre-manufactured corners that extend outward, are a popular choice due to their ease of installation. Strip miters, on the other hand, offer a more seamless appearance as only one side requires sealing. By incorporating miters into your gutter system, you can enhance its durability and reduce the risk of leaks.
Miters: The Cornerstones of Gutter Systems
Sectional gutters, composed of separate pieces connected by seams, are a common gutter option. While they offer a functional solution for rainwater management, sectional gutters require more frequent maintenance compared to seamless gutters. The seams, typically fastened together and sealed with commercial sealants, are prone to leaks. Regular inspections and re-application of sealant are necessary to prevent water damage and maintain the integrity of sectional gutter systems.
Sectional Gutters: A Functional but Maintenance-Intensive Option
Seamless gutters, also known as continuous gutters, are a premium option that offers several advantages over traditional sectional gutters. Manufactured from a single piece of material, they eliminate the need for joints or seams, reducing the risk of leaks and clogs. This seamless design not only enhances durability and low maintenance but also creates a sleek, modern appearance. Available in various materials like aluminum, steel, and copper, seamless gutters are custom-fabricated and installed on-site to perfectly fit your home's dimensions. With fewer joints and a smooth finish, seamless gutters provide superior performance and curb appeal. While they may have a higher upfront cost compared to sectional gutters, the long-term benefits, including reliability and durability, often justify the investment.
Seamless Gutters: A Premium Choice for Your Home
Splash blocks, rectangular pieces of plastic or concrete placed beneath downspouts, are essential for preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of your home's foundation. By effectively directing water away from the building, splash blocks help prevent soil erosion and foundation issues. Without splash blocks, the concentrated flow of water from downspouts can undermine the benefits of the gutter system by directing water towards the foundation. These simple yet effective tools are a common solution for safeguarding your home from water-related problems.
Splash Blocks: Protecting Your Foundation from Water Damage