Gutter questions

Replacing gutters on a typical home often runs about $600 to $1,750, with aluminum at roughly $3 to $15 a linear foot installed. Two-story homes, larger gutters, copper and lots of downspouts cost more. See the cost guide for ranges on cleaning, repair and guards too.

For most homes, yes. Seamless gutters are formed on site in one continuous piece for each run, so there are no joints along the length to leak. Sectional gutters can work, but every seam is a place for a drip to start.

Many homes have 5-inch K-style gutters. Larger or steeper roofs, long runs and spots where two roof slopes meet often need 6-inch gutters and larger downspouts, especially with Augusta's summer downpours. A company should size them from your roof, not just match what's there.

Some do better than others. Fine micro-mesh guards generally keep needles out best, while simple screens and foam inserts can let needles slip through or trap them. No guard is truly maintenance-free; most still need the top brushed or rinsed now and then.

At least twice a year: once after spring, when pine pollen and oak tassels come down, and once in late fall after the leaves drop. Homes under heavy pine cover may need it more often.

We connect homeowners with independent local gutter companies. When a partner company is available for your area, your call or request goes straight to them, and they quote and do the work. At times no partner is available; if so, the phone message will tell you, and you may want to contact a local company directly.

No. There's no fee to call or send a request. Many gutter companies give free estimates, but terms vary, so the company that handles your request will confirm theirs before any work starts.

It depends on your policy and what happened. Policies often help when wind or a falling tree damages gutters along with the roof, and usually don't cover wear and tear. Take photos before anything is repaired and check with your insurer.