By J. A. Young
Cleaning the gutters is not a romantic task - at least according to this home improver. Yet, maintaining your roof’s drainage system is essential for a harmonious household free from small flooding and waterlogged flowerbeds. Without a drainage system, rain water would simply run straight down the sides of your house potentially damaging paint and finishes, creating seepage and ruining the plantings against the structure by making havoc with topsoil. The following article demonstrates various gutter materials as well as some tips to help with maintenance.
Gutter Materials
Vinyl gutters are invariably expensive, but they often come with a lifetime warranty. While they won’t tolerate paint, they withstand elements like nothing else, making them well worth the expense to some homeowners. Although they are extremely tough and durable, they are difficult to install so take care and take your time. Traditionally color choice has been poor, but some improvement in selection has been made over the past several years.
Steel gutters will get you roughly fifteen years of good drainage - not as long as the vinyl option, but certainly less expensive. Steel gutters come with galvanized finishes or baked on enamel. Steel gutters require painting every couple of years or as needed to prevent rust.
A popular alternative to steel gutters is aluminum gutters. This variety is frequently chosen although it isn’t as strong as the steel models. It may, however, provide a longer life than the steel gutters and is far easier to handle. Aluminum gutters are typically available with plastic or enamel finishes that may also require periodic painting.
Copper gutters are seldom considered but are available. They are expensive and their joints need to be soldered, but they will last upwards of 50 years and are extremely durable. They will not corrode either, but the joints will undoubtedly require resoldering.
Finally, wood is sometimes used for decorative old houses - think of those lovely painted ladies of the Victorian era. Of course, working with wood gutters must be a labor of love as they will require annual maintenance. As one might expect, warping is a frequent occurrence. Also, wood gutters are heavy so installation is rather difficult. Nevertheless, with proper love and attention, wood gutters may provide you with between 10 and 15 years of drainage.
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Gutters
- Inspect your gutters and downspouts in late spring and fall. Clear away debris - typically leaves and twigs. Inspect your gutters for holes or sagging sections. As you hose down the gutters, check for dripping.
- Be sure your gutters slant to their downspouts. Bolster sagging sections and be sure hangers are firmly attached to the gutters. To repair a sag, you may need to attach a new hanger.
- Leaking at the seams is a common complaint for gutters. Either recrimp or apply adhesive and patch. You may want to patch from the inside with a metal or roofing paper. If your seal leaks, apply a coat of roofing cement.
- If you live under tall deciduous trees, consider installing leaf guards to your gutters. These screens will keep leaves from clogging your gutters and allow water to freely flow into downspouts and off your roof.
- Finally, be sure to position splashguards to direct water well away from your house’s foundation. Be sure you set them atop a layer of sand or gravel.
While maintaining the gutters is not the most glamorous household task, it is an important one and well deserving of a break once the job is tackled. Also, pay close attention to the manufacturer's recommendations when it comes to your particular set of gutters.
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