I know what you are thinking. You may not have woken up in the morning thinking that there was any chance you would end up on a page that would accurately list down the A-Z of gutters. But that was before you knew your home was in danger. Now that you do, you have to do what you have to do.
What is Guttering?
Guttering is a small thin trough that is used to collect run off water from your roof and completes the roofing protection system. It is used to direct rain water away from the base of the building which helps protect the foundation. As well as protecting the foundation of the property it also helps to reduce erosion and prevent leaks from forming. The water can also be collected with a storage facility which can then be used to water plants or other purposes. Rain gutters come in a variety of material types and styles. be made from steel, PVC and other types of plastic, concrete and a whole host of other different materials. For homes they are usually plastic or metal and once collected from the roof they are fed down a downspout which is sometimes called a leader or conductor.
Rain Gutter Types
Many homes are fitted with a water collection trough that is situated on the edge of the roof along the lower edge of the slope. These are very noticeable from a distance and basically form the outer edge of the roof. Another type of water direction system is a discrete form of water collection that is situated just below the edge of the sloped roof so is less noticeable from a distance. The water trough is often suspended from the actual edge of a roof with a thin lip that is used to initially channel the water for collection. You can also get a rain guttering system that is built into the wall structure beneath the edge of the roof. This is traditionally constructed by a mason and although may be the most expensive option it can produce the most visually impressive effects.
Using Guttering Systems Efficiently
Even though having a quality guttering system can be a very efficient way of clearing the water away from your house its essential to maintain them as this can result in issues if not. If the water flow gets blocked by debris water can become backed-up and even infiltrate into the roof of the house. This can damage the integral structure of the roof and if it occurs in winter, the freezing temperatures may lead to damaging freeze-thaw weathering effects which break apart gaps in the building. These types of systems are particularly vulnerable in the autumn months when the trees are shedding their leaves and create additional material that can clog the flow of water. Also if this matter is allowed to build up, grasses can start to occupy the area and rot can start to set in. However, all these can easily be avoided by just regularly checking your system once or twice a year and removing any build-up of material that has collected over time. Specific guards and gauzes can also be implemented to help prevent debris from building up and also offer a quick and easily solution for when you do have to clean it. There are a variety of different guards and gauzes that you can use from filtering systems to strainers and they all help to reduce the amount of times you have to check and clean your roof system.
Gutter Maintenance
These water drainage systems can easily be maintained without having to consult a professional as long as you know what you are doing. For the actual gutter that is attached to the edge of your roof it can be easily cleaned with a trowel or scraper, just make sure you check it once or twice a year. If you are a landlord you are actually responsible for this maintenance. For the junction areas that connect the trough to the downpipe, you can place an object into it such as a crushed ball of chicken wire which can help prevent large objects falling down the pipe. This can prevent large objects dropping down it and becoming jammed and blocked. However, if something does fall down you can easily get a drainage rod or use a long tool to help dislodge the blockage. If you are unfortunate enough to get a sagging trough or downpipe you should try and locate the source of the problem this could be a broken bracket or even a simple block weighing down that section. When you fix it all you have to do is make sure that the trough is aimed down towards the downpipe and not away from it which can easily be done with a spirit level. As long as you give the system due care and attention and fix any problems when they occur, you can ensure that you can have a long lasting and effective drainage system.
Now that you are fully aware of the concept of gutters and just how important they are to keep your home’s intact, here are a few specifications that you can add to your gutters, to make them suitable to your house. You can either get a professional to do it or you’re looking to save some money, or have none, you could go through the whole process yourself! (Recommended)
Types Of Gutters
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Sectional gutters
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Seamless gutters
As the names suggest, sectional gutters are the ones that are available in different sections. These sections can be put together by any individual. But it might get tedious if you are looking to save time and energy. Which is where seamless gutters come in. They are essentially just one long and continuous piece of guttering. On comparison, we find that seamless are better and recommended because they don’t leak as much as sectional gutters and are easier to use.
Gutters have styles too. It is true. The common ones are:
K- Style
The gutter most popular among the masses, the K style is often used in residences. It resembles a crown molding in appearance.
Half Round
By appearance, they look like, as the name suggests, a circle cut in half, with its top later missing so it’s out in the open. Since they are not flat back down, they have to be used accordingly.
Box Aluminium Gutters
These types of gutters have more space that is available to store in them than most other gutters. It is typically used in installations that are to be used commercially.
There are other styles known as Style A, Style B, Style C, Style D, Style E and so on. They differ on the basis of their looks.
With great choices, come greater responsibilities. So you can pick whatever appeals to you. These, however, have to be chosen carefully keeping in mind your needs and necessities.
The materials that are used to make gutters are plenty. Some of them are:
Aluminium
One of the most popular types, Aluminium gutters are a crowd favourite with its light weight and environment friendly qualities!
I should pick this because: It does not get corroded.
Copper
Strong and lasting, Copper gutters is a great buy.
I should pick this because: it makes a lasting impression, pun intended.
Zinc
With a lifespan that will immediately attract you, Zinc gutters are made of an alloy that’s a little expensive, but worth every penny.
I should pick this because: Low maintenance.
Vinyl
They’re incredibly easy to install but more importantly, who does not love plastic?
I should pick this because: budget friendly because it is easy on the pocket.
Finally, choose the colour of your liking and you’re good to go.
To go fix that gutter up, obviously.
