Rain gutters drain hundreds of gallons of water from your roof during a heavy rainfall, routing the water away from the foundation of your home, keeping your basement dry, and also protecting the walls and windows from backsplash. In short, a properly installed rain gutter system is an important element of any new roofing project.
It is prudent to take a practical approach when selecting a gutter system for your home. Gutters and downspouts are available in many styles, colors, and materials. Prices vary greatly between the different types of materials. Gutters are available in aluminum, vinyl, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and copper. Galvanized steel is a very popular choice due to its moderate pricing. Aluminum is somewhat more expensive, but it requires less maintenance. Vinyl gutter systems are priced the lowest, and are very easy to install. Copper weighs in as the most expensive, but looks absolutely great (on most homes).
Today’s gutter systems also come in a variety of profiles, but are generally limited to rounds, half-rounds, ogees and rectangles. Half-round and “K”(looks like a K from the side) profiles are among the most popular. Gutter channels are available in 4”, 5”, and 6” diameters. Downspouts are usually either round or rectangular.
Colors also vary. There are over 25 factory colors available in sectional aluminum and steel gutters making it fairly easy to match your home. It should be noted here that paint fades with time, so if replacement (due to damage) of a gutter section is ever required, it may not match the older ones. Resistance to such discoloration makes white a very popular choice.
Another consideration is whether to go with sectional or seamless gutters. Seamless gutter, as the name suggests, is made from one continuous piece. The only seams are located on corner miters and downspouts. Sectional gutters are sold in sections. Because temperature fluctuations cause metal to expand and contract, seamless gutters systems are typically considered more durable. When specifying metal gutters, choose the thickest you can afford, most professionals recommend 0.032”.
You will want to check that the gutter system you are interested in has a warranty of at least twenty years. One year coverage on any contracted labor is also a plus.
A quality professional can help you choose the right gutter system for your home. If contracting the work, carefully choose a contractor that can do the job right. Gutter installation is an easy business to start; it is therefore easy to get someone with little or no experience. Always get more than one bid, but don’t necessarily go for the lowest price, sometimes the bid is so low because low quality materials are being used, which always ends up costing more in the end.
While perhaps not flashy, gutters are an important feature of the home, which require a balance of aesthetics and practicality.
At roofer911.co we specialize in gutter repair, gutter maintenance and complete gutter installation in Virginia.
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