A Homeowner's Guide to Gutter Selection and Installation
Posted on: 16 August 2021
Rainwater can wreak havoc on your beautiful home if you don't have gutters. In addition, mould, siding damage, roof damage and flooding basements are all potential problems you will deal with if you don't install gutters. By eliminating such issues, gutters help maintain your house's structural integrity. Gutters are available in many options. Therefore, whether you are looking for replacement gutters for your old, saggy and worn-out ones or need them for your new house, you must make the right decision for your home by choosing correctly. And to do this, you need to consider several factors carefully. Here is a detailed breakdown of what you need to consider to select the most suitable gutters for your home.
Material
The first thing you want to think about when in the market for new gutters are the various materials available to choose from. Aluminium, copper, steel and vinyl or PVC are the standard gutter material options you will find. Each of these options comes with its share of benefits and drawbacks, so you must weigh them carefully to choose the right one for your home. For instance, aluminium is a popular gutter material choice for many homeowners. It's highly resistant to corrosion and is available in an array of colours, ideal if you want to match it with your home's gutter.
Steel is another alternative metal to aluminium. It's extremely durable but not as corrosion-resistance. If you need steel for durability, go for galvanised steel, which is often treated to enhance rust resistance. On the other hand, copper gutters are among the most aesthetically pleasing gutters you can choose for your home. Like their aluminium and steel counterparts, they are equally durable. However, they are also the most expensive gutters available.
If you want a cheaper alternative to metal gutters, vinyl or PVC would be ideal. They are available in a wider range of colours. However, they are not as durable as their metal counterparts.
Shape
Gutters also come in different shapes. Fascia-style, K-shaped, half-round and box gutters are popular options. The trick to finding the ideal gutter shape is to look at your property's design, specifically the roof. It will guide you on the right shape of gutters to choose.
Fascia Condition
Your home's fascia is the board the runs horizontally under your roof edge. It's usually made from sheet metal or wood. Your fascia board must be in pristine condition for the gutter installation to be perfect. A rotting and damaged fascia will not hold the gutter in place as it should. Therefore, inspect your fascia first and make repairs if necessary before you install the gutters. To learn more, contact a residential gutter installation service.
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