Get to Know Your Gutters
There are countless items around your house that work hard to make your life easier and protect your property. The dishwasher saves you hours of standing at the sink, scrubbing pans, while a water heater keeps your showers from being frigid and unbearable.
The often unsung heroes of your property that trim the roof and protect the very structure of your home are the gutters.
Why Are They Important?
Light rain may seem like harmless precipitation that your house can handle. However, even the smallest of rainfall can quickly gather on your roof, causing a rush of water to drain off the sides. Without a proper draining solution, this water can pool at the base of your home, eventually causing erosion and permanent damage to the foundation of your house.
A lack of gutters and the gathered water on your roof can cause damage to your shingles. It also creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and algae.
Finally, as water rushes off the sides of the roof and trickles down the side of your house, it can create additional problems. The excess water and condensation can over time take a toll on:
- Windows
- Siding
- Indoor walls
- Doors
In short, a properly installed, efficient, and sturdy gutter system is there to protect your home and increase its lifespan.
Gutter Materials
There are four main materials you can choose from when installing gutters. Each has its pros and cons, and a range of pricing.
Vinyl
The easiest and most affordable gutter material to work with is vinyl. This makes it the best option for those wishing to install gutters on their own, without a professional.
The downside to this cost-effective gutter option is that vinyl is less durable than metal and is likely to become brittle more quickly.
Copper
A more pricey, yet extremely durable option is copper. At a higher cost per foot, copper gutters are a great option for someone looking for a sturdy drainage system and has a larger budget. A lot of homeowners are drawn to the copper look that could add a unique flair to the house, however, keep in mind that over time, copper will change as it is exposed to rain and other elements. Don’t believe us? Go look up a photo of the Statue of Liberty when it was first brought over from France!
Aluminum
Another low-cost, durable, and rust-resistant material is aluminum, the most popular gutter material out there. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from as well if you’re looking to match your home!
Steel
Steel gutters are another durable option. Over time, mid-range priced galvanized steel will develop rust, while a few more dollars per foot will get you a stainless steel option that will maintain its look without rusting!
Gutter Maintenance
It’s not enough to install and forget about your gutters. Proper maintenance is extremely important to help them do their job of protecting your house efficiently!
When It’s Time to Clean
Once you notice a significant buildup of leaves, twigs, and debris in your gutters, it’s time to take care of them. The excess weight can put stress on the system and cause damage. A good rule of thumb is to schedule a gutter cleaning at the end of the spring and fall seasons to give them a fresh start for the changing weather.
Leaf Protection
If you find that your gutters are filling up quicker than you can handle, consider investing in gutter guards. These devices can be installed on top of your gutters to ensure that the only thing going in and out of them is water. Some gutter guard options are:
Get Some Help!
It’s always a good idea to bring in the professionals when you have a large home improvement project. Climbing onto a ladder to clean or fix your gutters can be dangerous and a professional team can take care of it safely and quickly for you.
Additionally, if your roof has suffered damage as a result of a clogged or broken gutter, (or lack of gutters in general!) the team at DNA Roofing and Siding is here to help with repairs.
From loose and missing shingles to algae growth and wet spots, we’re the team to contact! Give us a call at (302) 548-3299 or contact us online to learn more.