At Alamance Insulation and Gutters, we’ve got all your insulation and gutter needs covered. Serving areas in central North Carolina such as Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, and High Point, we provide excellent services and products to our loyal customers. One service we offer is installing gutters. There are many questions when it comes to installing and cleaning gutters, and generally making sure you’ve chosen the right gutters for your home. If you have questions about your gutters, please don’t hesitate to contact Alamance Insulation and Gutters. We’re happy to help!
Today we’re finishing up our two-part series about what you need to know about gutters. These are some essential questions many folks ask if they’re new to the world of gutters.
Can Gutters Be Recycled and/or Reused?
Most recycling centers will readily accept steel and aluminum gutters; you may even get a scrap metal price if you bring them to the correct location. Vinyl and plastic gutters are recyclable, but some centers may not accept them.
Old gutters in good condition can be reused for a variety of household projects. You can use them to make shelves, edge landscaping, or create interesting art pieces. Don’t use rusty gutters for these projects, and make sure that you clean the gutters thoroughly before bringing them into your home.
If you order a new set of gutters, the installation company will usually dispose of the old gutters free of charge. This is a good choice if there is no recycling center in your area.
Can Used Gutters Be Sold? If so, Where?
You can usually sell metal gutters to a scrap metal recycling center. Actual prices vary, but used aluminum can sell anywhere from 20 to 70 cents per pound. Contact the recycling center first; you may need to clean or prepare the gutters for scrapping.
Can Gutters Overflow? If so, How Is This Prevented or Fixed?
Gutters can overflow if they are not properly maintained. You can usually fix this with simple cleaning and repair. Never try to fix an overflowing gutter during a storm; wait until the area is dry to perform your maintenance.
A debris clog is the most common reason that gutters overflow. Clean your gutters frequently to remove leaves, dirt, and trash. Clogs often occur in downspouts; you can get rid of a clog by using a leaf blower, a hose, or another type of forced pressure.
Gutters can also overflow if they are improperly positioned. Your gutters should be level with your house and tilted slightly towards the downspout. To fix this, repair any support structures. You may also want to install a gutter guard.
If your gutters always overflow in heavy rain, they might not be big enough for your local weather conditions. Installing larger gutters is a quick solution to this problem.
Can Gutters Be Painted?
Gutters are often painted to improve their appearance; in fact, many aluminum gutters are manufactured with a coat of white paint. The right paint will keep your gutters from rusting and significantly increase their lifespan.
If you want to repaint your gutters, start by washing them, stripping any old paint, and sanding the surface to achieve an even coating. Remember to use a rust-proof primer, and choose a paint that is appropriate for an outdoor environment.
Always remove gutters before you paint them. The part of the gutter that sits against the house needs to be painted to prevent rust damage.