Gutters are a vital part of your roofing as they drain off rain water from the roof preventing roof leaks, water damage, mold and structural damage. Efficient installation and regular maintenance is the key to avoid costly replacement. Also, one must be aware of the different types of gutters and their installation style, quality, functionality and maintenance procedures. The following article would explore every aspect of roof gutters in detail.
Function of Gutters
Gutters work as a channel to discharge rainwater from the rooftops. This is one of the most important components of home safety as without a proper gutter system rainwater would lead to water collection on the rooftop leading to serious damages. Stagnant water on the roof top leads to leakages, rot, dampness in the wall, damaged shingles, rot, mold and so on. Gutters drain out the water away from the property and help to maintain overall integrity of the house.
Clogged gutters need to be attended and maintained frequently as it can cause water pooling leading to cracks and basement flooding. These damages have serious cost implications and might need premature replacement of roof shingles, gutters and other parts of the roof.
Types of Gutters
There are few types of gutters and it is important to know the difference in their functionality, longevity and cost of installation. This knowledge would help you to make informed decisions and save you money.
- Aluminum: Aluminum gutters are very popular among homeowners. They are hardy, lightweight and are not prone to rust and decay like steel. However, they tend to crack due to rapid change in temperature and thus, needs regular inspection, especially during season changes, and frequent maintenance.
- Steel: Steel gutters and strong with the capacity to handle heavy storms. However, one of the major problems of steel gutters, that is supposed to drain water, is that they are highly susceptible to rusts. Thus, frequent inspection and maintenance is the only way to ensure durability of steel gutters.
- Vinyl: Vinyl gutters are cheaper compared to other types. However, it is not a durable material since vinyl gutters are installed in parts rather than a single seamless installation. They are prone to cracks during both winters and summers.
- Copper: Copper gutters are high-quality gutters and preferred by people who value high quality material for home. It is extremely durable and rust resistant. Overtime copper gutters turn into a delightful blue-green patina. All these exceptional functional and aesthetic qualities made copper the favorite of homeowners with a taste for authentic high quality home get up.
The Difference in Sectional Gutters and Seamless gutters
Seamless gutters are a single sheet of metal and much easier to install. They are not prone to cracks, clog or leaks making them high-quality low-maintenance gutters. The best part is seamless gutters are custom made to fit the exact dimension of your roof. They are available in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes and you need to install them according to your requirements.
On the other hand, sectional gutters are installed where the parts are joined and sealed together after installation. Due to this sectional installation they are susceptible to leakage, clogging rot and materials like leaves, debris and dust particles get stuck in the joints. These inconveniences make sectional gutters less popular than the seamless gutters.
For perfect installation of gutters of both the types it is smarter to hire top class roofing contractors in Oxford Ohio.
Some Indicators that your Gutters Need Replacement
As gutters are the protective elements of your house they need some protection and maintenance to function efficiently. Problems like water overflowing, clogging, and blockages due to debris and dust particles leads to water blocking the gutters. This can damage the home siding and the entire foundation.
Water clogging needs to be maintained regularly to prevent clogged water to damage roof shingles, parts of the interior like the ceiling and attic. Here are some of the key indicators that inform you that your roof gutters needs to be replaced:
Rain Overflow: Rain overflow indicates the gutters are clogged. The rain water splash and spills all over the place around the house causing serious damages.Â
Sagging: Clogged or stagnant water leads to sagging of gutters. This destroys the curb appeal of your house and poses serious safety hazards. Replace your gutters as soon as you notice sagging to prevent damages.
Stained Siding: Stained marks on your exterior wall indicate leakages occurred due to clogged gutters. This leads to warping of the exterior wall.
Standing water: Standing water is the most apparent indicator of clogged gutters. You must immediately clean or replace gutters to prevent damage to the other parts of the house.
Wrapping Up
Gutters are crucial elements of the house as it protects the roof from rain waters by channeling off away from the property. Gutters need to be frequently monitored and maintained in order to prevent serious damages. Additionally, proper installation and fitting sizes are important for ensuring longevity of the material.
