Your home’s gutters play a crucial role when it comes to water drainage and preserving the structure of your house, but they are often an afterthought unless something goes wrong.
Many homeowners don’t even know that there are different types of gutter systems and materials to choose from. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about residential gutters, so you can make an informed choice the next time you need to get new gutters for your house.
How Do Gutters Work?
Your gutters are the long, horizontal pieces that line the lower edges of your roof and collect rainwater. They are part of the system that also includes:
- Downspouts
- Elbows
- End caps
- Splash blocks
- Hangers and brackets
As rain falls, gravity helps the water flow down your roof and into your gutters. Once it flows into the gutters, it drains into a downspout and empties safely away from your home’s foundation.
Why Do I Need Gutters?
Gutters certainly aren’t the most exciting feature of any home, but they are useful when it comes to preventing damage to your home and your property.
Here are some of the things good gutters can help with:
- Soil erosion around the foundation of your home
- Flooded gardens and yards
- Pools of standing water around your foundation
- Mold and mildew growth
- Roof leaks and water damage
- Basement leaks or flooding
- Shifts and cracks in your home’s foundation
- Ice dams forming along the edge of the roof
- Water stains or rot on your siding
It’s important to note that gutter maintenance is a necessity, and several of the issues listed above can be caused or made worse if you have clogged gutters at the wrong time.
Important Factors to Consider
When it comes time to choose gutters for your home, there are several important factors to consider.
You can start by evaluating your existing gutters. Have they held up well over time? Do you like the way they look? Did you want to opt for a different look or style?
Other factors include the price, durability, performance, installation options, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics. You also need to consider if you’re going to try the DIY approach or hire a professional before deciding on a gutter system for your house.
Common Types of Gutters
There are usually three different aspects of new gutters to consider before you make a decision.
These are the shape or style, the material of the gutters, and whether they are seamless or sectional. There are dozens of different possible combinations of features, and sitting down with a professional to narrow down the right ones for your lifestyle makes a lot of sense.
When it comes to material, some of the common types that are used include:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Copper or zinc
- Vinyl
Many homeowners successfully attempt the DIY approach when it comes to gutter installation, but this is not for everyone. You need to have the right tools and equipment and quite a bit of time to devote to the project. You will also be working at a height, so safety needs to be a concern.
Since improperly installed gutters can result in structural damage to your house or water damage, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional to go over your options before you begin.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
