Gutter systems are a crucial component of any well-designed roof and are an essential element of any building’s design. The Gutters collect runoff from the roof and channel it away from the foundation, downspouts, and downpipes to the ground. A catch basin, eave-shoot, eaves-gage, or other water collecting channel is part of an overall water supply system for a structure. All roofs have gutters, however; those that do not often get the attention they deserve. Here are some top 5 reasons why your gutter needs to be inspected and serviced on a regular basis.
Carbon buildup is the most common reason for needing to replace old gutters. As the weather gets hotter, the metal surface of gutters heats up, which causes caking and erosion. This can happen with galvanized steel, aluminum, cast iron, and sometimes even zinc, though most gutters will be made out of one of these materials. Unfortunately, the only way to avoid all of these problems is to have the gutters replaced every few years with new ones made out of a different material.
Improper drainage is another culprit that causes excess amounts of rain to come down on your roof. As rainwater makes its way down the gutters, it gathers at the bottom and along the side of the foundation. Because there is no way for rainwater to drain away from the foundation, it starts to run down into the walls of the home. If left unchecked, this can cause major damage to the interior of the house and even result in a building collapse. As soon as the rain water has begun to fill in around the edges of the gutters, it is time to remove them and have them replaced.
Seamless gutter systems are becoming more popular with homes. This is because they require less maintenance than older and traditional gutters. With this type of system, the fascia board which holds up the roof is replaced with a piece of hardware that fits over the existing roof. The gutter itself is then installed directly onto the fascia board. This allows for the gutter to function without any obstructions underneath. Therefore, the entire system is much easier to maintain, which means that you don’t have to pay as much attention to keeping it clean.
If your home has an old fascia board, but it looks like it could use some work, then consider getting new gutters instead. You can choose to either purchase a whole new system or buy the gutter system components separately. Either way, you will want to remove the existing roof before beginning the job. While it may sound hard, it is actually a fairly easy task for someone who has some basic tools. Most home improvement stores carry all of the necessary equipment.
Another option available for improving the appearance of your gutters is to replace them with aluminum gutters. This is a great option if you are looking to match the design of the rest of your home. When choosing aluminum gutters, it is important to remember that you can purchase both vinyl and copper gutters. Copper gutters are generally less expensive and easier to install, but they will rust and discolor over time. On the other hand, Vinyl gutters will last much longer and look much better with modern roofing styles.
If your gutters currently are made from copper, brass, or zinc, then you may want to consider upgrading to stainless steel gutters. While these gutters are typically more expensive, they are also long-lasting and often come with lifetime warranties. Because these gutters are made from a stronger alloy of iron, they are also more resistant to corrosion, which allows you to expect minimal build-up of rust if you live in areas with wet climates. Many companies also offer a warranty on their stainless steel units, which allows you to feel confident in the product’s durability.
Even if you are looking for simple fixes for clogged gutters, you should consult with a professional before attempting to make any modifications to your rainwater drainage system. Although gutters are relatively easy to install, installing a clogged gutter system can be quite tricky and requires a professional’s expertise. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional to repair your gutters. A clogged gutter system often needs to be cleaned out periodically and replenished with new clogged rainwater. However, in more severe cases, the gutter system’s pipes may need to be repaired or replaced entirely.
