Do I Need to Replace Leaking Gutters Right Away?

Leaking can be a sign that your gutters are not working the way they are supposed to. It’s possible that your gutters may be clogged, in which case, they’ll need a good cleaning. However, if your gutters aren’t clogged and are leaking, it’s important to replace leaking gutters right away to avoid damage to your home.

How do I know if my gutters need to be replaced?

There are many telltale signs that your gutters need to be replaced.

  1. Have you noticed problems with your home’s foundation? Clogged or leaking gutters are not able to effectively direct water away from the home, which will often lead to cracks in your foundation.
  2. Have you noticed leaking or mold in your basement? Check your gutters because they may be the culprit.
  3. Are your gutters sagging or pulling away from your home? Are they dented, bent, or have cracks in them? Then it might be time to replace.
  4. Have you found nails or broken fasteners on the ground? If your gutters are not being held up properly, they will not be able to do their job. 

What is the best time of year to replace my gutters?

Fall is one of the best times of year to have your gutters cleaned and inspected. It’s important to get your gutters ready for the snow and ice build-up that is inevitably on its way. You don’t want to deal with leaking gutters in the spring from all the snow melt, so get ahead of the problem now!

Do contractors replace leaking gutters?

One of the services Good to Go Gutters offers is gutter replacement. However, some repairs require only a basic sealant that you can find at your local hardware store. If that is the case, you may not need our help. 

There are some occasions when it is more cost-effective for the homeowner to do the repair. Don’t let that stop you from calling us if you have questions about leaking gutters. We are ready to discuss the repair and let you know what the options are.

What is the process for repairing gutters?

In many circumstances, the best way to repair an existing gutter is to replace the segment(s) that is leaking. If your gutters are sectional gutters (which may contribute to the leaking), then our seamless gutters would be somewhat different than the existing gutters on your home. We’ll certainly do our best to match pre-existing gutter styles and colors when replacing leaky segments. If we are repairing another installer’s gutters, keep in mind that we can’t guarantee their product.

It’s possible that a prior set of gutters needs to be replaced entirely. If that is the case, we treat it as, essentially, a new job. That is sometimes the best option, especially with sectional gutters that are more prone to leaks.

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

It may be tempting to ignore a gutter leak. However, it’s much better to repair and replace them now before the problem gets too out of hand and brings damage to multiple areas of your home. Whether or not we installed your gutters, we want to be the ones you call for any gutter repairs. We’re a small, local business that treats every home as if it is our own. Give us a call today with your gutter repair questions!

How to Calculate the Cost of Gutter Installation

Just like with any home project, it’s important to figure out the cost of gutter installation before you jump in. Gutter installation ranges in price depending on what type of gutters you use and how big your home is. Gutters are not a one-size-fits-all which is why Good to Go Gutters cuts your seamless gutters on site – a guaranteed perfect fit every time!

What determines the cost?

There are many variables in determining the cost of gutter installation:

Height – the heights that we have to scale to install a gutter span impact the pricing. The lower your rooflines are, the less expensive those spans will be.

Leaf guards – leaf guards are an optional component to your seamless gutters. Keep in mind that leaf guards help reduce the maintenance needed for your gutters. They can be well worth the expense!

Design of the home – the layout of the home has an impact on the cost of the gutters. A simpler design with fewer rooflines will require fewer gutter spans and will thus cost less. More elaborate designs that require more corners, downspouts, and overall spans will increase the costs.

Distance – the longer the spans, the greater the cost.Type of gutter – we offer both five-inch and six-inch seamless gutters. The benefit of six-inch gutters is that they carry 50% more water. This means that there is more water controlled and managed. Six-inch gutters cost an average of 25% to 30% more than five-inch gutters. Five-inch gutters tend to be our most popular option.

How to determine the cost of gutter installation

To know the total cost, first you’ll have to measure the area of your roof and the roof pitch:

  1. Measure the lengths and widths of each area of your roof.
  2. Multiply each length and width to get the square footage of that area.
  3. Add those numbers to get the total square footage.
  4. Hold a level horizontal with one end touching the roof surface.
  5. Measure 12 inches along the level from the end that’s touching the roof.
  6. At that point, measure the space from the roof to the bottom of the level — that’s the pitch.

Then, you’ll need to multiply the roof square footage by a number determined by the roof pitch, and use the resulting number to choose gutter measurements.

Once you know how many feet of gutters you need, you can choose the type of gutter. Depending on your budget, you can choose inexpensive materials like aluminum and vinyl or more expensive materials such as stainless steel and copper.

Keep in mind, there are pros and cons to all gutter materials!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

The simplest way to learn the cost of gutter installation is to give us a call! Good to Go Gutters promises quality work and a quick turnaround time. We’re a local business that believes in treating every home as if it is our own. Give us a call today for your free estimate!

What is the Best Way to Conceal Gutter Downspouts?

Downspouts are a crucial part of your gutter system, but they can be a bit of an eyesore. There are several ways to conceal gutter downspouts; here are some of the most popular ways:

Conceal your gutter downspouts with paint

Painting your downspouts is one of the simplest ways to conceal them, especially if you have vinyl siding on your house. Keep in mind, you will have to prepare the downspouts just as you would with any other paint job. Don’t forget to thoroughly clean them and apply primer before you paint! And make sure you use the right kind of paint.

Are you having trouble finding the right shade of paint? With Good to Go Gutters, you can custom-match your gutter system and downspouts to your siding. We guarantee we have the shade you’re looking for. 

Cover your downspouts with greenery

Consider adding plants to conceal your downspouts. One option is growing vines on the downspout or installing a trellis in front of the downspout. This is a preferred choice because it makes it easy to perform repairs when needed. 

You can use other types of plants around your downspout, but keep in mind, the rush of water may flood your garden or overwater your plants. 

Conceal your gutter downspouts with rain chains

If you don’t like the way downspouts look, consider rain chains. You can use almost anything to make rain chains and give your property an aesthetic unique to you!

Keep in mind, they can be difficult to install and can cause roof damage in the winter because ice weighs them down and puts strain on the roof. 

Do gutter alternatives really work?

Replace your gutter downspouts

In the case of denting or rust, your downspouts may be a true eyesore, beyond repair. You won’t want to paint them or cover them with greenery. If your gutter system is still in good condition, you’ll want to replace the downspout rather than attempt to paint it or cover it with greenery. 

Since we offer custom gutter installation, we can help you with proper downspout placement and make sure to conceal your gutter downspouts as best as we can. 

And, if it’s time to replace your downspouts or repair your gutter system, we’ll clean out your gutters for free!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters is a small, local business that prides itself in quality work done quickly. We’ve been installing gutters in the south metro area for over 20 years and treat every home as if it’s our own. Give us a call today for your free estimate!

Can I Paint my Gutters?

Painting your gutters is a great way to liven up the exterior of your home. While white gutters can create a classic and crisp look, there is nothing wrong with gutters of all colors. Just make sure you use the right type of paint.

Looking to freshen up your gutters with paint?

Gutters get dirty over time. The paint will dull and even chip. White gutters in particular will show a lot of dirt and grime. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in bringing the exterior of your home to life again. 

What kind of paint should I use on my gutters?

It’s a good idea to choose a premium paint brand because it will stick to exterior surfaces better than off-brand paints. You can use either oil- or latex-based paints for gutters, but double check your gutter material (aluminum, vinyl, zinc, etc.) to see which one is best. Oil-based paints tend to work better on aluminum. 

How to paint your gutters

Before you take a can of paint and a brush to your gutters, make sure you prepare!

  1. Clean your gutters. Use soap, water, and scrub brushes to get all the dirt and grime off the gutters. If you don’t clean your gutters, then the paint won’t stick.
  2. Remove the gutter braces so that you can paint the section of gutter underneath the brace.
  3. Apply primer to ensure the paint will not cause the gutter to rust or the paint to fade too quickly. 
  4. Now, paint! Apply an even coat to the inside and outside of your gutters. 
  5. Wait 24 hours then apply a second coat of paint. This will help your paint job last as long as possible.

Customize your gutter color so you don’t have to paint

If you would like colored gutters but do not want to paint them, you can customize your gutters upon installation! It’s not always easy to find the exact shade you’re looking for, but Good to Go Gutters guarantees a perfect match!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters is a small, local business that prides itself in quality work done quickly. We’ve been installing gutters in the south metro area for over 20 years and treat every home as if it’s our own. Give us a call today for your free estimate and we’ll help you choose the right gutter color for your home.  

How Hard is it to Install Gutters Yourself?

Looking for ways to save money on your gutter installation? You may think you can install gutters yourself to cut some costs, but it may end up being more expensive in the long run. How hard could gutter installation really be?

What is the biggest challenge?

Believe it or not, gutter installation takes a lot of training and experience in order to be installed correctly. While there are many obstacles to installation, pitch is one of the most challenging aspects.

The pitch is extremely important as it is the key to making sure your gutter system works the way it is supposed to. If your pitch is off, then water will not run freely through your gutters which will lead to damage.

How can I tell if my gutters are pitched correctly?

Isn’t it cheaper to install gutters yourself?

At first glance, it appears as if you’ll save money by installing gutters yourself. Cutting out labor costs can bring your estimated cost down, but don’t forget that you may have to buy or rent tools which will increase your price.

You’ll also have to buy materials and if any materials are damaged during installation (i.e. dented gutters) it will be up to you to replace them. However, a professional gutter installation company assumes the cost of damaged materials during the installation; it wouldn’t have to come out of your pocket like it would if you were DIYing.

Are seamless gutters DIY-friendly?

Seamless gutters are highly desirable because they are more durable and require less maintenance than a sectioned gutter system. Seamless gutters are easier to install and are customized to fit your house, because gutters are not a one-size-fits-all.

However, seamless gutters are not often an option at big-box stores, so it can be difficult to obtain seamless gutters if you are installing them yourself. A professional gutter installation company will be able to provide you with seamless gutters. 

Is it safe to install gutters yourself?

Gutter installation requires a lot of climbing up and down ladders and using power tools. It can be very dangerous to climb ladders, especially if you are trying to carefully maneuver gutters and other materials. 

If you’re set on installing gutters yourself, make sure to avoid these costly mistakes.

Call Good to Go Gutters!

Good to Go Gutters is a professional gutter installation company in the south metro area. We treat every home as if it is our own, so we will give you quality work done quickly. 

It can be tempting to DIY your gutter installation, but it isn’t that easy, so give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

Why are my Gutters Full of Shingle Granules?

Have you noticed your gutters aren’t working like they’re supposed to? Shingle granules may be the cause of your clogged gutters!

What is causing the shingle granule build-up?

It’s not uncommon to find shingle granules in your gutters. Granules are added to asphalt shingles to protect against UV rays and act as a fire retardant. 

A build-up of shingle granules in your gutters does not necessarily mean you need a new roof. It’s natural for the granules to fall off over time with wind, rain, and snow. 

However, if you let the granules continue to build-up in your gutters, then water won’t be able to move freely through the gutters which will cause problems for your roof in the long-run. Clogged gutters can result in a lot of damage to your home, so it’s important to keep them clean and clear of debris. 

How do I get rid of shingle granules in my gutters?

While a few shingle granules aren’t going to do much damage, you should keep an eye on it and clean your gutters before too much build-up occurs. 

Cleaning your gutters can be a precarious job and requires a sturdy ladder. Make sure you don’t lean the ladder against the gutter as that will dent and damage the gutter. You can use a small plastic shovel or scoop to dig out the debris and shingle granules. Then, you’ll want to use a hose and rinse out your gutters. This will also act as a test to ensure your gutters are moving water the way they’re supposed to. 

Is there a way to prevent shingle granules from getting in my gutters?

Cleaning gutters is not a fun job. It’s time-consuming, laborious, and can be dangerous. Rather than waiting for your gutters to build up with shingle granules and other debris, you can take the preventative measure and install gutter guards or leaf screens. 

Both gutter guards and leaf screens serve the same purpose: to keep leaves and debris out of your gutter AND keep you from climbing up the ladder to clean out your gutters.

Leaf screens will prevent more than shingle granule build-up. Install them today for added protection!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters is a small, local business that prides itself in quality work done quickly. We’ve been installing gutters in the south metro area for over 20 years and treat every home as if it’s our own. We’d be happy to install leaf screens to give you that extra measure of protection. Give us a call today for your free estimate!

How to Choose the Right Gutter Color for your Home

Ready to install gutters but aren’t sure which color to choose? It can be tricky to determine what gutter color you should pick, and the last thing you want is an eye sore. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right gutter color.

First, are there any gutter color restrictions?

Some cities, counties, or homeowner’s associations require a specific gutter color and gutter type. Before you get too deep into deciding your gutter color, make sure it hasn’t already been decided for you!

Match the gutter color with your siding

If you want your gutters to blend in with your house, we recommend choosing the color that matches your siding. This will create a seamless look and not interfere with the exterior appearance. The gutters will serve their purpose without getting in the way visually.

Match the gutter color with your trim

Don’t want a color that matches the siding? Go with the trim instead. Because the gutters run against the trim of the house, they won’t be too obvious in the front, but they will be more prominent against the side of your house. 

Match the gutter color with your roof

Matching your gutters to the color of your roof is a viable option because the gutters will look like a natural part of the roofline rather than a border around your house. However, this isn’t our most recommended option since roofs often starkly contrast the siding of the house.

Consider copper gutters

If you don’t like the look of gutters matched to your trim, siding, or roof, then consider copper gutters. Although more expensive, copper gutters are a beautiful option. You don’t have to paint them, and they develop a beautiful greenish patina over time.

What’s the most popular gutter color?

If you are feeling uncertain about your gutter color, it might be a good idea to look around you. What color did your neighbors choose? White or off-white tend to be the most popular and standard choice because it will go well with any siding, trim, or roof. White or off-white gutters provide a clean and finished look to the exterior. 

What if I can’t find an exact match? (Choose a contractor who can custom match)

Just because others are choosing white or off-white doesn’t mean you have to! Choose a color that you love! If you have blue siding, perhaps you want blue gutters! The problem is, you can’t always find unique colors.

Good news! With Good to Go Gutters, you can customize! We guarantee we can find the right color to match your siding or trim!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters is a small, local business that prides itself in quality work done quickly. We’ve been installing gutters in the south metro area for over 20 years and treat every home as if it’s our own. Give us a call today for your free estimate and we’ll help you choose the right gutter color.

5 Types of Rain Gutters to Consider for Your Home

Installing rain gutters is one of the best decisions you can make to protect both your home and your family. Gutters direct water away from your house, preventing flooding, mold and mildew growth, and damage to your foundation, roof, or siding. 

It can be overwhelming to decipher gutter types and figure out which one is right for you. Here are 5 types of rain gutters to consider for your home:

home

Aluminum gutters are standard

Aluminum gutters are one of the most popular and least expensive options. They can be either seamed or seamless, and seamless gutters are something you want to have!

Aluminum gutters come in three different thicknesses: .025in, .027in, and .032in. Since Minnesota gets a heavy amount of snowfall each year, it’s recommended to go with the thickest option to accommodate the weight of the snow.

Pros:

  • Available in all colors (to match your siding)
  • Won’t rust
  • Easy to install
  • Lasts for decades

Cons:

  • Can dent or bend, especially with the weight of snow or debris. 

Rain gutters made of vinyl

Vinyl is another popular choice because it isn’t very expensive. It can be painted, easily installed, and doesn’t corrode or rust. Keep in mind, it is not as durable as metal and is prone to cracking in cold weather.

With vinyl gutters, you get what you pay for. It may seem like you’re saving money by going for the cheaper option, but you’ll have to re-install them sooner than other types of gutters which will end up being more expensive in the long run. 

Pros:

  • Lightweight and inexpensive
  • Can be painted to match your siding
  • Easy for DIY installation
  • Won’t corrode or rust

Cons:

  • Becomes brittle in high-heat climates and can crack when exposed to hard freezes
  • Color fades with intense sun exposure
  • Prone to cracking if a ladder is leaned against them

Zinc gutters last in severe weather

Zinc is durable and won’t rust or fade. However, it is more expensive and not easy to install yourself because the joints and ends of each section of gutter must be welded together. 

Pros:

  • Long-lasting (up to 50 years!)
  • Won’t rust, warp, or fade

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not suitable for DIY installation

Steel rain gutters are durable

Steel holds up in all types of weather, but it is prone to rust, unless coated in aluminum or zinc. The coating lasts 10-15 years only, so they require regular maintenance.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Prone to rust
  • Very heavy and not DIY-friendly

Copper rain gutters have a natural beauty 

Copper is a beautiful option that is extremely durable in all weather types, but it’s substantially more expensive and not easy to install yourself. The greenish patina that evolves over time appeals to many homeowners. It’s a beautiful accent to your home that cannot be achieved with other gutter types.

Pros:

  • No need for painting – the natural shine and eventual greenish patina does all the work
  • Holds up in intense heat and extreme cold
  • Won’t rust or warp

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Not DIY-friendly

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters is an expert on gutter installation in the Twin Cities. We’ll help you decide which type of gutter is right for you, considering both your home and the climate. We treat every home as if it’s our own and deliver quick and quality work every time. Call us today for your free estimate!

New Gutters in Just One Day

Gutter installation may seem like a big and time consuming project, but did you know you can have new gutters installed in just one day?

How long does it take to install gutters? 

Depending on the size of your home, gutters can be installed in as little as 1 to 4 hours. Larger homes may take 3 to 8 hours, but either way, the job can be done in just one day! 

Factors like how high your roof is and its slope also determines how much time the installation will take. The type of gutter also dictates the timeframe – some types are a little more labor intensive than others.

Can I install gutters in just one day by myself?

While it’s possible to DIY your gutter installation, it may end up taking you more than one day to get the job done. 

Gutter installation can be tricky if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing – and it can be dangerous too! If you are attempting a DIY, make sure to avoid these 5 costly mistakes

Another reason to hire a professional, such as Good to Go Gutters, is so that you can get customized gutters on site. We cut our gutters at your home rather than bringing them pre-cut because gutters are not a one-size-fits-all. If you are DIYing your gutters, make sure you’re measuring and cutting carefully! 

Why should I install gutters? 

Gutters are essential to your home. They direct water away from your house, protect the foundation of your home, prevent erosion, protect your landscaping, and prevent basement flooding. They will prevent staining to the exterior of your home, mitigate paint damage, and stop mold and mildew growth.

Gutters may seem like an unnecessary add-on, but they are worth the cost in the long run. It’s more cost effective to install gutters rather than repair and replace your home’s foundation, siding, and more.

Hiring a professional will ensure new gutters in just one day!

As is the case with many home improvement projects, once you get started many find themselves wishing they had hired a professional to begin with. Home improvement projects, including gutter installation, can be tricky, more expensive, and more time consuming if you do it yourself. Hiring a professional gutter installation company will save you time and money – and save you from a headache too! 

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters has been installing gutters in the south metro for over 20 years, and we can give you gutters in just one day. We’re a local business that believes in quality customer service. We treat every home as if it’s our own, meaning we put the time and care into each and every one of our jobs. Don’t wait any longer to install gutters on your home. Give us a call today for your free estimate! 

How Many Downspouts Do I Need?

A gutter installation job is not complete without the downspout. Each home is a little different. Some homes can get away with one downspout while others need more than one. So, how many downspouts do you need? And where do you run them? 

Where should I run the downspout? 

The goal of the downspout is to assist the gutters. The gutters direct water away from your home, and the downspout carries it out and away from your home’s foundation. They are an integral part to keeping your home free from water damage. 

Downspout placement varies from home to home. Things like the size of your home, the slope of your yard, and your landscaping location will determine where to place them. 

Likely, you don’t want the downspout visible in the front of your house; the side or the back is preferred. Plan accordingly so that the downspout won’t be shooting water into your flower beds or garden.

How many downspouts do I need?

A downspout should not drain more than 35 feet of gutter, so it’s possible your home will need more than one downspout.

To determine how many square inches of downspout are needed, first calculate your roof area, your area’s rainfall intensity, and your gutter capacity. Make sure you follow these steps when calculating your gutters and downspout(s).  

How far away should they stick out from the house?

You don’t want your downspouts too close to your house otherwise they won’t be very effective in keeping water away from the foundation of your home. You also don’t want them sticking too far out into your yard as this will become both a hazard and a nuisance. Is it possible to install downspouts that don’t stick out into your yard while still doing their job?

Can I get downspouts that blend with my siding? 

Some people stray away from gutters and downspouts because they are worried about the eyesore. Good news: your gutters and downspout(s) don’t have to stand out! In fact, they can perfectly blend in with your siding so that they are barely noticeable.

Good to Go Gutters guarantees a perfect match to your siding because we offer a wide variety of color choices. If we don’t have the color you’re looking for, we’ll custom match it for you! 

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Understanding how many downspouts you need, where to run them, and how to install them correctly can be tricky! Good to Go Gutters has been installing gutters in the south metro for over 20 years. We pride ourselves in quality customer service and a job done right the first time. Give us a call today for your free estimate!