Do You Have The Right Gutters For Your Home?

You know that gutters are designed to protect your home from water damage by collecting rain water and diverting it away from the sides of your home and down a downspout into the ground. But did you know that you have many choices when it comes to your gutters? What type of material, style,  and color your gutters are can make a big difference in both the curb appeal and the resale value of your home. Here are some factors to consider when choosing gutters for your home. 

Color

Today's gutters come in a variety of colors, so it's easy to find something to compliment your house. Some homeowners prefer the look of gutters that exactly match the color of the house, allowing them to blend in and be almost unnoticed. Others use gutters as a way of accenting a house, choosing contrasting colors so that gutters end up looking almost like painted trim. Which way you go depends on your own preferences. 

When choosing a gutter color, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

• If your house is a light color, consider pale neutrals like almond and ivory. 
• For a darker neutral, choose brown or gray. 
• Consider dark blue or gray if your home's exterior is blue. 
• To compliment your Victorian home, try forest green or red. 

Style

Are you living in a modern home, a farmhouse, a historical home, or something else? Whatever your home's style, you should consider it when you choose your gutters. 

• Choose sleek, steel gutters to compliment a contemporary home. 
• Your historic home may have originally had wooden gutters made from fir or redwood. You can still find these, although they can be expensive. 
• You may also want to consider copper as an accurate choice for an historic home. It is costly, though, and you can use copper covered aluminum for the same look.

Convenience

How much maintenance are you willing to do on your gutters? Are you planning on cleaning them out once or twice each year? Is your roof line especially high, requiring professionals to maintain your gutters? 

Seamless gutters are a low maintenance option because gutters with seams can crack and leak and may have to be replaced often. Gutters with shields help keep leaves from falling into the gutters and clogging them. This is helpful to those who will not be doing maintenance because a clogged gutter can cause water to pool and fall down in sheets, damaging your house. 

The gutters you choose do matter, so be sure to consider all of your options before you make a decision. The right gutters will protect your home from water and look fantastic at the same time.