RAIN GUTTERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Rain Gutter FAQ for Homeowners | Rain Gutter FAQ Contrators
HOMEOWNER FAQ SECTION
Homeowner Question: 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 30 colors, as well as natural copper. This 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.
Homeowner Question: 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.
Homeowner Question: 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 30 colors.
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 many rain gutter profiles. Please contact your local contractor for information on available profiles. Copper gutters are unique in that they will change from a brilliant new copper 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.
Homeowner Question: 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 Metals feels strongly that rain gutters should be a given to protect your largest investment, your home.
Homeowner Question: 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. Due to the fact that the rain 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.
CONTRACTOR FAQ SECTION
Contractor Question: 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. 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
Contractor Question: 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.
- 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.
Contractor Question: I have my own gutter-rolling machine. Can I still buy Custom-Bilt Metals’ coil and accessories?
A: If this is the case, Custom-Bilt Metals can work with you to supply the appropriate material for 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.
Contractor Question: 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 variety of color options, gutter machines producing industry-leading profiles, a strong warranty and Ironman roll-forming machines 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. And the home’s occupants will be happier in the long-term with the low maintenance of the product and will have peace of mind knowing they have Custom-Bilt Metals’ limited lifetime warranty as security.
Contractor Question: What if I’d like to subcontract out this job but still use your system?
A: By using our referral services you can be 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.