When it comes time to installing or replacing gutters, it’s important to refer to a specialist to get good advice. Several options are available, depending on the area where the home is located, its style, your budget and your tastes.
The primary role of gutters is to prevent water infiltration. Gutters collect water dripping on the roof and channel it away from the home. Without a gutter system, water will fall near the foundations, thus increasing the risk of water infiltration. Furthermore, without gutters, water will fall heavily and ruin flowerbeds.
Several types of fasteners are available in order to keep gutters attached to the home. Several options are available to you, depending on the roof type and its requirements. These are the major types of fasteners.
Nails are a basic attachment system and are especially used for fastening aluminum gutters. It’s the most economical solution, but its major disadvantage is that it leaves rust lines with time, as well as being visible on gutters.
The spaced hanger is another popular alternative and its main advantage is that it is invisible from the ground. Although more expensive than nails, it offers a more attractive look to the gutter.
Equivalent to spaced hangers including an integral screw, this type of hanger is much easier to install, and is also invisible from the ground.
Slightly more expensive, the continuous hanger is the most solid fastening system out there. It protects the gutter from the weight of snow and ice. In addition, as it closes the gutter, it decreases the amount of maintenance required to clean the eavestrough in order to prevent clogs that cause water infiltration.
Gutters can be made from many different types of materials. Depending on the robustness desired and especially the desired style, several options are available on the market.
Copper is very durable and rust-resistant, and is the preferred choice for owners of old homes. However, this option is more costly and it must be taken into consideration that the color becomes dull and greenish with time.
Galvanized steel, which is a lot more affordable, is less attractive and ends up rusting; however, it is robust and durable.
Aluminum is the most popular material and very versatile since it is available in numerous colors, and several profiles and widths.
Vinyl gutters are generally chosen for their low cost; however, vinyl is not very resistant to intense cold in addition to losing its luster or changing color due to exposure to the sun.
When the time comes to select gutters to be installed in a home, we must ask whether we want seamless or sectional gutters. However, you might not have a choice depending on the material you choose for your gutters. Sectional gutters can often leak if they are not properly sealed. Furthermore, seamless gutters offer a more finished look. In addition, seamless gutters are installed by a professional, whereas sectional gutters are available in hardware stores or can be used by an installer, in the case of certain materials.
You can install the gutters yourself instead of using the services of a professional installer; however, some options are only available to professionals. In addition, installing them is not an easy task, so you’d better be prepared. You must pay attention to the slope so that water flows properly and doesn’t remain stagnant, because if this is the case, the risk of water infiltration increases.
In order to reduce required gutter cleaning and prevent blockages that cause water infiltration, it’s possible to install gutter guards. Several gutter guard models can be installed to prevent debris from entering the gutter system, and this will also allow water to be properly drained. Depending on your needs and the environment surrounding your home, one of the installers from this list can direct you to the leaf guard that best suits your needs.
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