The Forgotten Element?

Answering Your Questions About Home Guttering

Most homeowners don't give their home's gutters a second thought, at least, not until it's time to clean, repair or replace them! However, gutters are very important for protecting windows and exterior walls, and the home's foundation, as gutters direct water to the downspouts and then away from the home's exterior. If your home's gutters need repair or replacement, you might note some common questions homeowners have about these pieces, so you can determine the best choice of gutters for your home.

What is the best material for gutters?

Only you can determine the "best" material of gutters for your home; while you may be considering your budget, note that cheaply made gutters will need repair and replacement far sooner than high-quality gutters. Vinyl gutters may bend or even collapse under heavy rain or snow, and these usually have a far shorter lifespan than metal gutters, especially high-quality aluminium or copper.

On the other hand, you need to consider the style of your home when choosing gutters, so that the home's exterior looks cohesive and attractive. If the home has vinyl windows, vinyl gutters will coordinate better than metal, and you might opt for aluminium gutters to match aluminium windows. Copper gutters might bring out the colour of wood windows, whereas stainless steel might work better on a modern home with lots of metal and glass accents.

Why do gutters keep getting clogged?

If your home is under a tree, falling leaves and other debris might clog gutters and downspouts; a leaf guard of some sort can keep this from happening. Undersized gutters might also get flooded with water, so that solid debris doesn't wash down the downspouts. If gutters are not properly sloped, this can also allow debris and other "gunk" to build up. Ask a guttering or roofing expert for advice on the best size of gutter to choose for your home, and be sure they're installed by a professional, so they're at the proper angle and won't allow dirt and other debris to build up and cause clogs.

What are continuous gutters?

Continuous gutters refers to seamless gutters; these are made on the spot, by putting the gutter material though a long extruder. This forms the gutters into virtually any size needed, so that a contractor doesn't need to use several small pieces of guttering that are then bolted or connected to each other. Continuous or seamless gutters may be less prone to leaking, as they have no seams that can come apart and allow water to seep through.

For more information about your home's gutters, contact companies like Trimview Mobile Guttering.


Share