Gutters and Gutter Protection: A Simple Buying Guide

Gutters and Gutter Protection: A Simple Buying Guide

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Do you often worry about flooding in your basement or water pounding on your roof and spilling over the eaves during storms? If so, it’s the perfect time to take action and install high-quality gutters and an effective gutter protection system for your home!

If you are concerned about how your home will fare in the next storm, upgrading your gutters is a wise move.

Many homeowners underestimate the importance of gutters and gutter covers in protecting their homes from water damage. Water running off the roof should be directed away from the house, safeguarding your siding, windows, doors and foundation from potential water damage.

Ideally, gutters should be installed alongside your roof to ensure seamless integration. However, even if this wasn't done initially, it’s never too late to invest in efficient gutters and gutter protection.

While some homes have broad roof overhangs that divert water away, ensuring rainwater is safely drained without gutters, these are exceptions rather than the norm.

If your home lacks both gutters and a significant overhang, you have a problem. There are numerous gutter systems to choose from, including vinyl, sheet metal, aluminum, seamless, continuous and copper systems, all available through professional installers or a reputable gutter contractor.

To help you decide on the right type of gutters and mounting system for your home, let’s delve into the different options available.

Buying Rain Gutters: What You Need to Know

Leaky gutters can harm your home as much as a leaky roof, so a functional rain gutter system is essential to protect your home from water damage.

Choosing a suitable rain gutter system can be overwhelming due to the variety of styles and materials, with prices ranging from $1 per foot for inexpensive vinyl to $12 per foot for high-end ornamental copper.

Material

First, consider the different materials available:

• Vinyl: The least expensive choice but not very durable, prone to cracking in cold climates and suffering from sun exposure.
• Aluminum: Lightweight, inexpensive, available in many colors, rust-proof and a popular choice.
• Galvanized Steel: Durable and rust-resistant, ideal for homes in extreme weather conditions.
• Wood: Premium grade cedar often used in historical homes, handmade to order, and can add aesthetic appeal to traditional homes.
• Copper: One of the most durable materials, ages to a greenish patina, and with proper installation, can last 75-100 years. Copper Penny Aluminum offers the look of new copper without patina formation.
• Stainless Steel: High-end material providing durability and classic appeal.

Styles

Gutters are available in various profiles and sizes:

• K-Style: Modern, found in most homes today, offering efficient drainage.
• U-Style: Traditional half-round gutters, suited for homes where historical accuracy matters.

Sizing Your Gutters

Determining the right size for your gutters involves considering factors like maximum expected rainfall and roof pitch. Larger gutter systems cost more but are less prone to clogging, making them a sensible investment.

Gutter channels typically range from 4” to 8” in diameter, with 5” to 6” K-style gutters being the most popular. Downspouts are often 2”x3” or 3”x4” rectangular pipes or 3” or 4” round pipes.

Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters

The choice between sectional and seamless gutters is straightforward:

Sectional Gutters

These are sold in pieces and assembled to form the required length. Though inexpensive, sectional gutters tend to develop leaks at the joints over time.

Seamless Gutters

Made from metal "coil" stock, these are custom-sized to fit your roof and are less likely to leak. Seamless gutters often have extra-long troughs mounted along the eaves, joined at corners, and come in aluminum, copper, or steel.

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Aluminum gutters are popular due to their cost-efficiency and rust resistance, while steel provides extra strength. Most homeowners prefer seamless aluminum gutters due to their durability and effectiveness.

Gutter Protection

A quality gutter system requires equally effective gutter protection. Gutter guards, also known as screens, leaf guards, and gutter helmets, prevent debris accumulation and simplify maintenance.

These protection systems ensure your gutters function properly regardless of weather conditions. Let’s compare two popular types of gutter guards to help you choose the best fit for your home:

Screens

• Easy to install
• Common type of gutter guard
• Available in various shapes and materials
• Filters out leaves effectively
• Less effective at filtering seeds and pine needles
• Requires occasional cleaning
• Debris can get entangled, necessitating screen cleaning

Surface Tension

• Filters out both large and small debris, including leaves
• Available in more colors
• Requires minimal to no maintenance
• Long-lasting and durable
• Water clings to the guard's rounded nose and flows into the gutter
• Small debris washes out of the downspouts easily
• Installed at an angle similar to the roof slope
• Professionally installed for optimal performance

Surface tension gutter guards are generally the superior choice, providing long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance.

Remember, investing in quality gutters and gutter protection is crucial to your home's health and longevity. Make informed choices to maximize your investment's benefits!

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