If you’re considering changing your old gutters, you may wonder what is the best time of year to buy new ones. Most professionals agree spring or fall is the best time of year for new gutters. Buying new gutters during those seasons makes the most sense and is less expensive.
That’s because buying gutters in the summer and winter poses challenges that can be avoided by waiting for a better time. Materials and labor demand increases in summer, so prices usually go up. In winter, the roof may be covered in snow and ice dams, making the project unsafe.
We will discuss how the time of year you buy your gutters will affect how fast you get them and how the price might vary. We’ll also offer practical tips for determining if you need new gutters and how to get the best deals from your investment.
What are the Factors that Affect the Cost and Availability of Gutters?
The gutter system you purchase will last for years, so you choose gutters with the design you prefer and perform in the way that you hope.
Consider the best types of gutters to install on your home based on your style and material preferences, budget, and roof needs.
Material
Most K-style gutters are made from aluminum and formed on-site for a custom fit. Other gutter types, like the trough style (half-round), are often created from copper, which is usually more expensive than aluminum but more elegant.
Size
Most residential homes use K-style, 5” aluminum gutters, which are among the least expensive. When gutter clogs regularly cause overflows, some homeowners upgrade to the larger 6” or even the 7” version of K-style gutters. These are large enough to allow common roof debris, like cones, leaves, and sticks, to pass through.
Style
K-style gutters generally offer the best performance, which is why they are designed as they are. However, K-style gutters are extremely common, so some homeowners prefer something with a bit more flair, like copper half-round gutters.
Color
Most gutters are formed in the K-style from aluminum coil stock. Aluminum coil stock is a roll of aluminum (available in various gauges) about 24” wide. The coil stock is fed into a machine on site, which forms the gutter.
Coil stock is available in several colors, but white and off-white are produced in much larger quantities. If you want a coil stock color that must be special ordered, you’ll need to factor the delivery time into your schedule.
Quality
Coil stock is widely available and rarely in short supply. However, specialty gutter types, like copper, are less widely used. Steel, fiberglass, and vinyl gutters can also be challenging to source, so plan ahead if you want to use these materials.
Location
Sometimes accessing a specific area of the roof can pose a significant challenge. Tall, multi-story homes on a sloping hillside can be difficult to reach safely.
Don’t be surprised if a gutter quote you receive includes charges for a lift, crane, or bucket truck if your roof is complicated to reach.
Some of the common factors that can affect the cost and availability of your gutter materials can include:
- Slope (pitch): Each type of slope will incur a different cost from another.
- Length of each section: Seamless gutters have the fewest joints because each section can be made very long.
- The number of turns: Each 90, 45, or 22.5-degree turn affects the function of the gutter system and increases the cost.
- Fastening method: Most K-style gutters are installed with hidden hangers, but gutter spikes, screws, and straps are still used occasionally.
- The number of downspouts (and adapters): Downspouts are sold by the linear foot, so the taller your home, the longer your downspouts will have to be.
- Sealants: Seamless gutter systems will employ sealants at every end cap, turn, and downspout connection.
- Accessories added: Accessories like splash guards, rain chains, and gutter guards can add significant cost, albeit with improved performance or appearance.
- Installation quality: Avoid hiring a gutter installation company that lacks experience, insurance, and a good reputation. Understanding gutter slope and other factors is critical to the system’s performance, so hire a reputable gutter installer.
What are the Best Seasons to Buy Gutters?
Spring
Spring is a great season to buy gutters in most regions. But wait until after the last frost to avoid having an icy roof delay your project. Spring is also an excellent time to buy gutters because you’ll avoid the peak season of summer, when gutter installation services and materials may be in high demand and low supply.
You’ll also gain time to prepare your home for the rainy season of fall when your gutters need to work correctly.
Fall
Fall is another good season to buy gutters because you’ll be best prepared to deal with falling leaves, twigs, and needles. Fall is also after the peak season of summer, so materials and labor may be more available and affordable.
As with spring, you’ll have time to prepare your home for winter when snow and ice can damage your roof and gutters more frequently.
Winter
Wintertime gutter installation should be avoided whenever possible. The holiday season can disrupt everything from material availability to labor, so winter gutter replacement projects are often less available or more expensive.
By wintertime, it’s usually too late to prevent water damage from snow and ice, so you might as well wait for milder weather.
Summer
Summer is also not a good season to buy gutters because it is peak season, and materials and labor may be tough to find and expensive. Summer is also too early to prepare your home for the rainy fall season when your gutters are most needed.
Tips to Save Money and Time on Gutter Installation
Anytime you embark on a home improvement project, you understandably want to save time and money whenever possible.
Here are some tips to make it happen.
Compare Prices and Services from Different Contractors.
One of the wisest things you can do when shopping for new gutters is to request a free estimate. Reputable gutter installers will also offer references and provide their own insurance. Get an estimate from at least three local reputable roofing companies.
Look for the best value, not the lowest price. Underpriced gutter replacements are often sloppy, unattractive, and fail quickly. Consider factors like quality, warranty, and customer service before deciding.
Some gutter replacement contractors will also offer discounts for buying off-season, incentives, or financing options.
Choose the Right Gutter Material, Size, Style, and Color for Your Home.
Regarding gutter materials, aluminum is more commonly installed because it’s less expensive, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. It’s also available in multiple colors.
Steel is more prone to rusting, while zinc is another durable option that doesn’t require a coating or paint.
Copper is more expensive because it is more upscale, while vinyl is inexpensive and less durable. But vinyl has a great color selection.
As for size, a five-inch half-round gutter is more appropriate for roofs up to 2,500 square feet, while a six-inch half round will fit roof areas between 2,500 square feet and 3,840 square feet. A five-inch K-style gutter works best on roofs under 5,500 square feet.
Schedule Your Gutter Installation at the Right Time.
Avoiding the peak season of summer and harsh winter conditions will ensure a more seamless installation and should reduce costs.
Maintain Your Gutters Regularly.
A lack of maintenance causes most gutter problems, like overflows and leaks. Avoid these issues by maintaining and cleaning your gutters at least twice a year or more often if needed.
Inspect them for any signs of damage or wear and repair them promptly. If your gutters are regularly subjected to falling or flying debris, consider installing gutter guards to filter or deflect the debris while allowing the runoff to flow freely into the gutters.
How to Determine If You Need New Gutters
The best way to determine if you need new gutters is by regularly inspecting your existing ones for signs of damage or wear.
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Here’s a handy checklist to carry around as you inspect your gutters and downspouts. Check any problems you discover and note the location. Then pass the list on to your gutter replacement contractor.
Cracks
Holes
Leaks or Drips
Rust
Sagging
Pulling away, or gaps between the gutter and fascia
Clogs
Overflows
Damage or missing sections
If you discover any of these conditions, address them as quickly as possible. Gutter issues can lead to foundation erosion, mold, mildew, wood rot, and ceiling stains. Drips caused by cracks, gaps, and holes in the gutter system can damage the fascia, soffit, and siding.
So, What Is The Best Time of Year For New Gutters?
You should purchase and install your new gutters in spring or fall, if possible. You’ll get the most use from your new gutters and maybe even save money.
The key is to hire a guttering contractor with the proper references, experience, training, and safety practices to render the best work.
Buying new gutters can improve your home’s exterior, including the roof, fascia, soffit, siding, and foundation.
New gutters and downspouts can protect your home for years with proper installation, materials, and maintenance.
Don’t let procrastination win and allow overflowing and leaking gutters to damage your home. Protect your investment in your home by contacting our local gutter installers if you suspect your gutters need replacing.
