3 Best Gutter Companies in
Ithaca, NY (Mar 2023 Review)
Have a gutter problem? We selected the top 3 gutter service companies
in Ithaca based on:
-
Ithaca homeowner reviews - Gutter services offered
- Quality of Work
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Best Gutter Services in Ithaca
Gutters are often overlooked, but are an essential aspect of your home. A good gutter system reduces the risk of water damage to your house. Gutters protect your soffits, eaves and fascia (which are normally wooden), as well as your landscaping, basement and foundation. As important as the gutters on your Ithaca home are, you might end up procrastinating on needed maintenance due to simply not knowing where to start.
Top Environmental Pick
LeafFilter Gutter Guards
- Made from sustainable and/or recycled materials
- Positive online reviews
- Competitive pricing
Great Design
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
- Lifetime warranty
- Offers pitched/diamond designs for better flow
- Innovative design
Most Customizable
All American Gutter Protection
- Recyclable materials
- Many design options
- Lifetime warranty
More Gutter Services in Ithaca
No matter your worries, our guide to Ithaca's top gutter professionals is here to help. Read below to learn more about maintaining your gutter system, and to find our list of the top gutter professionals in your area.
What you need to know about gutter services in Ithaca
- Installation: If you do not have a gutter system on your home, it's worth having one installed. Although they are not legally required, the benefits conferred by a good gutter system almost always outweigh its financial cost. The final price of your gutter system will be based on things like the materials and style you choose (discussed in more detail below).
- Repair and Cleaning: You might plan to hire gutter cleaning or repair services if you begin to notice things like clogs, cracks, leaks, holes or mold and mildew. The job might involve replacing gutter sections, fixing holes, filling gaps in your gutters or reattaching the gutters to the house. How much you'll pay for either service will be based on variables such as the size of your gutter system and the length of the job.
- Replacement: If your gutter system is very old or damaged, it may need to be replaced. One of Ithaca's local gutter professionals can complete a free inspection to determine if your gutter system needs to be repaired or replaced. The total price you pay for replacement will vary based on variables including the length and material of your new system. In most cases, your gutter service professionals will dispose of your old gutters after replacing them.
While it won't require everyday work, your gutter system will occasionally need certain services. Some gutter services you may need are:
Different Types of Gutters
The material you select for your gutter system will affect its final cost. The material also affects the durability, weight and sustainability of your gutters. Common options for gutter systems include:
- Copper: Gutter systems made of copper last a long time, but can be very expensive. Copper is easily recyclable, which makes it more eco-friendly than some other options.
- Aluminum: Aluminum gutters weigh very little and are easy to install. They are rust-resistant, but they also bend and crack more easily than other materials. Recycled aluminum gutters can help your home be more eco-friendly.
- Vinyl: Vinyl gutters are the least expensive, but don't hold up over time in places like Ithaca where freezing temperatures are possible. Gutters made of PVC vinyl are decidedly not environmentally friendly, but uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) contains a lower amount of environmental toxins than many other types of gutter materials.
- Steel: Gutters made of steel are durable and heavy, which makes them one of the more sustainable options. The material can also be recycled.
- Titanium Zinc: Titanium zinc gutters are expensive, but will last quite a bit longer than many options. Titanium zinc does not rust, and it doesn't usually show scratches. The production of titanium zinc gutters is less eco-friendly than some other options, but their longevity helps contribute to their sustainability.
Some other decisions you might have to make about your gutters can include:
- Sectional Vs. Seamless Gutters: Sectional gutters are easier and cheaper to install. To install sectional gutters, you or your gutter professional will attach pre-cut lengths of material to your house. Seamless gutters require professional installation, as they are custom-built to your home. They are more expensive for this reason, but are also less prone to leaks.
- K-Style Vs. Half-Round Gutters: The most common gutter style is the K-style. They tend to hold more water than other styles, which makes them good for rainy areas. Half-round gutters are open on top, which makes for easier cleaning, but also hastens debris buildup.
- Custom Gutters: Custom gutters may be worth the extra cost, depending on the details of your project. In addition to seamless gutters, as discussed above, there are also options like fascia gutters, which are built right into the fascia board on your home.
When planning a gutter project, we recommend first speaking with one of Ithaca's local gutter service professionals. They can answer any questions you have and walk you through any important decisions.
Different types of gutter guards
Gutter guards help protect your gutters from both nesting animals (such as birds and wasps) and from debris buildup. If you live in an area with more trees, you may be planning to add gutter guards on top of your existing gutters, or considering getting them when you install new gutters. Common gutter guard types include:
- Screen Guards: Screen guards let water through their holes while blocking debris; however, smaller debris like pine needles can still sometimes get into your gutter. DIY installation of screen guards is easy.
- Mesh Screen Guards: These guards have better filtration than regular screen gutter guards, but it's also more likely that they're going to need professional installation.
- Micro Mesh Screen Guards: Micro mesh is extremely effective at stopping debris while letting water through. These guards almost always need to be installed by a professional.
- Brush Guards: Brush guards are made up of large bristles that rest in your gutters and catch debris. Brush guards are very easy to install, but because debris frequently gets stuck in them, they require frequent cleaning.
- Foam Guards: Foam guards are made up of pieces of foam that sit in your gutter and let water through while catching debris on top. They are cheap and easy to install, but are non-recyclable and need to be replaced frequently, making them less eco-friendly than some other options.
- Reverse Curve/Surface Tension Guards: Reverse curve guards have a unique shape that lets them use surface tension to allow water to flow into your gutters while debris slides off. Reverse curve guards are extremely effective but also expensive, and professional installation is required.
Top Environmental Pick
LeafFilter Gutter Guards
- Made from sustainable and/or recycled materials
- Positive online reviews
- Competitive pricing
Great Design
HomeCraft Gutter Protection
- Lifetime warranty
- Offers pitched/diamond designs for better flow
- Innovative design
Most Customizable
All American Gutter Protection
- Recyclable materials
- Many design options
- Lifetime warranty
FAQ's for gutter services in Ithaca, NY
How can I help my gutters be more environmentally friendly?
Some ways you can make your gutters more eco-friendly include using recyclable and/or more sustainable materials (like aluminum and copper), performing regular maintenance and cleaning so they need to be replaced less often and installing gutter guards. Gutters' biggest environmental impact generally comes from the materials, so using sustainable ones and replacing them less frequently is important.
How important is it to hire a professional for my gutter services project in Ithaca?
For most gutter projects, it is essential to employ a Ithaca gutter services technician. If done incorrectly, gutter work can result in increased water damage to your house, which can be very expensive in the future. Gutter professionals also have the training and equipment to take care of the job safely and can save you from having to get on a ladder.
How do I clean my gutters after I've put leaf guards on them?
How you clean your gutter system will change based on what kind of guards you have. Some, like micro mesh and reverse curve guards, might need professional help. Others, like brush and foam, can simply be removed when it's time for cleaning.
What can I add to my gutter system to improve its appearance and/or function?
Accessories like fascia brackets, downspout brackets and decorative boots can help improve the look of your gutter system. A conductor head can help prevent overflowing gutters during heavy rain. Lastly, if your house has a deep overhang, you could install a rain chain to provide a unique look while still draining your gutters effectively.
What are some tips for doing my own gutter maintenance?
We suggest that you call one of Ithaca's local gutter service companies for the majority of gutter projects, but if you are going the DIY route, safety should be your biggest priority. Wear gloves, and make sure any ladders are secure. Verify that your downspout is unblocked, and flush the gutters with water when you're done.
Normally, you should be inspecting your gutters regularly, in order to fix clogs, cracks and other problems before they get out of hand. We strongly suggest that you also add leaf guards to your gutters, as they help cut down on the frequency with which maintenance is required.