This is an excellent guide for homeowners who want to know everything about gutter installation.
Well-kept rain gutters protect your home from water damage. They divert water, ice, and snow away from your roof and the exterior of your home.
- When you are looking for new gutters, there are a lot of factors that you should keep in mind. Otherwise, you may end up with weak or unsightly gutters.
- Today, you have plenty of gutter options that are incredibly durable and sturdy. In this blog, we will discuss different types of gutter materials and styles that are available today.
After reading, you will be able to choose the best gutter system for your home, and ensure that your new gutter system is installed and functioning properly.
Components Related To Gutter Systems
When you research rain gutters, or talk to a roofing contractor, you will most likely realize that there are many different parts of the gutter system. It is very beneficial for you to understand all these components, and their roles in your gutter system.
Gutter Panels
A gutter system has multiple components. The first part is a panel that collects the water. When water, hail, snow, or other debris falls on your roof, it slides down into the gutters where it is collected and directed away from your home.
Gutters are usually made from metals like aluminum, and are available in a variety of shapes and colors.
Endcaps
Gutter endcaps are exactly what they sound like: these are caps that close the ends of the gutter panels. Endcaps ensure that the water does not slide out of the gutters, which can cause pooling in your yard or lawn.
Downspouts
Downspouts are pipes that run vertically down the gutter panels along the exterior walls of your home. Water from the panels flows smoothly down the pipes, away from your home’s foundation. The pipes are long enough to reduce the force of the water flow, and ensure that excess water is directed away from your home.
Elbows
Gutter elbows are structural curves in the downspouts that help the pipes to redirect the water. Elbows change the direction of the pipes and turn them around the house.
Splash Blocks
You need splash blocks if you don’t use a rain barrel to collect the water. Splash blocks are present on the ground, right below the mouth of the downspouts. They slow down the speed of the water flow, preventing disruptive water splashes. Splash blocks are usually made of concrete and metals.
Hangers
If you don’t prefer screws or nails to install the gutter system, then you can rely on hangers for your gutter installation project. Hangers fit with the fascia, giving your home a sleek and attractive look.
Most Popular Materials For Gutter Systems
To choose the most efficient gutter system for your home, it is essential that you understand the different types of materials that are available for gutter panels and downspouts. In places with harsh weather conditions, you will see five popular types of gutter materials.
Aluminum
Most homeowners rely on aluminum. It is a tough material with the potential to last for years. Aluminum is also an affordable metal that does not rust, and these gutters typically need little upkeep. Aluminum is available in various shades, and its beautiful look adds to your home’s curb appeal.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel has a copper coating, and it has continued to grow in popularity in the gutter installation market. After stainless steel, copper-coated steel is the sturdiest gutter material available. Stainless steel can be expensive, so galvanized steel is a more affordable option compared to aluminum. Copper protects the steel from rust, and these gutters can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
Copper
It is one of the most expensive materials in the industry, but it is also the toughest. These gutters are resistant to corrosion, and can last for years to come. Copper gutters can easily handle the freezing winter temperatures, and perform well in boiling hot summers. This material will not corrode, and it needs very little upkeep.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most affordable options for gutter installation. In areas with normal weather conditions, vinyl can last for up to 50 years. In areas where you experience severe weather conditions often, such as tornadoes or hail storms, vinyl gutters may not be the best material as they have a hard time standing up to these tough weather conditions. You may find yourself needing to repair or repaint these gutters often after a severe storm, and sometimes they need to be replaced quicker than you realize.
After choosing the material and for gutter installation, you will have to decide on the length and shape of the panels.
Types Of Gutter Panels
Gutter panels are the first roof components to catch the water, and choosing the right one is essential for your home. When you read about different types of panels in detail, it helps you in making a more educated decision. Depending on the length of the panels, there are two types of gutters.
Sectional
These are the more traditional type of gutter. The panels are made of small sections, or pieces that are joined together. This type of gutter has been used for years, and is a great option for many homeowners. However, sectional gutters are prone to leaks and clogs. They are also more likely to detach or sag in a storm-prone area.
Seamless
Seamless gutters have been a major advancement in the gutter industry, and they are not the preffered choice for homeowners. There are long, continuous panels that are cut according to the length of the roof’s edge. Unlike sectional gutters, they are not prone to leaks and require much less maintenance and repair.
Besides the length of the board, gutters also differ in shape, forming a unique style. Below are three of the most popular shapes that are used today:
Half-round
They are traditional gutters that come in a semicircle shape, and they allow a faster flow of water. If your home has a traditional look and feel, half-round gutters may be an excellent option.
K-style
These are the most popular style of gutter available in the market today. They are knows for their excellent performance, and are visually appealing on any home. If you have a modern home in a wet and cold town, K-style seamless gutters can be very efficient option.
Fascia Gutters
This is a modern design with a clean, architectural finish. They look appealing and have a rectangular profile. If you live in a storm-prone area, or prefer a look that is sure to stand out, fascia gutters can add value to your home. They take more time, effort, and training to install correctly, but they are extremely durable. These gutters are not the easiest to clean, so if you are looking for a low-maintenance gutter system, you may want to choose something different.
If you don’t choose the right type of gutters, or have a faulty installation, your gutters may not be very effective.
Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Gutter System?
There are plenty of reasons to make a careful decision when you are having new gutters installed. Gutter systems can help keep your home protected, and if they are not functioning properly, they can lead to costly damage throughout your home.
Protect Your Home From Water Damage
If your gutters are damaged, or have blown of you house completely, rainwater or runoff water will flow freely in all directions with high velocity. This can cause damage to your roof, and allow water to leak inside your attic and basement. Heavy rain can ruin your lawn, and event affect the foundation of your home. With sturdy gutters in place, you can easily prevent this type of damage.
Help Save Money Over The Years
If you choose the wrong type of gutter system, or an inexperienced professional installs them incorrectly, it may lead to a lot of repairs down the road. Our team at All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters can help you with a flawless and appealing gutter installation. You can discuss everything with us during a free consultation.
Prevent Mold And Algae
An efficient gutter system prevents moisture damage in your attic, and to the exterior of your home. Stagnant water and roof leaks become a breeding ground for algae and mold. Mold is a fungus that no homeowner would want to deal with, as it is unsightly and may lead to breathing issues and allergies.
Enhance The Curb Appeal Of Your Home
Well-kept, stylish gutters give a finishing touch to your home’s exterior. They come in a variety of colors and styles that can add contrast and detail to the exterior of your home.
When you maintain your gutters properly, they will remain efficient for years, without needing costly repairs or an early replacement.
At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we’ve been helping homeowners by offering the best gutter installation services in Dayton, OH. We know the state and the weather, and we work with the best manufacturers in the country to ensure safe, durable, and appealing options for your home’s exteriors.
We Can Help You With Gutter installation!
Our specialists have been serving the Greater Dayton region in Ohio for over 40 years. At All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, we know how harsh the weather can get, and know exactly how to protect your home’s gutter system.
We understand there are lots of companies to choose from, and home improvement projects can be very overwhelming.
That’s why we want you to do thorough research before choosing a company. It helps if you understand your needs, and gives you the confidence to discuss them with professionals.
If you have any doubts or questions regarding gutter installation, call us at (937) 902-2839. Our team will be happy to assist you.
