While it is true that rain gutters are not the most coveted architectural details, they are one of the most important physical attribute to your home. One of the most asked questions from Out Of The Gutter clients is in regards to gutter colors. We believe there is a balance that must be struck between form and function, like with anything else in life. I’m sure you are now wondering how to apply this thinking to your gutters.
There are a few key questions that should be addressed when making color decisions and I will lay them out below, in order of relevance.
Are your gutters visible?
Sometimes, color is not a huge issue for homeowners that only have gutters in the rear of their home, or ones that cannot be seen from the street. It is always a good idea to walk your property first, before contacting Out Of The Gutter, so you have a clear idea of your gutter’s visibility.
Do you have a HOA?
Many times we work directly with HOA’s and have the guidelines and requirements beforehand. Should your property be located within a smaller HOA, or one we are not familiar with, we will ask that you obtain your community bylaws and restrictions before ordering materials and selecting colors.
What gutter materials are you interested in?
Copper gutters are not usually painted, for obvious reasons. The beauty of the patina that develops also protects the material in the long run. For other materials, such as aluminum gutters or galvanized steel seamless guttering, painting is necessary to protect the materials.
What colors are currently on your home?
Roofing, siding and trim are all usually variations of gray, brown or ivory, but occasionally, we work with homes that have vibrant, bright color pallets. When choosing gutter colors for homes with non-traditional colors, the choice to blend into the roof rather than the siding may be appropriate. In other instances, the color of the trim might dictate what would look the best. Try and walk across the street and talk a long look at what draws your attention first about the facade of your home. If it is your front door, and you want that to remain the focal point, do not choose the same color for your gutters. Blending in with the existing fascia boards is often what homeowners choose to do.
Do a test!
Paint a piece of cardboard or other material, and gently affix it to your home in the area of the new guttering. Look at it from a distance and make adjustments according to how it looks. Remember, the goal is to have your gutters be invisible against your home, limiting any draw from more significant architectural details.