DEAR TIM: We are getting ready to build a new home. I've been disappointed with the performance of aluminum gutters in the past. Have there been any advancements? What can you tell me about seamless aluminum gutters? Some of my friends in the southeast and southwest don't use gutters. Is this a wise practice? I. T.

DEAR I. T.: As you might expect, there have been improvements in aluminum gutter systems in the past decade. These changes have affected both traditional and the so called seamless gutters. By the way, seamless gutters often have seams when they turn corners. Don't be fooled!

Your existing home probably has lighter weight aluminum gutters attached to the gutter or fascia board using long spikes and ferrules. Ferrules are metal tubes that the spikes pass through. They prevent the spikes from being driven too deep. This method of attachment is old technology. Normal expansion and contraction of the aluminum gutter is inhibited. It is not uncommon for the spikes to eventually loosen from repeated stress cycles.

You can purchase heavy gauge traditional aluminum gutters that attach to your roof system using a variety of hidden hangers. These hangers allow the gutters to expand and contract freely. The gutters are available in lengths up to 37 feet. This permits a seamless look on most houses. Two sizes are available: 5 inch and 6 inch. The 6 inch gutter is used when large volumes of rain water call for a greater capacity.

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The thickness of the aluminum used to make the gutter is important. Long lasting, rigid aluminum gutters are often made using aluminum that measures .032 inch thick. Thinner material can sometimes bend or dent when a ladder is set against it.

If you choose to install a seamless style aluminum gutter, attempt to locate a design that uses a hidden attachment clip. Avoid the use of old fashioned spikes and ferrules. Also ask about the weight bearing capacity of the system. Some traditional systems can support up to 50 pounds per lineal foot.

Be sure to ask about the exterior painted finish of the gutter material. There can be big differences. The flat aluminum coil stock used to make seamless gutters does not always have as good a finish as the factory formed traditional gutters. Be sure to read the warranty, especially if you are looking for a long lasting gutter.

Your gutterless friends may want to rethink their situation. Some parts of the country have well drained soil that allows rain water to quickly dissipate. Other parts of the country get small amounts of rainfall. In either case, gutters can help control erosion, wood rot on the lower portions of houses, and work in conjunction with an underground irrigation setup.

Houses that do not have gutters can sometimes suffer from erosion problems in heavy rains. In addition, the constant splashing of water against wood siding or stucco can lead to wood rot or efflorescence on stucco. Water collected in gutters can be directed to plants and other vegetation using inexpensive plastic drain pipe. Why use city water when Mother Nature does it for free!

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Comments: Welcome! I, Tim Carter, don't answer questions here. If you post a question here in the Comments Area, perhaps another visitor will help you. You need to go to the Ask Tim page if you want a question answered. Once there, look closely at how many weeks behind we are. Please be patient as you use this free service. If you have an emergency and need to talk to me, there is an option there for you. Jack 23 Jan 2008, 10:48 Is the .032 thickness worth the extra money over .027 aluminum gutters? .027 seems to be the standard here in NW Florida and I'm thinking that most likely the .032 will not withstand damage much better if at all than .027 thick aluminum gutter. Am I wrong, is it worth the extra money? Sorry I looked around the site and couldn't find any comments... Thanks, Jack AsktheBuilder 23 Jan 2008, 16:46 Jack, Hail will dent the thicker ones....... But the thicker ones do better with ladders. Tim Burke 12 Mar 2008, 09:23 Tim , I installed aluminum gutters last spring. However rain water is still dripping ( alot) between the fasica board and new gutter. Water is still ponding below and back splashing onto the house. Any suggestions to close any gaps? The attachment of gutter to house seems good, the overhang diverts the water to the gutter. However I still have drippage. Thnaks Tim B AsktheBuilder 14 Mar 2008, 11:30 Tim B., Did you install the required base flashing that laps over the back of the gutter? John 21 May 2008, 07:57 Tim, I have an "old" house (built in 1981) that does not have edge/base flashing at the eaves of the asphalt shingled roof. The gutters use the spikes and ferrules attachment, but can I reuse the gutters with the new hidden attachments? And how the heck do I pull the old spikes and ferrules? Now that is the real tough question! Thank you for a great site. John Rick 17 Jun 2008, 10:59 Where would I purchase an aluminum gutter in a 37 foot length? None of the local lumberyards have anything beyond 10 feet and all the web sites I have found provide up to 20' lengths. I want to install my own gutters but can't find a source for my longest span (36 feet). Thanks.      View all comments *Name: Email: Notify me about new comments on this page Hide my email *Text: Security Image: Security Image Text:   Remember, Tim Carter doesn't answer questions here in the comments. You need to go to the Ask Tim page.