FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Trade:
Q: What rain gutter materials can I source from Custom-Bilt Metals’ suppliers?
A: Custom-Bilt Metals is a contractor’s one-stop shop for aluminum, steel and copper products that deliver the best in roll-formed gutters. And they are the only manufacturer in the market that finishes their gutter material with Dura Coat XT-10 with TEFLON® surface protector for added customer satisfaction. As a Custom-Bilt Metals’ gutter customer, contractors can expect to receive expert planning services that will result in all necessary supplies delivered to the contractor or jobsite, including all accessories and fabrication equipment to complete any type of residential or commercial gutter installation. Here are some of the wide range of items that can be provided to contractors for gutter installation projects:
- Rain gutter roll-forming machine
- Aluminum, steel or copper gutter material in coil form
- Matching end caps, miters and screws
- Additional accessories: leader head, hangers, sealant, touch-up paint, elbows, downspout, offsets, spikes & ferrules, strainers and outlets
Q: With the roll-forming machines, how many gutter profiles do I have to choose from?
A: Custom-Bilt Metals provides five different gutter profiles to provide the most appropriate and effective type for your building project. All of the profiles are available in aluminum and steel. Copper rain gutters are also available for all profiles for a traditional, elegant look. Some gutter materials are only available in certain regions, so please contact your local Custom-Bilt Metals location. Profiles include:
- “K” or “O/G” Style Seamless Gutter in 5” & 6”
- Half Round Style Gutter in 5” & 6”
- Commercial Style Seamless Gutter in 6”
- Super or Deep Fascia Style Seamless Gutter in 7 ¼”
- Fascia Style Seamless Gutter in 5 ½”
Q: I work on many different styles of homes. Will Custom-Bilt Metals be able to provide a machine that fits my specific needs?
A: Different roll-formers are compatible with different coil materials and have varying features that can make one machine more appropriate than the rest for your specific gutter application. Custom-Bilt Metals is happy to assist you in choosing the right machine.
When you purchase gutter machines through Custom-Bilt Metals, you will be able to choose between seven different machines that form the flat metal coil into the continuous run of gutter that is attached to the building. You will not only receive the warranty on parts provided by the manufacturer, but you’ll receive free alignment and maintenance as long as you’re a Custom-Bilt Metals’ customer. Available machines include:
- Iron Man Junior, Iron Man 6” Seamless Rollformer, Iron Man 5” Fascia Cutter, Iron Man 6” Half-Round Seamless Rollformer, Iron Man 5” Seamless Rollformer, Iron Man 7” Seamless Rollformer, Iron Man 5/6” Seamless Rollformer
- Used machines are often available for purchase. Contact your nearest Custom-Bilt Metals branch to inquire.
Q: I have my own gutter-rolling machine. Can I still buy Custom-Bilt Metals’ coil and accessories?
A: While most contractors don’t have a machine at hand, some gutter-specific contractors may have their own from a previous project. If this is the case, Custom-Bilt Metals can work with you to supply the appropriate material to your existing machine. After confirming that the existing machine will work with the home and builder-specified sizing and intended style, Custom-Bilt Metals can supply all additional products including downspouts, elbows, miters, etc.
Q: Why should I buy Custom-Bilt Metals’ rain gutter systems over the competition?
A: By choosing Custom-Bilt Metals’ coated rain gutter materials, you are providing your customers with a material that is a cut above the competition. With the plethora of color options, gutter machines producing industry-leading profiles, a strong warranty and the benefit of well-known brand names including Dura Coat XT-10 with TEFLON® surface protector, Ironman roll-forming machines and Custom-Bilt Metals products will put you in the lead over other contractors.
Custom-Bilt Metals gutter contractor customers also make the installation easy by bringing the machine, coil and other materials directly to the jobsite. Builders and homeowners will appreciate the ability to benefit from additional quality of Dura Coat XT-10 with TEFLON® surface protector at no additional cost. And the home’s occupants will be happier in the long-term with the low maintenance of the product and will have piece of mind knowing they have Custom-Bilt Metals’ lifetime warranty as security.
Q: What if I’d like to subcontract out this job but still use your system?
A: Custom-Bilt Metals can not only bring all supplies and materials to the contractor on-site, but will assist contractors in finding a gutter professional that is experienced and qualified to perform the installation. By using our referral services, busy builders are connected with a large network of gutter contractors that are highly trained to use the roll-form machinery as well as trained in the latest installation methods to apply seamless gutters.
Homeowner:
Q: How will Custom-Bilt Metals’ rain gutter material enhance the look of my home?
A: Custom-Bilt Metals knows that gutters have the potential to detract from the beauty of a home or building, and have provided features to ensure that their rain gutters bring an aesthetically pleasing element. Aluminum and steel gutters are available in 22 colors and are finished with Dura Coat XT-10 with TEFLON® surface protector that will help keep them cleaner longer. The surface protector and extensive color palette will allow homeowners to add an attractive trim to their roof that is also resistant to common problems like breaking in film, chalking, blistering, color changing, accelerated weathering or loss of gloss.
Q: Why should I choose a continuous seamless gutter over one made of a piece-meal system?
A: Historically, gutters were sectional, making it relatively simple for general contractors to apply the gutters step-by-step themselves without using heavy-duty machinery. Today this remains a common method for do-it-yourself homeowners, but professionals have largely shifted to the use of seamless gutters that work without dripping or leaking and for the better looks and durability of the continuous systems.
Seamless gutters are more attractive, blending into the home’s structure and color scheme and appearing as an intended part of the home rather than standing out as an add-on. Because the seamless gutters are measured, manufactured and installed on-site, they are custom-made to the exact specifications of your project. This makes it possible to create runs that are specifically tailored to the shape and structure of the home and allowing the application to look polished and high quality as well as extremely functional.
Q: How do I know if I should choose steel, aluminum or copper gutters?
A: Before you make your choice of gutter material, you’ll want to consider your location and its climate as well as the style you desire for your home. Aluminum material is commonly used in coastal regions, since it is said to withstand the harsher salt air. Steel gutters are generally stronger and may be more ideal for regions with extreme temperatures that are prone to freeze/thaw cycles and snow. Both materials are available in 22 colors and coated with Dura Coat XT-10 with TEFLON® surface protector that will keep gutters cleaner longer.
Custom-Bilt Metals’ copper rain gutter may be the right choice if adding elegance to the home or building is a high priority. Copper is often rendered in a half-round profile with round downspout for an old-world or historical look. In addition to that look, copper rain gutters can be fabricated in any of Custom-Bilt Metals’ rain gutter profiles. Copper gutters are unique in that they age and grow in beauty. They will change from a brilliant new copper color when new to a deep, natural and elegant patina. How quickly the color deepens depends on the amount of sunlight and moisture it receives, as well as geographic location and altitude.
Availability of the true copper rain gutters varies by region, so please contact your local Custom-Bilt Metals’ location.
Q: Could I do without rain gutters on my home?
A: Even in places where rainfall is seldom, gutters are important to protect your investment in your home. They say ‘when it rains, it pours’ and that is nowhere more true than in arid climates where those few-and-far-between rain storms can be torrential. Regardless of the climate, properly designed and professionally installed rain gutters offer property owners proper drainage, protecting grass and landscaping from erosion and foundation walls from ugly mud splatter and in the very worst case drainage scenarios, keep basements from flooding. For that reason Custom-Bilt Metal’s feels strongly that rain gutters should be a given to protect your largest investment, your home.
Q: I hate cleaning my gutters. Will new gutters from Custom-Bilt Metals help?
A: Yes, you’re in luck. Thanks to Dura Coat XT-10 TEFLON® surface protector that is now an integral part of all gutter products, homeowners can clean gutters significantly less often and with less effort. The surface protector is an industry-leading improvement from Custom-Bilt Metals that ensures our gutters will look better, stay cleaner and last longer than any painted gutter material on the market.
Tests have shown that the Dura Coat XT-10 with TEFLON® surface protector also protects gutters better than standard paint. This is because it’s harder and stronger, lasts longer and resists scratching. Gutters also resist “tiger striping” a term used by builders for the dirty vertical streaks common to gutters. The slippery surface repels the dirt inside and out, which makes gutter cleaning as simple as aiming a hose. The hardened surface resists fading, salt and air pollution and performs better in hot climates where other paints fail. Even the inside of the gutter is coated with TEFLON® surface protector to keep the interior cleaner and improve water flow.
Q: There are some specific places I would like my downspouts to go because I feel they would be less visually obtrusive. Can I choose where the downspouts are located?
A: Absolutely. Because Custom-Bilt Metals’ gutters are measured, manufactured and installed on-site, contractors can accommodate specific requests as long as they can plan in advance. Downspouts can be set in locations hidden by greenscaping or above spots that are ideal for runoff and debris – rather than just in your front lawn (for example). Be sure to communicate with your contractor regarding placement and discuss the pros and cons of various placement options.
Q: How often will I need to replace my gutters?
A: With the high quality and durability of Custom-Bilt Metals’ rain gutters and the security of their lifetime warranty, you’ll never have to deal with another gutter replacement!