Replace Damaged Gutters
and Down Spouts

Gutters and down spouts in good condition are an important part of your home's appearance. And what's more, they route water away from your foundation. When they leak, they can turn your basement into a wading pool.

When you have a wet basement, your gutters are the first thing to check. If they're clogged with leaves or broken, they're no longer directing rain and snow away from the foundation.

When you replace them, you'll find there are two types of gutter and down spout systems. Your choices are aluminum or vinyl, and each has distinct advantages.

Aluminum gutters last a long time, cost less than vinyl, and have a slightly neater appearance because the mounting brackets are less visible. On the other hand, you have to paint aluminum, and it dents. You've probably had the experience of stepping on a down spout and flattening it.

Vinyl systems are more resilient, so you're less likely to see dents. They last as long as aluminum, won't rust, blister or corrode and are easier to install. For one thing, the vinyl can be cut with a fine-tooth hand saw. And they feature snap-together fittings. The down spouts themselves are smooth. They don't have the crimped, riffled surfaces that aluminum does, giving them a clean look.

On the other hand, vinyl usually comes in white or brown and is hard to paint. If these colors don't fit with your home's decor, you may be happier with aluminum. It offers a wider range of colors and can be painted.

No matter which system you choose, use care on a ladder when you install it. Don't over-extend your reach. Keep your hips centered between the ladder sides. And keep both feet and at least one hand on the ladder at all times. Keep your body, tools and equipment away from electrical lines.

For safety's sake, you can rent the appropriate scaffolding and ladders to replace your gutters at most rental centers.