There is something incredibly calming and relaxing about the rain. When the clouds come, and the drip-drop of water on the roof registers in your ears, you know that you want to be inside where it's nice and dry.
Of course, some storms bring thunder and lighting. Then, there are significant storms which can accompany rain such as hurricanes and tornadoes. But when it comes to just plain old rain, there is nothing that you need to worry about, right?
Wrong.
You Need Gutters
Unless you live in a sunny climate where it never rains, gutters are a must. Many houses are fitted with a simple filtration system that helps direct rainwater and precipitation from your roof and away from your home. Gutters prevent water damage to your roof and sides of your house, soil erosion around the base of your house, and leaks that could seep into your basement or cause damage to the foundation.
Gutters, though they may only seem to be a small piece of the puzzle, are a vital part of your house. Whether you are looking to replace gutters for your roof or there is significant damage to the ones you have, you want to make sure you know the right way to install gutters so that you don't have to worry about the rain. While simple in theory, gutter installation comes with some need-to-knows.
Know Your Roof
Not every house has or needs gutters. It’s smart to find out whether your home needs them because not all houses do. If your roof overhangs enough, rainwater may be cast far enough away from the home to prevent damage. Take a look at what the water does the next time it rains to make sure you won't be spending unnecessary money.
Know Your Gutter Type
Once you determine that you need a gutter, you’ll need to know which type is best for your roof. Now, if you decided that you want to install it yourself, you have to realize that there isn't a one-size-fits-all gutter. Gutters come in numerous sizes, shapes, materials, and styles. Choosing the wrong type will not only waste your money but your time and energy.
A prevalent type of gutter is the K-style gutter. It has flat bottoms and backs, and the front side of the gutter usually has a decorative shape, such as a curve that mimics crown molding. Another favorite type of gutter is the half-round tube which is often found on older houses.
Know Your Style
There are three main materials that you'll see when choosing your gutters:
Vinyl: Usually comes equipped with silicone gaskets that help provide a tighter seal and adapts to all weather types. Vinyl gutters seldomly rot or rust but can become brittle and crack under extreme cold.
Aluminum and Steel: While you have more of a variety of color with these metals, they can quickly rust and do have to be soldered tightly together around the house.
While there are plenty of reasons to choose any of these materials, it helps to get some guidance from a contractor or specialist to ensure you make the right choice for your house.
Know Your Pitch
You may not know this, but water doesn't just flow willy-nilly down your gutter without some assistance. Gutters may look like they're straight, but they are actually slanting at just the right angle to help the water to flow and to catch debris that can collect on the roof. Even the best gutters won't be able to get all debris to flow down, because some will get stuck. You'll still have to clean your gutters.
Know Your Drip
When installing your gutter, it's important to note that water doesn't just simply run off the edge and into the gutter. Sometimes water can overshoot the edge or drip underneath the roof edge, and in both cases, cause some water damage. The best thing to do is have a drip edge installed and then install your gutter based on the drip. A good rule of thumb is to install your gutters a few inches under the roof rather than right at the edge.
Know Your Seams
For gutters to attach, you need to have them welded or soldered together. However, if you have too many seams in your gutter system, wind, rain, temperatures, and more can put a strain on all those seams. The connections will grow weak, and parts of the gutter will become compromised.
You can solve this issue by having the least amount of seams as possible, or you can look at a seamless or continuous gutter system.
Gutters are a fairly simplistic idea and process, but if you do it yourself, you want to make sure that you are doing it right to avoid any hidden issues or damage that might affect your house. It's easy to overlook a small detail and end up with a big problem. Zups understands that. That is why we want to help you.
Zups Knows Gutters
We know how to install gutters because we know houses, and that means houses of every type. If you're looking for a specific gutter style or look to match your home, we've got you. If you're looking for an installation that can match an old house or new one, we've got you. If you're looking for downspouts for the water to flow down and away from your house, we've got you. If you're looking for gutter screens, leaf guards, or anything to do with your gutters, we've got you.
Why don't you give Zups a call today for a free inspection? We will take a look at your house and talk with you about the best resources and materials that you’ll need to keep your home looking beautiful and functioning correctly.
We don't want something as simple and peaceful as the rain to be a worrisome problem that you have to deal with. Contact us today, and one of our professional team members will work diligently to help you start planning for your gutter needs.