Frequently Asked Questions
Gutter Installation
When should I replace my gutter?
It all depends on the material in which the previous gutter is made. Gutters range in materials from aluminum to steel, in varying thicknesses. Some things to watch out for are rust, missing hangers and screws, gutter is pulling away from the fascia, sagging, or severely damaged and interrupting water flow.
What are ABC Seamless gutters made out of?
ABC Seamless gutters are known for their reliability and strength. The steel used is .028g in thickness providing a durable, long-lasting product fit for an Alaskan winter. The hangers we attach the gutter with are also durable steel and extra wide to provide the strongest hold. In addition, the inside is coated with G90 galvanization, preventing rust for years to come.
How often should I clean my gutters?
Typically, gutters should be cleaned twice a year, before winter and after. This will prevent corrosion and premature rust. Outside factors that could influence how often cleaning should be done include an excessive amount of trees in the area, and water spilling over the top.
How long will my new steel gutters last?
ABC Seamless steel gutters should last well over 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Our knowledgeable office and sales staff are very well-versed in the range of factors that can extend your gutter’s life, so don't hesitate to call.
Is my new gutter covered under warranty?
Yes! All of our ABC Seamless steel products come with a 20-year manufacturer warranty. In addition, we honor our installations with a 5-year craftsmanship warranty. Rest assured that if you have any issues with your new gutter, we will do our best to reach you ASAP.
How long will my gutters take to install?
Most of our installations can be done in one day or less, some of our bigger jobs with more products can take up to three days. We do not need anything except for an electrical outlet, so our customers can go about their business as usual and come home to brand-new steel gutters.
Do I need a Gutter Helmet?
A Gutter Helmet is a solid and effective product for keeping leaves and other debris out of your gutter while allowing all the water to flow inside. Typically, a Gutter Helmet is installed on houses with many trees in the area, as those gutters tend to fill up with leaves faster.
How do I prevent ice problems in the winter?
Assuming your property is equipped with decent attic insulation and roof ventilation, heat cable is another way to treat ice dams. Ice dams are where heat loss causes snow on the roof to melt and refreeze on the edge of your roof. This then causes water to back up and run inside the house.
Our heat cable is another way to allow water to escape, by melting channels in an ice dam or frozen gutter, providing the pathway for the water to escape. Talk to your sales representative if you have any questions about adding this product to your system.
How do I hook up my heat wire system?
Since our heat wire is very high quality we require an electrician to hook it up. This ensures a safe, professional installation with minimal catastrophe risk (i.e. electrical fire). If you are unsure which contractor to call, give us a call and we will gladly offer a trusted electrician’s contact information.
Can you put heat wire in my ground drains?
Yes! This is the safest and most proactive way to prevent costly and lengthy repairs to a burst drain. If heat wire is not an option for you, we make sure that our downspouts can be modified to miss the drain in the winter.
What is a rain chain?
A rain chain is just that, a chain! These use surface tension and act as a downspout. They are used in places where there is not a good place to attach a downspout, while still providing full water diversion.
What are snow stops?
Snow stops are a fairly economical way to prevent snow from sliding off of a metal roof. These can range in price providing economical options along with extra reinforced options for remote Alaskan houses. These are installed on metal and EPDM (rubber, typically flat) roofs, and prevent your gutter from being ripped off with falling snow and ice.