Choosing the correct gutters to install on a commercial or residential building is one of the most overlooked things by property owners as most realise it too late that they should have chosen a particular gutter type over the other for various reasons.
We have decided to compare and contrast some features and qualities of seamless gutters vs traditional gutters which may help property owners to make informed decisions when choosing a gutter system for their buildings.
Traditional/regular/sectioned gutters: these gutters come in pre-cut small sections which need to be joined together to form the gutter pathway which runs along the length of the roof.
Seamless gutters: these gutters are the direct opposite of sectioned gutters. They come in a continuous length that also run along the length of the roof and unlike traditional gutters they do not come pre-cut or contain any joints on the gutter pathway.
Manufacturing & Installation: Traditional gutters are manufactured in small sections in the factory and installation on a building usually involves a lot of cutting and joining together for the gutters to fit. Seamless gutters are manufactured and profiled on site and can be personalised to fit the design and size of the building perfectly.
Durability & Maintenance: Seamless gutters last longer and are easier to maintain and clean as they do not contain any seams. In contrast traditional gutters contain seams/ joints which are their weakest points. These joints become weaker overtime and the joints make it harder to clean as some dirt, leaves and debris may get trapped in the joints which can also speed up their deterioration.
Leakage: the primary function of gutters is to manage and channel roof water in the desired direction and leakage is considered as a litmus test for gutters. Seamless gutters are continuous without any joints and this limits the chances of them leaking. Traditional gutters are sectioned and contain a lot of joints which means the chances of leaks a very high compared to seamless gutters.
Cost & Value: Comparing price tags, traditional gutters are cheaper with seamless gutters expensive. However, in the long run it would be wiser to choose seamless gutters as they are more durable and easier to maintain. Traditional gutters become more expensive as they require a lot of maintenance and repairs and due to their sectioned nature, their lifespan is limited which would require replacements in some cases.
Now that you know some of the differences between SEAMLESS GUTTERS AND TRADITIONAL GUTTERS, we hope it will help you to make informed decisions when choosing a gutter system for your home or commercial property. Soltam Steel Pvt Ltd also specializes in manufacturing and installing ALUMINIUM SEAMLESS GUTTERS wherever you are located in Zimbabwe.