Consider These Factors When Selecting Your Residential Rain Gutters
Rain gutters are essential drainage components for moving water away from your roof and home during a storm. They are vital for rainwater harvesting, as they capture the water stored in rainwater tanks for use during the dry months.
That said, not all gutters are created equal. They come in all shapes and sizes to give property owners the freedom to make the best choice from the available options. If you are in the market for residential gutters, here are a few things to consider as you assess your options.
Rain Loads
Gutters serve as the primary drainage system for roof structures. For this reason, they should be designed and built to sustain the load of water that falls on the roof when it rains.
Rainfall pattern is the primary factor affecting rain loads on roofs. It describes the amount of rain that falls in a particular area or region over a specific time interval, usually a year. The more rain that you receive in your specific area, the more water your gutters will capture. Gutters that are too weak to withstand the captured water will sag and eventually fall off, even if they are supported.
The various gutter materials can differ in strength and thickness. Make sure you choose a gutter system that won't collapse or fail under the weight of the rain trickling down your roof.
Gutter Maintenance
All gutter systems require some care and upkeep to remain in tip-top shape throughout the year. However, some gutters require more maintenance than others.
Before installing your gutters, it helps to research the kind of maintenance they will require throughout their lifespan. For example, wood gutters require periodic oiling or sealing in addition to regular cleaning to keep them from warping, cracking, and rotting. The high maintenance requirements of these gutters can substantially increase their life cycle costs.
If you want metal gutters that will require little to no rust treatments during their lifespans, copper and aluminum are better choices than steel.
Visual Appeal
Since gutters are installed outside the home along the lower edges of the roof, they will impact the curb appeal of the property in one way or another. It, therefore, pays to choose your gutters with your home's exterior design in mind.
Installing gutters that blend nicely with your roof, fascia board, siding, and other exterior surfaces will enhance the beauty of the property, increasing its attractiveness and price on the home sale market.
With all the options available on the market, picking the best gutters for your home can be confusing. But fret not. If you need help wading through the various gutter options, contact a gutter installation professional today.
