Inspections Unlimited - 715 Hope Ave NW Salem, OR 97304

Helping You Make Informed Decisions

Serving Oregon Home Buyers, Sellers, and Real Estate Agents with Professional Certified Inspections Since 1989

  1. Removal of gutters can be done by the professionals in no time at all. It's like a well choreographed dance. However, some professionals charge for removal, which isn't always in a household budget. A routine home inspection can explain the condition of your gutters. Removing gutters yourself can be relatively simple, and you only risk making a mess, scratching your house or possibly breaking a window. Here is a closer look at removing your gutters yourself: 

  2. Gutter Removal Basics

    To remove the nails all you need is two hammers and someone to catch the gutters.  Put the claw of  1 hammer on the head of the gutter nail then hit it with the other hammer, when the nail is loose give it a firm follow-through hit. Now it is usually slipped completely out without damaging the gutter.  The gutters should be reasonably clean to prevent excessive weight.

  3. Remember that old gutters are most likely aluminum or vinyl and highly recyclable and reusable. The really old metal and wood can be recycled but it's always harder. The best way to recycle your gutters is to use them in another location like a garden shed or greenhouse. If you have some that are in good shape you can even use them on a patio cover. 

  4. Always be careful at the roof edge, a fall from even 10 feet does not feel very good at best and at worst you may not be  all there when it's over. When in doubt about your ability, hire a professional.

  5. Fascia Board Preparation

    Now that you can see the fascia board, it will probably look pretty bad. Don't panic, it's common to have some deterioration behind the gutters especially if they've been leaking.  Go through and inspect the areas for damage and replace what is needed. Chances are good that it's never been painted under the gutters. This is one good reason to remove the gutters yourself so you can have some time to prep and paint the fascia before the new gutters are installed.

  6. Roofing Drip Edge

  7. Don't forget to look at the roof. There should be a reasonable drip edge (1/2 to 1 inch) and in some cases metal flashing. If there was deterioration in the fascia then there's a chance there was a roof leak as well or a drip edge problem. If  your  roof eaves are deteriorated you probably have leaks in your roof.

  8. If you need a roof inspection, don't hesitate to call one of our inspectors to help you make an informed decision about your roof condition and the need for replacement. Some gutter installers will install drip edge in conjunction with gutter installation if you've had leakage from an inappropriate drip edge. Some may even do some minor roofing repairs. The roof drip edge is what prevents leakage and deterioration in your fascia. It may be well worth the longevity of your house to have it repaired with the gutters.

  9. Installing New Gutters

    1. New gutters are almost always more cost-effective and look better if they are continuous.  This means they need to be installed by a professional. Even I will have continuous gutters installed. Shop around and get a good price.  Always question the details and try and get the highest quality job  possible. Gutter prices average about $3.30 to $3.50 foot for 5" K-Style gutters. The downspouts should be made of manufactured elbows, the elbows that are made on site are very prone and plugging if not made properly. The number of downspouts and locations should be well thought out. If you've had overflowing or loose gutters you may want to go as far as relocating your drains as well to get better downspout placement. The gutters should be flat or made to drain dry only. It's always fun to watch a good gutter installer with 100 feet of gutter in one hand leaning over the roof and driving a nail in the center. You may think this is just a lazy installer or Tim Taylor show off, but this is actually a very important technique of gutter installation, by holding together in the center you can install at level and it will drain very naturally to both ends without looking crooked on the house. One other thing that is very important with gutter installation is the nailing. The nails need to be into the rafter tails and be straight or slightly upward with the spacers so they will not hold water to prevent leaking at the nails. Pick your installer well, watch them do their work, and you should get a good job. If you have questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact the Inspector in your area.