A: Hardware and home improvement stores sell do-it-yourself metal and vinyl types which are fitted and glued together with pre-fabricated gutter sections and a variety of corner connectors, end caps, downspouts, joint sleeves, and other components. Unfortunately, prefabricated joint sleeves, corners and connectors tend to leak more than professionally installed systems, which can be custom made to have fewer joints, and sealed with rivets or soldered. Vinyl gutter systems are often favored because they are lightweight and can be easily snapped or glued together. However, vinyl gutters are not recommended for hot, sunny climates where they tend to become brittle, crack and fail quickly.

Do-it-yourself gutters generally do not look as good as professionally installed ones, so I wonder if you would be satisfied with their appearance on your newly re-stuccoed and re-roofed home.

When professionals install gutters, they consider many factors, including the kind of roofing material, the style of gutters and downspouts that would both perform and look best on each particular home, the best gutter material to suit the homeowner's criteria for price and maintenance, the most efficient way to attach the gutters to the home without harming the roof system, and where to place the downspouts for proper drainage off the roof and away from the foundation, as well as appearance.

For example, custom made continuous seamless gutters available in a wide range of colors may be the most expensive option initially, but if you consider how nice they look on a home along with all the time and materials you'll save painting and repairing for many years in the future, you can understand their increasing popularity with homeowners.

I recommend you do your homework, check out the prices and appearance of all the do-it-yourself gutters available, and then call a few professional gutter installation companies to compare the types and prices of gutters they offer against your time and effort. Whatever you choose, good project planning is a must if you want to be pleased with your efforts at the completion of the project.

To locate a reliable gutter specialist to discuss your options, visit Home Advisor, enter a service request, and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.

Good luck with your project!

This information is brought to you by Jim Boyce of Boyce Roofing in Rocklin, CA.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com