Gutter installation may require a professional approach if it is to be carried out properly by a certified and licensed plumber. Rain gutters, eave-spout, eaves-stack, or downspout water collection channels are a vital component of an effective water drain system in a building. The gutter channel acts as the exit channel from a downpipe to allow water to percolate or be diverted to areas of the building to be utilized for other purposes. The size and shape of the channel are determined by the type of roofing material used on the property.
A common material used to make up a gutter is vinyl, which is both durable and cost-effective. However, vinyl is susceptible to cracking, shrinking, and breaking due to exposure to the weather, which could prove disastrous to a homeowner. This is why many homeowners are opting to go with the more modern alternative available these days – seamless gutters. Seamless gutters are made up of individual panels that are attached with no seams and are installed using high-quality hardware by pros.
In previous years, gutters were made up of wooden decking boards covered in asphalt. Asphalt was commonly used due to its affordable price and lasting durability. However, in terms of protection from rain and snow, the problem with asphalt was that it was easily damaged by twigs, leaves, and other debris. As a result, many homes across the US had to be fitted with another kind of roofing material.
Gutters in the past were typically made from old wooden planks that were nailed to the roof’s underside. When the weather was bad, this prevented the rain and snow from making their way down the roof. Once the snow and ice started to melt, water would accumulate in the gutter channels which would eventually lead to clogging, blockage, and overflow. This meant that water would pool in the base of the gutters, which was a definite safety hazard. Also, the accumulation of too much water could damage the roof shingles.
New gutters no longer feature wooden decking but are instead made of metal. They are constructed of heavy-duty aluminum, which is much stronger than wood. A heavy-duty aluminum gutter is equipped with a fully adjustable tension system to ensure that it is properly fitted to the roof. It can withstand up to a 25-year warranty – which is more than most other gutters on the market can offer – as well as a full five-year warranty for replacement parts and labor.
The installation of the gutter system requires very little effort on the homeowner’s part. Rather, it involves gathering the materials needed to make sure the installation is a success, ensuring that all the components are adequately set up and fastened, and finally cleaning the gutters to keep them in good running order. If you have never undertaken gutter maintenance before, then a professional gutter maintenance company can help you out by installing the gutter system and ensuring that all the parts are properly secured. They can also help clean the gutters and fix any problems that may be lurking underneath.
Regardless of the type of gutter systems you have, the gutters need to be cleaned at least every three years. This is especially important if you live in an area that experiences harsh weather. Without cleaning the gutters regularly, they will become clogged and trap moisture within, leading to a buildup of bacteria, rot, and mildew. Also, without cleaning the gutters regularly, water can seep through and cause damage to the ceilings and walls of your home.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your gutters, then you can choose to install a protective surface to hide all the unsightly debris. Alternatively, you can opt for the per foot option of gutter protection where the downspouts are designed to be as slim and invisible as possible. Whatever option you choose, make sure you hire a reputable and expert gutter installation team to ensure that you get the job done efficiently and correctly.