Gutters are an important aspect of your home’s construction. Many people do not realize the vital role that gutters play in your home’s maintenance and value. This quick guide will provide you with more information on choosing gutters and how to know what is the best-rated gutters.
What’s the Big Deal About Gutters?
If you have never given gutters much thought, you should. Gutters are a necessary part of a home’s drainage system. The purpose of the gutter is to manage water flow off of the house. The gutter will carry the water away from the edge of the roof and direct it down a spout where it can be released a good distance away from your home’s foundation.
Without a proper gutter system, the water will simply run off the edge of your roof and straight into your foundation. This can cause foundation issues in the future, not to mention problems with erosion around your foundation, porches and patios.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Gutters
If you are looking to install or replace gutters, you should consider a few key factors. First, you should determine if you need new gutters or if you just need to repair your old ones. If you just have a few loose spots, you can usually fix that without replacing the whole system.
However, if the gutters are cracked, leaking, or sagging away from the house, you will need to replace them.
Next, you should consider the type of gutter you want to purchase. Let’s take a look at the different types of gutters that are available.
Gutters To Choose From
When you start shopping for gutters you will notice that there are different types available.
Aluminum – This is by far the most popular choice for gutters. They have been used for decades with great results. Many people choose this kind because it is lightweight, resists corrosion, and can be purchased in a variety of colors. So, are there different grades of aluminum gutters? Yes, when you start shopping you will want to compare the different features of the gutters available to make sure you are making a good investment for your home.
Many construction professionals depend on aluminum gutters because they offer a great combo of style, durability and affordability.
Other types of gutters include:
- Steel
- Zinc
- Copper
- Vinyl
How To Choose the Right Gutters
In order to choose the right gutters for your home, you will need to consider several things.
Budget – If you are running on a tight budget, it is better to buy inexpensive gutters rather than skip gutters altogether. Cheap gutters are better than no gutters at all.
Design – Gutters come in a variety of colors, designs and materials. You should be able to find the gutters that complement your home perfectly. If you are struggling with this, reach out to a professional in your area for advice.
Maintenance – You will also want to find gutters that are easily maintained. Gutter maintenance will be an important chore, so find gutters that are easy to clean and maintain.