If you’re a homeowner, you’ve no doubt discovered just how important gutters are to the well-being of your house. How do you decide which kind is best? We’re here to help. We’ll compare seamless gutters vs. sectional gutters so you can choose the best option for your home. 

What are Seamless Gutters?

Seamless gutters are exactly what they sound like – long and continuous gutters without any joints, separate sections, or seams. Any seams are found at the end of the gutter near the downspouts. Seamless gutters are most commonly made of aluminum and come in a few different styles:

• K-style gutters have flat bottoms and decorative edges (most likely a curved shape) to match the crown molding. K-style gutters are very easy to install and, therefore, quite popular in many modern homes.
• Half-round gutters are just as they sound, a trough, tube-like shape, most commonly found on older homes. While they are a bit more clog-prone, there are ways to combat that issue.
• Box-style gutters are more industrial-looking and popular on commercial properties. They’re effective against heavy rain or snow and can be used on residential homes for a more industrial aesthetic. Box-style gutters aren’t installed on roofs’ edges; they are tucked into the shingles on a roof.

What are Sectional Gutters?

Sectional gutters are made by snapping or welding each piece of metal into place to form the full rain gutter. Unlike seamless gutters, you can see where each section connects at a seam to the next section. Sectional gutters can be made of many materials, including copper, zinc, or aluminum.

Comparing Seamless Gutters vs. Sectional Gutters

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of each type of gutter so you can make an educated decision for your house.

Pros of Seamless Gutters:

• Seamless gutters are less prone to leakage. Since seamless gutters are just one long piece of metal rather than a bunch of pieces, no leak points are present in a sectional gutter. Leaks can badly damage your home’s foundation over time, and seamless gutters make it more difficult for storms to cause leaks and damage.

• Seamless gutters require less maintenance. Seamless gutters are far less prone to clogs since there aren’t any seams that leaves and debris can catch on. Knowing that, and with the option of gutter guards, there is virtually no chance of a clog in a seamless gutter. You’ll save time on cleaning and save money without the need for professional maintenance.

• Seamless gutters enhance the curb appeal of your home. Seamless gutters are perfectly fitted to the dimensions of your home. They are extremely pleasing to the eye, and are sure to enhance the overall look of your home. They are smooth and elegant, and with no seams, they add an air of sophistication and class that can’t quite be reached by sectional gutters.

Cons of Seamless Gutters:

• Seamless gutters have more expenses attached to their presence. If one were to sum up the cons of seamless gutters in one word, that word would be cost. The costs of seamless gutters can add up. The material alone is more expensive than that of sectional gutters, and it doesn’t end there. 

Installation must be professionally done, or you run the risk of doing a poor job, both logistically and aesthetically. On top of that, any repairs that must be done are done to the entire gutter. Remember, there are no sections – any issues with a spot on the gutter affects the entire structure, and fixing the entire seamless gutter can cost quite a pretty penny.

Pros of Sectional Gutters:

• Sectional gutters are cheaper upfront. Sectional gutters are much more reasonably priced upfront. Also, they’re immediately available at any local hardware store.

• Sectional gutters can be a DIY project. While seamless gutters must be professionally measured and installed, sectional gutters can be done by a capable homeowner. As long as you know what you’re doing, sectional gutters can be installed on your home without requiring specialized equipment. 

• Sectional gutters offer different styles and materials. Sectional gutters can be purchased in various colors, styles, and materials to fit the look of your home. Particularly for older homes, sectional gutters can be pleasing to the eye and can blend right into the style of the house.

Cons of Sectional Gutters

• Sectional gutters are more prone to leakage. Since seams connect each piece of material to one another, the chance of a break in the gutter causing a leak is much more likely. There are just so many more moving parts to sectional gutters, and the chance of something being damaged over time is higher than the chance for seamless gutters.

• Sectional gutters are more prone to clogs. Leaves and other debris can catch on the seams of sectional gutters and cause water to spill over the sides. If this goes unchecked or unnoticed, the water spillage will cause damage to the foundation of your home over time. It’s important to always keep your gutters clean.

• Sectional gutters require more maintenance from you. Due to the issues above, sectional gutters require more diligence from homeowners to ensure problems aren’t doing potential damage to your home. Constant checking and cleaning are required to ensure that your sectional gutters are in tip-top shape.

• Sectional gutters can cost you more money over time. While we mentioned that the upfront cost of seamless gutters is more expensive, the price you pay over time for sectional gutters could eventually be more. The weight of rain, snow, and leaves can wreak havoc on a sectional gutter, and maintenance could be required very often. Not to mention, if anything was subpar during a DIY project, you’ll be paying more for repairs than you ever could have imagined.

Seamless Gutters vs. Sectional Gutters: Which One is Right For You?

Now that you know about the two types of gutters available, choosing which gutter is right for your home is up to you. As the homeowner, it’s up to you to decide your priorities and what exactly you’re willing to pay.

Aesthetically speaking, older homes tend to fit the bill for sectional gutters. Be knowledgeable about your home, and really take a look. What would look better with the style you’ve built on and around your house? If you don’t mind routine maintenance and checks to make sure your gutters aren’t clogged or slowly wearing down, and you don’t mind the occasional DIY project, then sectional gutters may be the perfect choice for you.

However, if you don’t mind the upfront cost, and you’re willing to pay a bit more, seamless gutters could be the best route. They require less maintenance, the professional installation guarantees quality, and the sophistication of the look of seamless gutters is undeniable. Seamless gutters would be a perfect addition if you have a modern home.

Need Gutters? Call Werner Roofing

If you have more questions about seamless or sectional gutters, and which would be best for your home, give the experts at Werner Roofing a call. With more than 30 years experience in the West Michigan area, we’d love to be your first choice in roofing! Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or request your free estimate online today!