Tired Gutter System
Tired Gutter System | Gutter Replacements | Roofing | Charleston
When Lowcountry rains start falling sideways, the last thing you want to hear is the ominous drip of an overworked, rusted trough. HEP’s expert team specializes in breathing new life into Charleston homes, swapping out sagging, leaky systems for seamless solutions that divert water with quiet confidence. Our craftsmen match coastal resilience with curb-appeal, installing premium materials that shrug off salt air, sudden downpours, and hurricane-strength gusts—so you can enjoy porch sunsets without worrying about water creeping into the crawl space.
From your first call to the final inspection, we handle every detail with Southern hospitality and professional precision. Expect punctual arrivals, transparent quotes, and tidy worksites as we transform tired gutters into sleek architectural accents. Discover why your neighbors trust HEP for gutter replacements that protect foundations, preserve siding, and keep Charleston charm shining through every storm.
FAQs
How can I tell if my existing gutters need full replacement instead of a quick repair?
Most Charleston homes need new gutters when you see one or more of these red flags: (1) persistent leaks at seams or corners even after resealing; (2) sections that sag, pull away from the fascia, or are visibly bent; (3) rust, flaking paint, or pin-hole corrosion along the trough—common in our salty coastal air; (4) mildew or water stains on soffits, siding, or interior ceilings; (5) landscape erosion or pooling water around the foundation; and (6) gutters that are 20+ years old, because metal fatigue and hidden fastener failures become widespread. If you notice two or more of these conditions, repairing individual spots is usually a temporary fix—full replacement saves money and prevents roof and foundation damage long-term.
Which gutter materials perform best in Charleston’s hot, humid, and sometimes salty coastal environment?
We primarily install seamless aluminum or copper systems. Seamless aluminum (0.027–0.032 in.) is cost-effective, lightweight, and factory-coated to resist salt-air corrosion. Copper is a premium option that can last 50+ years, develops a protective patina, and blends beautifully with historic Charleston architecture. Galvalume steel is another strong choice for hurricane-prone areas, but it requires periodic coating touch-ups. Vinyl gutters are generally avoided because ultraviolet exposure and temperature swings make them brittle within 5–8 years. No matter the metal, we recommend 6-inch K-style troughs paired with large 3"×4" downspouts and optional stainless or aluminum gutter guards to handle Charleston’s intense summer thunderstorms and leaf debris from live oaks.
What is the average cost of a complete gutter replacement in the Charleston area?
Costs depend on material, home height, fascia condition, and add-ons such as gutter guards. As a guideline: seamless aluminum runs $8–$14 per linear foot installed, galvalume $10–$16, and copper $25–$40. An average Lowcountry home with roughly 200 linear feet of roofline would spend about $1,600–$2,800 for aluminum, including removal and disposal of the old system. Two-story or complex roofs, fascia repairs, or guard installations can add 15–30%. We provide free on-site assessments and firm written quotes so you know the exact investment before work starts.
How long will the actual replacement take once the job is scheduled?
For a single-story home up to 250 linear feet, our crew can usually remove the old gutters, fabricate new seamless sections on-site, install downspouts, seal joints, and clean up in one full day. Two-story houses or homes that require fascia/soffit repairs generally take two days. Lead time from contract signature to installation averages 1–2 weeks, but we schedule around Charleston’s rainy and hurricane seasons to ensure safety. You do not need to be home the entire time—just provide access to power outlets and keep driveways clear so we can run the gutter machine.
Will new gutters really make a difference during Charleston’s heavy rain and hurricane season?
Yes. Properly sized 6-inch seamless gutters paired with oversized downspouts can channel up to 40% more water than older 5-inch sectional systems. That extra capacity prevents roof-edge overflow that can rot fascia boards, wick water under shingles, or back up into attics during tropical downpours. By directing water well away from the foundation, new gutters also reduce crawl-space humidity and soil erosion—major concerns in our low-lying city. We attach them with hidden, hurricane-rated hangers spaced every 24 inches, which meet or exceed South Carolina’s coastal wind-uplift requirements.
Do I need a permit or HOA approval to replace my gutters in Charleston?
Most straightforward “like-for-like” gutter replacements outside of historic districts do NOT require a City of Charleston building permit. However, homes within the Old & Historic District, Landmark Overlay, or certain Planned Unit Developments may need review by the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). Additionally, many HOAs require a simple application so they can confirm color and style. We help customers identify any jurisdictional requirements, supply product data sheets or color samples, and can pull permits or submit HOA packets on your behalf at no extra charge.