All You Need to Know Before Selecting A Rain Gutter System for Your Roof
As a part of the roofing, a properly installed rain gutter system is an absolute must for homes in areas experiencing rain, snowfall, and storms. It protects the home’s siding, windows, landscape, foundation, and roof from water and moisture damage by collecting and directing the rainwater from the roof to the downspouts, away from the home’s foundation. Mounted along the edge of the roof, gutters are available in a range of materials, shapes, colors, and price ranges to suit the home’s style and budget. A roofing company can help with the new rain gutter installation or replace an old one that shows signs of aging.
Here is all the information a homeowner needs before choosing a rain gutter system installation for their roof:
Types of rain gutter systems
There are two popular rain gutter system designs to choose from:
K-style- This style of rain gutter system resembles the alphabet K when viewed from the sides. Most homeowners prefer K-style gutter as they are easy to install, durable, and provide optimal drainage. It resembles a crown molding with a flat bottom with straight and outwardly angled sides and works well with rectangular downspouts. It looks decorative, is less prone to leaks, and available in different styles.
Half-round- These are half-round tubes found in older homes with bricks. They are less prone to corrosion, and their smooth inner shape does not allow them to become easily clogged. They are ideal to use with round downspouts.
Seamless gutter system
The seamless gutter system is one of the most popular professionally installed gutters. As the name suggests, it doesn’t contain seams or joints like a regular gutter system and is manufactured as a single long piece made from aluminum, copper, steel, or zinc. There is a low possibility of leakage or overflow issues. They are expensive but easy to install, require less maintenance, look aesthetically pleasing, and last longer. They are very popular and are considered a worthy investment for any home.
Rain gutter materials
The material you choose for the rain gutter system will decide the cost, curb appeal, and the level of protection the roof will get.
Aluminum is the cost-effective and most widely used material for both seamed and seamless gutters. Available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors, they don’t rust, are lightweight, and easy to install.
Vinyl is the least expensive but is not very sturdy and can fade or become brittle due to constant exposure to different weather elements.
Zinc is another durable (can last up to 50 years), rustproof, but costly material and requires professional installation.
Steel makes for high-quality gutters that are sturdy, long-lasting, heavy, and difficult to install.
Copper is a high-end gutter material that is durable, strong, and adds to the home’s aesthetic appeal.
Rain gutter system maintenance
A rain gutter system needs regular care and upkeep to maintain its beauty and functionality. You can have gutters cleaned twice a year by a gutter cleaning company to keep them clear off dirt, leaves, and other debris. To protect the gutter system, you can consider getting accessories like gutter guards, downspouts brackets, rain chains, and some gutter cleaning tools.
Contact a roofing contractor or a roofing company for more information on residential gutter systems.
Yuras Roofing Company is a family-owned and operated business for commercial and residential roofing in San Antonio. We install all types of composition and laminated shingles, metal roofing, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Call us today at (210) 592-4802.