If you have ever completed a home project, you know that things don’t always go as planned. So, when you finally save enough money to have the exterior of your home refreshed with a new coat of paint, you’re not that surprised to find the gutters are in the way. If you try to paint around them, you risk sloppy edges and missed spots. Can gutters even be taken down and later reset? Do you take them down yourself or call in a pro?
The simple answer is yes, gutters can be taken down for home projects and then reset when completed. However, taking them down and resetting them is not a simple job. DIY projects are a good fallback for the budget-conscious homeowner, but hiring a professional gutter company is the safest and most reliable option.
Keep reading to find out what types of projects may require you to remove your gutters, the benefits of resetting or replacing the gutters, and why hiring a professional gutter company is the safest and most reliable choice for Cornelius homeowners. And for those that are on a budget, we’ll share a few simple DIY tips to safely remove and reset your own gutters.
Why Gutters Need to Be Detached for Home Projects
Our homes have a personality all their own. Each one comes with special characteristics and unique qualities that make it ours. That’s why, when we decide to complete a home project, we want to do it right. When it comes to gutters, they may not always be on the renovation agenda, and yet, we find them in the way. The following are common renovation scenarios that can require gutter detachment.
- Roof replacement or repair is two of the most common home projects that could require gutter removal. Both of these systems work in unison, protecting homes from the outside elements. Their close relationship often means that the gutters will have to be removed first.
- To paint the exterior of a home.
- To replace or repair the fascia board, the gutters will need to be removed since they are typically directly attached to each other.
- Remodeling and home additions are big projects. Many times, gutters will need to be removed until the addition or renovation is complete.
Making upgrades to your home shouldn’t affect the integrity of other important systems like gutters. Properly functioning gutters are critical to prevent water damage, especially with the occasional storm and heavy rains of North Carolina. For this reason, gutters should be detached, not only to improve hard-to-reach areas but to prevent gutter damage during construction. Detaching gutters must be done carefully, protecting them from damage, and then they can be inspected to determine if they should be reset or replaced.
Resetting vs. Replacing: What’s the Smart Move?
Resetting gutters is the process of reinstalling gutters after they have been removed for any reason. Resetting gutters means that gutters can be reused instead of replaced. The benefits of resetting gutters include:
Cost-Savings: Reusing your existing gutter system avoids the expense of purchasing new ones. This may be especially important for the homeowner who has been saving for a renovation and is on a tight budget.
Environmental Impact: Reusing materials, including gutters, is an eco-friendly practice that helps reduce waste and protect our planet from unnecessary garbage.
Aesthetics: Resetting gutter sections that have been detached, especially if there are portions that do not need to be removed, means that the look and color of your complete system will be consistent.
Preserving Life-Span: When a gutter system is in good condition and has a lot of life left, resetting ensures that you get the most longevity out of your system.
While resetting gutters is an environmentally friendly and cost-saving option, sometimes replacement is the better option. If gutters are moderately damaged, rusted, warped, or outdated, replacement may be the best choice. Talking with a professional who can assess your gutters accurately is worth your while if you find yourself facing these important decisions.
The Case for Hiring a Professional Gutter Company
To some, resetting gutters may sound simple, but resetting gutters requires skill, and mistakes can lead to costly damage, especially in Cornelius’ wet weather. Below are some of the more compelling reasons homeowners should think about hiring a professional gutter company in Cornelius to detach and reset their gutters.
Professional Evaluation: Professional gutter companies are skilled at assessing damage, seen and hidden, and recommend the appropriate repairs or upgrades.
Expertise and Skill: Detaching gutters without causing damage is the first trick when attempting to reuse gutters. Then, to reset them without bending, cracking, or misaligning takes precision and skill that the average homeowner most likely doesn’t possess. For gutters to function properly and efficiently, alignment is a must.
Safety: Working on gutters requires the ability to safely operate at heights, work from ladders, and with potentially dangerous equipment. Professionals are trained to do just that.
Local Knowledge: Local gutter companies will be aware of local building codes and ensure a safe reset that meets code and regulations. Their first-hand knowledge of local climate is also beneficial in determining the specific needs of your gutter system.
Warranty and Insurance: Licensed and insured companies often offer guarantees on workmanship and warranties on materials. Insurance protects the homeowner from any liability if accidents occur on the job.
Time: An experienced professional is able to complete complex jobs like gutter resetting much quicker than the average Joe. This saves time and allows homeowners to focus on their renovation project.
As you can see, there are many benefits to contacting and working with a reputable local gutter company before attempting gutter detachment and resetting on your own. With that being said, we recognize that for some homeowners, like those on a budget, DIY projects are appealing.
Simple DIY Tips for Budget-Minded Homeowners
Previously, we learned why working with a professional is usually the wise choice. However, for those homeowners working with a budget, we have put together these simple tips to help you complete the project as safely and successfully as possible. It’s important to remember that DIY gutter detachment and reset are riskier and less reliable than professional work.
- Assess your gutters’ condition first. Look for rust, dents, holes, or leaks before detaching. If the damage is moderate, consult with a professional instead of moving forward on your own.
- Label each gutter section before you remove it to make sure that you reinstall it in the right order.
- Use a sturdy ladder, gloves, and basic tools, and avoid causing damage during removal.
- Store on a level surface to avoid warping.
- Do not reuse bent or rusty hangers; reinstall using new fasteners.
- During reset, check for proper alignment. This is crucial to maintain proper drainage.
- Test after resetting using a level and running water through the gutters to check for proper drainage. Look for leaks and pooling as well.
Besides falling from a ladder and risking serious injury, misalignment is the worst problem you can have with a DIY gutter reset. For the best and most long-term result, working with a professional is always recommended.
The Smart Choice for Gutters
When it comes to tackling a home renovation, detaching and resetting your gutters is a practical, cost-saving solution to keeping your project moving forward without sacrificing your gutters’ integrity. It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing your roof, painting the exterior, or adding on; resetting gutters offers financial and environmental benefits if your gutters are in good shape. With that said, as tempting as a DIY project may be, the process demands precision and expert care to avoid costly mistakes. Given the frequent rains of North Carolina, hiring a professional gutter company is the smartest choice, ensuring safety, expertise, and compliance with local regulations while saving you time and stress. For the budget-conscious homeowner, the DIY tips can help with minor jobs but run the risk of misalignment or damage, far outweighing the savings. Contact a reputable gutter company today for a consultation before starting your next project.
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