Seamless Gutters in Arkansas: Why They Beat Sectional

A gutter system has one job: catch the rain that runs off your roof and carry it away from the house. When it works, nobody notices. When it doesn't, water spills over the edge, soaks the fascia, splashes mud up the siding and pools next to the foundation. In Northwest and Northeast Arkansas, where spring storms can dump a lot of rain in a short time, the type of gutter you choose and how well you maintain it make a real difference.

What makes a gutter seamless

Traditional sectional gutters come in short lengths that are joined together. Every joint is a place where water can leak, where sealant can fail and where debris can catch. A seamless gutter is made from one continuous piece of metal that is cut on-site to fit your home. Because it's formed to your exact measurements, it runs the full length of each side of the house without joints along the way. The only seams are at the corners and the downspout outlets.

That design gives you smoother water flow, fewer spots for leaks and rust to start and less to repair over time. Seamless gutters generally cost more up front than sectional ones, and they last longer and look cleaner on the house. Sectional gutters can be a fair choice for a quick fix or a short run, but long runs are where their joints cause the most trouble.

Aluminum, steel or copper

Seamless gutters come in a few metals, and each has its own character.

• Aluminum is the common choice for homes. It's light, doesn't rust and comes in many colors.
• Steel is heavier and stronger, which some homeowners prefer where branches or ice might load the gutter.
• Copper is a premium option that develops a natural patina and suits certain architectural styles.

Elite Home Solutions works with all three. The right pick depends on your house, your budget and how you want the exterior to look. A black gutter on white board-and-batten siding looks very different from a copper run on a brick home, and the color you choose can tie the roof, trim and gutters together.

Why gutters clog and overflow

Even the best gutter can clog. Leaves, twigs, dirt and shingle grit collect, especially near bends and downspouts. Bird nests and small debris can form blockages you can't see from the ground. Once water has nowhere to go, it overflows. That water can seep under roof shingles and leak into ceilings and walls, rot the wood fascia, erode soil around the foundation and encourage mold. In the yard it washes away mulch and soil and leaves puddles by the house.

A simple maintenance schedule

The easiest habit to build is cleaning your gutters twice a year, once in spring and once in late fall. Spring cleaning clears out the winter's debris before the heavy rain season. Late fall cleaning, after the leaves have come down, keeps gutters flowing through winter. Check the downspouts too, since a clear gutter doesn't help if the downspout is plugged. After a major storm, take a quick look for sagging sections, loose hangers and dents.

• Clear leaves and debris from the full length of each gutter
• Flush each downspout with a hose and make sure water exits freely
• Look for sagging, pulled-away hangers and gaps at the corners
• Check that water drains away from the foundation, not toward it
• Watch for stains on the fascia or siding behind the gutter

Where gutter guards fit

Gutter guards cover the gutter opening so leaves and larger debris stay out while water still gets in. They reduce buildup and cut down on how often you have to climb a ladder. They don't eliminate maintenance, because fine grit and shingle granules can still collect, and a guard that isn't installed well can cause overflow of its own. If your yard has a lot of trees, guards are worth considering. If it doesn't, regular cleaning may be enough.

Getting a quote

Elite Home Solutions installs, repairs and replaces gutters and downspouts and installs gutter guards throughout Northwest and Northeast Arkansas. If your gutters are leaking, sagging or overflowing, ask for a free quote. Call (479) 231-1199 for Springdale and the Northwest Arkansas area, or (870) 277-4242 for Jonesboro. We're open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.