Are Gutter Guards Worth the Extra Cost?

Gutter installation can be an expensive project, and it’s tempting to look for ways to cut corners. When it comes to protecting your home and your family, you’re going to want to put in the extra time and money for a quality product that lasts. Gutter guards may seem like one added, unnecessary expense, but they will save you money and time in the long run!

Gutter guards help the gutter do its job

Gutter guards help to prevent your gutters from clogging. If water cannot get through the gutters freely then they will rust. They also increase the longevity of your gutters. 

Remember, clogged gutters can lead to damaging your home’s foundation, siding, and basement – among other things. Repairs to your house will be much more expensive than installing gutter guards up front.

Increase the value of your home with gutter guards

Potential buyers will appreciate the extra care you have taken to protect not only the gutters themselves but also your whole home! Buyers won’t have to worry about a flooded basement or water damage to the exterior of the home because the gutter guards kept the water flowing freely through the gutters.  

They keep unwanted creatures away

Small critters like mice, birds, and squirrels will build a nest in your gutters if they have access. They might get curious and find a way inside your home too. Leaves and debris cause water to stay in your gutters which is a breeding ground for mosquitos. A leaf screen or gutter guard will keep these pests away from your home. 

Install gutter guards as a safety measure

Gutter guards keep you from climbing up a ladder to clean out your gutters. Ladders are dangerous and a fall could result in serious injury.

Did you know they also protect your home from fires? Twigs and pine needles that are clogged in your gutters will eventually dry out in the summer sun and turn into a perfect fire starter. Don’t let this happen!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

We understand, firsthand, the importance of gutters and gutter guards. Good to Go Gutters has been installing gutters in the south metro for over 20 years and we treat every home as if it’s our own. We offer much more than just traditional gutter installation – with custom colors and seamless options, we guarantee you’ll love the way your gutters look and everything they do for you! Give us a call today for your free estimate! 

How Can I Tell if my Gutters are Pitched Correctly?

Have you noticed your gutters aren’t working the way they’re supposed to? It’s possible your gutters aren’t pitched correctly. The good news is it’s quite easy to tell if your pitch is incorrect! 

What is a gutter pitch?

Gutters are installed at an angle so that they drain properly – that’s the gutter pitch. You don’t want your gutters to be completely straight; otherwise, the rainwater won’t flow to your downspout(s). The low point of the gutter should be directly above the opening to your downspout. The opposite end of the gutter will be the high point.

How can I tell if my gutters are pitched correctly?

It’s fairly easy to determine if your gutters are pitched incorrectly. Here are three ways:

  • Take a look
    • Sometimes you can see that the gutter is not tilted toward the downspout. However, most of the time the angle is so slight that you aren’t able to see it without a level. If you can put a level to your gutter, you can easily tell if it’s pitched correctly or not. 
  • Standing water
    • Check your gutters after it has recently stopped raining. Is there standing water? If so, your pitch is probably incorrect. It’s important to get this fixed as quickly as possible because standing water in your gutters can lead to many problems and will result in needing to replace your gutters or fix other damages to your home itself. 
    • Note: sometimes standing water is not a result of an incorrect pitch. Check to see if leaves or debris are clogging your gutters or downspouts before adjusting the pitch. If you don’t see leaves or debris but the water is standing, then your gutter will need to be repitched. 
  • Overflow
    • If water is overflowing your gutters, your pitch might be incorrect. Overflowing gutters can be a result of clogged gutters or downspouts, so check for clogs before you repitch. 

How to pitch your gutters correctly

Thankfully, the gutter does not need to be completely removed if you find that your gutters aren’t pitched correctly. Here are a few simple steps to follow:

  1. Use the downspout’s location to determine where the gutter’s high and low points should be. The low point is the opening of the downspout and the high point is the opposite end.
  2. Remove some of the gutter brackets or spikes. You don’t need to remove the end brackets, and you can leave one in the middle too so that you don’t have to completely remove the gutter.
  3. Once the other brackets are removed, move to the opposite end of the downspout. Remove the bracket and raise the gutter to the correct position. Then, secure the bracket.
  4. Move to the downspout and remove that bracket. Adjust the gutter slightly downward, then replace the bracket.
  5. Remove the middle bracket and the gutter will adjust accordingly. 
  6. Resecure the remaining gutter brackets every two to four feet.
  7. Use a level to ensure the pitch is correct. 

Call Good to Go Gutters today! 

Fixing a gutter pitch can be tricky. Don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll be happy to adjust your pitch for you. Good to Go Gutters has been installing gutters in the south metro for over 20 years. If you’re looking to install or replace your gutters, give us a call for your free estimate! 

The Best Gutter Installation Company in Lakeville, MN

If gutters are essential to your home (which they are!), then you’ll want them installed correctly the first time. While it is possible to DIY, it’s much safer and time-effective to hire a professional. And, if you’re going to hire a professional anyway, why not hire the best gutter installation company in your area? 

What makes a gutter company the best?

Local companies are a great option because they know the area and what type of gutters would be best for your home based on your annual rainfall.

  • While they may not have as big of a reputation, they are going to do a thorough job and present you with high quality work because they care about their clients
  • Local businesses can’t run away after the job is done. If you have issues with your gutters, you want to be able to easily contact your installers and get the job corrected.

You also want to look for companies who come to your home to give you a quote, rather than giving you a quote over the phone. It might seem more convenient to receive a quote over the phone, but it won’t be accurate. An installer needs to measure your home and discuss customizations before they can give you an exact dollar amount. The last thing you want is to pay more at the end because you were unfairly misquoted! 

Reviews say it all! A great way to tell if a gutter installation company is the best is to read their reviews. Customers don’t lie – they tell it like it is! 

Don’t forget to ask these 5 questions before hiring a gutter installer!

Why is Good to Go Gutters the best?

We’re a 5-star company that has been installing gutters in the south metro area for over 20 years. Most of our work is through word-of-mouth referrals. We pride ourselves on having developed a reputation for being honest and getting the job done right. We don’t cut corners. While mistakes are rare, we’re upfront about it and make sure it gets fixed right away. We believe in treating each home like it’s our own. We aren’t done until the finished product is something the homeowner can be proud of. And we promise, “No sag, no leak as long as you live in your home.”

Call Good to Go Gutters

Don’t wait to give your home beautiful gutters and protect it for years to come. Give us a call today!

Why Didn’t my Builder put on Gutters?

When going through the home building process, there are many decisions and details to keep track of. Gutters probably aren’t at the forefront of your mind, nor should they be! It’s not until the first major rainfall that you realize the builder left out the gutters. 

Why weren’t gutters included?

First, you’ll want to double check your contract. Many builders do not include gutter installation in the build because it is viewed as a nonessential and they are anxious to get on to the next build. 

If the gutter installation was included in your contract and your builder failed to install them, then you should definitely give them a call. But, don’t be too surprised when you review the contract and find that gutters weren’t not included. 

Are they really that important?

Yes, gutters are extremely essential in keeping your home and your family safe! They’re an upfront investment but so worth it in the long run. 

  • Gutters preserve your home’s foundation because they direct water away from your house.
  • They protect your basement from flooding. Again, because gutters guide water away from the house, rainwater doesn’t stand a chance of getting into your basement. Trust us, you don’t want to deal with water damage to your basement walls, floor, and furniture!
  • They prevent mold and mildew growth. If your foundation or siding sits damp for too long or has too much exposure to water, mold and mildew will start to grow.
  • They keep mosquitos and other infestations away. Gutters, and especially downspouts, direct the water away from your house to your grass or garden where the water can be readily absorbed. Mosquitos and other insects love standing water. Don’t let you home be a breeding ground!
  • They prevent erosion. The soil around your home protects the foundation from damage. If the soil gets too much water exposure, it will gradually wear away and your foundation will become exposed and damaged.
  • They prevent siding damage. Too much water on your siding can lead to rotting, paint damage, or staining. This decreases the curb appeal of your home and creates more work for you.

How can I get gutters on my home?

The quickest and most reliable way to install gutters on your home is to contact a reputable professional. There are DIY options available, but the quality and effectiveness of the system may suffer.

You may want to consider installing leaf screens as well. They alleviate some of the hassle of maintaining gutters.

4 Reasons to Install Leaf Screens 

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters specializes in new construction in the south metro area, so we are familiar with builders skipping over gutter installation. We work with quality vendors and offer quick installation for homeowners. Give us a call today to set up a time for a free consultation and quote!

Is it Best to Install Gutters in the Summer?

While it’s possible to install gutters year-round, it’s not always advisable. For example, installing gutters during a rain or snow storm is dangerous. It’s best to install gutters during the dry days of summer. 

When should I install gutters?

Most homeowners don’t notice an issue with their gutters until the winter or spring. Clogged gutters are common in the fall from leaves and debris, then the snow and ice freeze the gutters and trap the debris. Once the snow begins to melt and the spring rain starts, your gutters are about to max out. 

If you notice any leaks, rust, or dents on your gutters, you should replace them as soon as possible! Wait for a day that isn’t rainy or snowy to replace your gutters. It’s important to replace gutters sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary damage to your home. 

Summer is a perfect time to install or replace gutters because it’s dry!

Is there a downside to installing in the summer?

The only problem with installing gutters in the summer is that you may not know if they were installed correctly until they are put to the test in the winter and spring. The last thing you want is to spend time installing gutters this summer, only to find out 6 or 9 months later that they were installed incorrectly. 

If you choose a DIY gutter installation, be careful. You may find that you installed them incorrectly after it’s too late. Not only will you have to repurchase all the materials, you might have to replace other parts of your home as well due to water damage. 

Hiring a professional gutter installation company is a smart idea because they are likely to get the job done correctly the first time. On top of that, Good to Go Gutters offers a lifetime warranty on their gutters as long as you live in your home. Should you run into any issues during the wet months, Good to Go Gutters will repair and replace your gutters at no additional charge to you!

Ultimately, installing gutters in the summer is the smartest move. Always avoid dangerous projects (such as climbing on ladders to install gutters) during inclement weather. 

Call Good to Go Gutters Today!

Good to Go Gutters has been installing seamless gutters in the south metro for over 20 years. We pride ourselves in quick and quality work. We’d love to install your gutters for you this summer. Give us a call today for your free estimate! 

Why not go with the Cheapest Bid?

When looking into the price of gutter installation it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option. Who doesn’t love a good deal? However, going with the cheapest bid may not be that great in the long run.

You get what you pay for

Some gutter installation companies may cut costs by using cheaper materials. Or, if you’re DIYing the project, you may be tempted to purchase cheaper materials. Your gutters won’t last as long, and you’ll need to replace them much sooner than you’d like.

If you are attempting a DIY gutter installation to avoid the cost of labor, keep in mind that professionals know what they’re doing. Many gutter installation companies, such as Good to Go Gutters, offers a satisfaction guaranteed policy. Hiring professional companies also keeps you out of the hospital!

If you’re going to DIY make sure to avoid these 5 common mistakes.

What goes into the cost? Why not the cheapest bid?

The cost of gutter installation isn’t just the price of the gutter themselves. It also includes things like downspouts, screws, hangers, other installation materials, and labor.

The cost also varies based on the type of gutter you choose. For example, aluminum or vinyl gutters run cheaper than galvanized steel or copper gutters.

More determining factors:

  • 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 additional 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 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.

Call Good to Go Gutters Today!

Good to Go Gutters has been installing gutters in the south metro area for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on having developed a reputation for being honest and getting the job done right, and we promise, “No sag, no leak as long as you live in your home.” Give us a call today for your free estimate!

Can I get Gutters that Blend in With my Siding?

Are you hesitant to install gutters because you don’t want them to stand out against your house? To some people, gutters can be an eyesore. The good news is that gutters come in a variety of colors, so you can have gutters that blend with your siding.

Gutters that blend with your siding

Choosing a gutter color that matches your siding is one of the best ways to keep your gutters discreet. Because seamless gutters come in a variety of colors, it’s almost guaranteed that there is a color to match your siding.

Good To Go Gutters has a wider selection of gutter color options than any installer in the Midwest. That’s because we invest the time exploring options with you to make sure final aesthetic matches the beauty and charm of your home. If you don’t see the gutter color you like, we’ll custom match it for you!

Gutters that blend with your trim

However, you don’t have to match your siding. Some people prefer the gutter to match the trim of their house instead. Or perhaps you have a brick home and matching the siding isn’t much of an option. Gutters that match your trim won’t be too obvious along your roofline but may be more noticeable with the downspout running down the side of your home.

If you don’t want the downspout to stand out against your home, consider matching the gutter color with your siding or running the downspout toward the back of the house where it won’t be seen as much.

Are there other options for gutters?

Looking to make a statement with your gutters? If vinyl or aluminum gutters aren’t up your ally, copper gutters are a beautiful option. They likely won’t match your siding or your trim; they’ll act as a statement piece for your home’s exterior. While they are more expensive, they are well worth the price for many people.  

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

We’ll be happy to help you choose gutters that blend in with your siding. We’re experts in gutter installation in the south metro area, and we promise quality work and a quick turnaround. Call Good to Go Gutters today for your free estimate!

How to Determine the Right Gutter Size

Ready to install gutters but aren’t sure which size to use? It’s not too difficult to determine the right gutter size for your home. However, there are several calculations, so let’s break it down:

Two gutter sizes

Primarily, there are two different sizes of gutters for standard homes:

  1. 5-inch K-style gutters
  2. 6-inch half-round round gutters

Either option should work for your home, but houses with large or steep roofs may want to consider the 6-inch half-round gutters to prevent overflowing. 6-inch gutters can handle almost 50% more water than 5-inch gutters.

Calculate drainage area to determine gutter size

For a simple gable roof, you need to make two calculations – one for each slope. If your roof has multiple facets, the area of each surface that has a drainage area needs to be calculated to know the entire square footage of the drainage area.

Use the roof-pitch factor to determine gutter size

The roof-pitch factor indicates the steepness of your roof and can be easily calculated with a two-foot level and a tape measure.

Place one end of the level against the roof, level it, then use the tape measure to measure the distance between the middle of the level and the roof underneath it. This measurement is called the “twelve-inch run”. For example, a six-inch gap between the underside of the level’s midpoint would be considered a six-in-twelve pitch.

Use this table to determine your roof-pitch factor:

Roof pitch                                                  Roof-pitch factor

Twelve-in-twelve or higher                               1.3

Nine-in-twelve to eleven-in-twelve                   1.2

Six-in-twelve to eight-in-twelve                        1.1

Four-in-twelve to five-in-twelve                        1.05

Zero-in-twelve to three-in-twelve                     1.0

Find the maximum rainfall intensity  

The United States Weather Bureau records the maximum possibly rainfall over a five-minute interval. The higher the number, the larger the gutter. Use this table to find the maximum rainfall intensity in your region.

Determine the gutter size

Once you have all the measurements, you’re ready to determine the right gutter size for your home. Take the square footage of the drainage area and multiply it by the roof-pitch factor, as well as the maximum rainfall intensity. This number is called the adjusted square footage, and you can use it with the chart below to determine the recommended size of gutter for your home. If different drainage areas on your roof call for different sizes of gutters, choose the one that is the largest.

K-Style:

  • Five-inch 5,520 square feet
  • Six-inch 7,960 square feet

Half-round:

  • Five-inch 2,500 square feet
  • Six-inch 3,840 square feet

Don’t forget the downspouts!

Don’t forget to factor in the downspout location when you’re determining your gutter size. Additionally, consider installing leaf screens to maximize the life of your gutters.

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Calculating the size of your gutters can be tricky. Give us a call for your free estimate and we’ll be happy to give you a hand. Good to Go Gutters is an expert in gutter installation in the south metro area and we treat every home as if it’s our own. We offer quality work and a quick turn-around.

4 Reasons to Install Leaf Screens Today

Who enjoys climbing up a ladder to dig out soggy leaves and debris? Probably not too many people. Clogged gutters are a hassle! Don’t waste your time cleaning out your gutters – install leaf screens today!  

Gutter Guards and Leaf Screens. What’s the difference?

Guard guards and leaf screens serve the same purpose: to keep leaves and debris out of your gutters.

Both are easy to install and work well. It comes down to knowing which type of debris is most common in your area. For example, pine needles can get stuck in the holes of the leaf screen. This can be a nuisance. If you don’t have pine trees around your house or pine needles in your landscaping, then leaf screens are a great option!

Leaf screens will save you money

Although it costs money to install them, leaf screens will end up saving you money down the road because you won’t have to pay to repair damaged gutters or possibly hire someone to clean out your gutters for you. Leaf screens increase the value of your home as well!

They keep unwanted creatures away

Small critters like mice, birds, and squirrels will build a nest in your gutters if they have access. They might get curious and find a way inside your home too. Leaves and debris cause water to stay in your gutters which is a breeding ground for mosquitos. A leaf screen or gutter guard will keep these pests away from your home.  

Install leaf screens to protect your gutters

Leaf screens reduce clogging which allows the gutter to continue to do its job. If water cannot get through the gutters freely then they will rust. Additionally, leaf screens increase the longevity of your gutters.

Install leaf screens as a safety measure

Leaf screens keep you from climbing up a ladder to clean out your gutters. Ladders are dangerous and a fall could result in serious injury.

Did you know leaf screens also protect your home from fires? Twigs and pine needles that are clogged in your gutters will eventually dry out in the summer sun and turn into a perfect fire starter. Don’t let this happen!

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

It’s time to keep your gutters free of debris and take all the measures to protect your home and your family. Good to Go Gutters is an expert in seamless gutter and leaf screen installation, and we’ll treat your home as if it’s our own. Give us a call for your free estimate!

Where is the Best Place to Run the Downspout?

The downspout is an important part of gutter installation. While gutters do a lot of work in directing rainwater away from your home, downspouts finish the job by getting the water as far away from your foundation as possible.

What is a downspout?

A downspout is a pipe that comes in a variety of colors and materials. It connects to a hole in the gutter channel and runs vertically down your home. The bottom of the downspout bends away from your home and carries water out to your yard or other designated place.

Are they necessary?

Yes! Without downspouts, rainwater can leak into your home causing foundation issues, mold, mildew, and dry rot. Downspouts are also necessary for eliminating erosion. Downspouts are a cost-effective preventive measure. It’s much cheaper to install them upfront rather than pay for potential water damages to your home down the road.

Where should I place the downspout?

Downspout placement will vary from home to home. Here are a few things to consider:

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

2. Where do you want the water to end up? For example, you probably don’t want the water rushing into your flowerbeds.

3. What is the slope of your yard? If you have a flat yard, you’ll need the downspout to extend further away from your home compared to a sloped yard.

4. Think of the visual appeal. You’ll likely want your downspouts to run down the side or back of your house. Downspouts come in a variety of colors so they can match your siding and won’t be so noticeable if they end up closer to the front of the house.

5. Downspouts should extend 4-6 feet away from your home. In fact, the further away from the foundation the better.

Extra tip: putting gravel or rocks at the end of the downspout is a great way to avoid erosion.

Call Good to Go Gutters today!

Good to Go Gutters is an expert in gutter and downspout installation, and we treat every home as if it’s our own. We’ll bring quality service and leave you with a gutter system that is guaranteed to protect your home for as long as you live in it. Give us a call today for your free estimate!