Gutters – protecting your home investment
Written by Pam Gaulin
One way to protect your investment in your home is to ensure that rain and melting snow drains properly, away from the building. Unless your home has an extra long overhang, you’ll need gutters to ensure proper drainage. Gutters attach to the eaves on homes and buildings with hangers, straps, or brackets.
Gutters need to be properly installed and in good working order. When they’re old and in need of replacement, they can drip or leak which causes water to drain into the wrong places. Water damage is costly and can affect the building's foundation, windows, and siding. In addition, water can seep into windows creating interior leaks.
Gutter materials
The pieces from a drainage system can be made from aluminum – a low-cost and popular material. Sectional aluminum is also popular because it’s available in a variety of colors, matching siding, and trim colors. Gutter material can also be constructed from zinc, copper, Galvalume, galvanized steel, or copper penny aluminum.
When purchasing metal gutters, it’s important to consider material thickness. This will help you determine how long the product will last.
Gutter types
The basic types of roof drainage systems available are seamless and sectional. Since seamless doesn’t have seams like sectionals do, the potential for leaks is lessened. Seamless gutters can be constructed from aluminum, steel, or copper material. This type of gutter provides minimal maintenance but is also the costlier option.
Sectional types are available in steel, aluminum, and vinyl. Some homeowners like sectional gutters because they are easy to configure into a complete system: you simply fasten the 10 to 22 foot pieces together. However, you need to add screens or coverings to prevent leaking and clogs from debris.
Both seamless and sectional gutters are available pre-painted. Check with the dealer you work with to find out which color is the best fit for your home, or if you just want a neutral-colored gutter.
Gutter maintenance
Keeping the roof drainage system clean and free of debris will diminish problems and water buildup. You should perform routine maintenance on gutters at the same time you perform other yard or grounds work, usually before winter and before summer.
Gutter maintenance is quite simple:
- Debris may be scooped out and discarded.
- Run water through the downspout to clear out any clogs.
- Give the roof gutters a thorough cleaning with a hose once the downspouts are clear.
Looking for the best gutters for your home? BuyerZone has partnered with ContractorKey to provide you with free consultations. Simply complete a quick and easy form, and multiple gutter contractors will contact you to immediately to determine your gutter needs.
