How to Select a Gutter System
Good gutters should
to be an integral part of a home’s exterior. Old, damaged or
defective rain gutters can cause a lot of damage. When a
gutter clogs, the water is not diverted properly and
overflows into either the house or foundation. This can
cause wood rot, foundation problems and landscaping erosion.
In addition to damage to your home, a rain gutter clogged
with soggy leaves and debris is the perfect breeding ground
for mold and mildew, as well as mosquitoes and other pests.
When considering a new
gutter system, a home owner must take several things
into account: among them, price, aesthetics and how the rain
gutter needs to perform depending on the area in which they
live. Does the area have extreme temperatures, heavy snow
and rain, or ice storms? Are there a lot of trees in the
vicinity? All these questions need to be taken into
consideration when deciding on what type of rain gutter
system to install.
Design
If the primary purpose of gutters is to collect water from
the roof and direct it away from the home where it could
cause damage, then the first thing you want to know is
whether or not your gutter system is properly designed. Good
systems drain in such a way as to keep water out from under
your foundation while keeping your fascia, siding and paint
dry.
Material
There are several different types of material used to make
rain gutters.
Vinyl is great for do-it-yourselfers and can be found at
home-improvement centers. The gutters can be easily
installed by the homeowner because they are simple to cut
and configure. The drawback to a vinyl gutter is that it is
susceptible to brittleness with age and extreme cold.
Aluminum, another popular choice, is more prone to denting,
but its color weathers well. It is very adaptable and most
often used in seamless rain gutter systems. Aluminum is the
most common product used today. The gutter holds more water
than traditional wood gutters, and this is the product which
is generally recommended.
Less frequently used materials include galvanized and
stainless steel. Copper is also an attractive choice, but
more expensive than the rest. Copper also requires a more
expert installer. Wood is another material used for rain
guttering, most often in restoration projects.
Type
The two main types of rain gutter systems are sectional and
seamless. Sectional systems lend themselves more to
do-it-yourself installations due to the high configurability
of the parts. They are made up of either vinyl or aluminum
sections that are fastened together.
A drawback of sectional rain gutters is that the joints are
prone to developing leaks. Gutter add-ons, such as screens
and filters, help these basic rain gutters stay clog free. A
gutter topper is a covering which allows water to flow along
a contoured “lip” which feeds into your rain gutter. This
keeps debris and animals out of your rain gutter.
The second type of rain gutter system is the seamless rain
gutter. This is a no-clog system which catches and routes
water down and out while diverting leaves and debris to the
ground. This type of rain gutter is quickly becoming a
favorite choice due to its durability, seamless appearance
and easy maintenance.
Gutter Covers
Gutter covers are used to help keep gutters clear of debris
and they are getting better and better each generation.
Initially, manufacturers produced galvanized, vinyl-coated
metal or plastic screens. More recently, cover-like gutter
guards have been introduced. Some snap into place; others
roll out of the factory with gutter and cover molded into
one piece. Unless you live in an area with few trees or you
enjoy climbing up on a ladder and cleaning out gutters, you
probably want to consider some kind of cover or guard.
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