The Purpose of Gutters
During rainstorms, the purpose of rain gutters is to force water to flow to certain areas and avoid draining into others. Gutters help prevent water draining into the house, into windows and doors, stairs, and walkways. In cold weather, gutters help prevent water dripping onto stairs and walkways, where it can freeze and become a slipping hazard. The management of the water flow through downspouts and gutters also helps to prevent damage to the house, flowerbeds, and landscaping, as well as damage to the foundation of the house.
Types of Gutter Systems
There are many different types of gutter systems, incorporating a wide range of materials used to make them. They can come with seams or be seamless gutters, and even shapes can vary. Gutter systems can come in a variety of colors, materials, and sizes that you can mix and match to meet your budget. It’s important to enlist the help of a professional gutter installation company to help identify the decisions you’ll need to make, what the options are, pros and cons of each option, and to ultimately help you make these decisions, which can be daunting. An expert can help you decide what is the best decision for your home and budget, while keeping style and curb appeal in mind.
Maintenance of Gutters
To ensure your gutter system is working properly, start by cleaning them at least every six months. Installing a gutter guard system to prevent build up in the gutters is also a great option. However, cleaning should be done at least twice a year. Well maintained gutters catch the water and direct it through the gutters, and into downspouts. This helps to push the water away from the house. If the water is flowing toward your house or if the gutters do not properly catch the water, they may not have been properly installed.
When to install new Gutters
If your gutters are warped, have holes, are broken in areas, or are failing, it is time to have a new system installed. You should hire a professional installer, since gutters can be difficult to install yourself properly.
One Response
A few days ago, my brother told me he’s interested in replacing his gutters next month before it starts to rain. That’s why I think he’d benefit from reading your insight about gutter maintenance and how to keep them working properly, so I’ll share it with my brother now. I appreciate your advice on using gutter guards systems to prevent buildups.