Gutter Cleaning & Repair Services in Chicago, IL

Chicago Rain Gutters

In a place that receives a moderate to high amount of annual precipitation, there are several practical reasons to install new (or replace old) rain gutters. Chicago is certainly not the wettest city in the country, but the rain, snow, and ice that is present in the area is definitely enough to cause some problems if it isn't properly diverted. If your gutters have seen better days, or if you're installing gutters for the first time, getting the right fit for your home will depend on a of couple factors.

The Importance of Rain Gutters
A lot of homeowners might ask themselves why gutters are important in the first place. It's true that in certain areas gutters might not be needed at all, but in Chicago, rain gutters are a valuable tool in preventing soil erosion, keeping entryways accessible, and, in some instances, keeping a home's structure stable.

Obviously, having water cascading over your front door can be prevented by a well placed gutter system, but in an environment prone to freezing temperatures for a good amount of the year, icicles are an even bigger concern. A falling icicle can cause damage to property, or even people; making sure that they form only in out-of-the-way areas will assure that this doesn't happen. Additionally, the weight of enough large icicles in one place can actually cause damage to your roof, or even your foundation.

In warmer months, Chicago rain gutters divert large amounts of water to downspouts that are placed where this water will not cause flooding to your yard or basement. Gutters also stop excessive rainfall from creating trenches around your home and ruining landscaping.

Getting the Right Rain Gutters
Do-it-yourself gutter installation is certainly a possibility for a homeowner with a little experience and good planning skills. In many cases, however, it's a good idea to talk to a professional before attempting this job. A downspout placed in a vulnerable area can cause more damage than having no gutters at all, and gutters that are installed improperly can have problems with clogging, which can lead to even bigger issues.

It is also helpful to know a bit about the strengths and weaknesses of different gutter materials. Galvanized gutters are strong, but can be prone to rust. Aluminum gutters are inexpensive and lightweight, but the seams can often hold onto debris, meaning more frequent cleaning. Copper gutters are more pricey and must be treated, but look exceptional and perform well. Increasingly popular vinyl gutters solve some of the problems associated with their metal counterparts, but are not always a good fit for every situation. Talking to a local gutter contractor with some experience and knowledge of your area can give you a much better idea of what will be right for your home, even if you plan on doing the work yourself.

Prices
Whether you hire a contractor or do-it-yourself, installing rain gutters in Chicago is not generally an extremely expensive operation. Though HomeAdvisor doesn't have figures on DIY jobs, we can tell you that most of the professional Chicago rain gutter installations we process fall within the $1,000 to $1,500 range. The most extensive jobs might run $2,000 or more, while less involved projects can be as low as $600. As always, getting several quotes from a few different contractors is a good way to get the most for your home improvement dollar.