FAQ - Seamless Radius Rain Gutters

Benefits of Fiberglass vs. Metal

First, copper radius gutters, aluminum radius gutters, and zinc radius gutters will corrode over time. Depending on where you live will determine how fast the metal radius gutters will break down. A copper radius gutter will oxidize over a period of 6 to 9 months. The copper gutter usually patinas to a royal brown color. We can match that aged brown color in our fiberglass gutters. An aluminum radius gutter and a zinc radius gutter will eventually corrode, especially in the coastal areas where they are subjected to the ocean air.

10 reasons fiberglass is better than metal

1. No solder joints means no leaks. Fiberglass gutter are continuous. 2. Smooth, continuous appearance with no unsightly bend marks. 3. Withstands extreme weather conditions. -150º to 200º F 4. Any radius can be made. We have made a radius tighter than 2 ft. 5. Can be made to any length. 8ft. sections are recommended for efficient shipping. 6. Half the cost of metal. Some companies charge more than $100 a linear ft. 7. Designed to use hidden hangers. Installation is as easy as conventional gutter. 8. Can be integrated with existing gutter systems. 9. Completely seamless. Apply a little bondo, and sand away the seam. 10. Color match of your existing gutter. We have swatches from most gutter suppliers.

Sizes & Styles

We can fabricate any size and style of gutter. We have made a radius as tight as 6 inches and as large as 175 ft. We can make K style (also known as Ogee), Half Round, F Style, Box Gutter, Inside Radius Gutter, Vertical Radius, and pretty much any size. We also now have a textured radius gutter. DOWNLOAD SIZES & STYLES

Joining & Installing Seamless Gutters

Each radius piece has a special lap joint at one end. The adjoining piece will slide over the lap joint to fit nice and snug. This leaves a small seam between the pieces, but after you fill the seam with a special recommended polyester filling putty, it leaves a smooth seamless appearance that is paint ready. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

Joining Radius Pieces Together

Note: Make sure all radius gutter pieces are installed before applying resin and fiberglass, in case you have to make any changes to the installation.

Connecting to Existing Gutters

Each radius piece has a special lap joint at one end. The adjoining piece will slide over the lap joint to fit nice and snug. This leaves a small seam between the pieces, but after you fill the seam with a special recommended polyester filling putty, it leaves a smooth seamless appearance that is paint ready.

Measuring a radius

During building construction, it is common for a curved fascia to have inconsistencies. These inconsistencies can affect the way your radius gutter will look if you don't know what to do. If you have trouble with any part of the install, we are available to answer your questions any day of the week 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST, so feel free to give us a call. Important: Because our radius gutters are a specialty item, once you purchase our product, it's yours, so make sure you have the right radius. You will not be disappointed. We get so many compliments on how much better a seamless radius gutter looks than joining pieces of gutter together that it's well worth the investment.

Helpful Hints

Should I install the Radius Gutter on top of the drip edge (roof flashing) or behind it? The same rules apply with the radius gutter as does the straight gutter. Steeper pitches like a 12/16 or a 12/24 don't necessarily need to be installed behind the drip edge, but we still recommend it, especially with Spanish or slate tile. How do I connect the radius gutter to existing straight gutter on the house? Similar to overlapping straight gutter, but we treat the top a little different. < See Connecting to Existing Gutter for instructions. Can I add a downspout to radius gutter? Normally most radius gutters will only have a relief hole at each end that will dump onto the lower roof, but if you need a down spout treat it like metal gutter and put a relief hole in it using the appropriate punch or hole drill. How do I get proper drainage from a really large radius? Our general rule has been to install from left to right. Whether you are tying into straight gutter or relieving onto a lower roof, you want to make sure that you are low enough, so that when you reach the middle of the radius, you are at the highest point. Do I need to seal the seams on the inside even though I sealed the outside? Actually it's now a pre-requisite. We will supply you with a fiberglass resin kit for each of the seams. Once you have finished the installation, and it meets the customer's approval, you will fiberglass the inside at the lap joint. Once it cures you won't have to worry about any expansion or contraction. See Joining Radius Gutters for instructions. What if radius gutter doesn't look uniform after the install? For example: It has a wobble appearance when viewed straight on or from underneath? If you did not measure the radius correctly, and the radius is too big or too small to fit the gutter, you might get a wobble appearance. This is caused by forcing the gutter to fit. You can usually control this by letting up a little, or tightening down on the hidden hangers where the out of round appearance is. Also, you can push up or down on the gutter where there is a hidden hanger. The hidden hanger will bend enough to hold the new position. Careful when you do this so as not to affect the slope for drainage. Hopefully you will never have to worry about this.

How do I justify the cost to the home owner?

The home owner is spending a lot of money to renovate or build their home, so they are going to want to protect their investment. Radius Gutters serve the same purpose that straight gutters do: They protect the foundation, the landscaping, and help stop the staining to the side of your home from the pounding of water on the surrounding dirt. Most important, they want the gutters to look good. Installing pieces can really distract from the aesthetics of your beautiful home. Radius gutter will accentuate the style and appearance of the exterior and increase the overall value of your house.