Roofing Tips: Downspouts And Gutters

The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to collect the water that runs off the roof and then direct it away from the foundation of the house. Therefore, the ground surrounding the house should slope away from the home's foundation to prevent water from pooling. Also, water should be carried from the house as far away as possible by underground drains, flexible drains, downspout extensions, or splash blocks.  

Gutter Types 

Seamless aluminum: This is one of the best types of gutters since you don't need to paint them the way you do galvanized gutters. They also do not bend or crack, the way that vinyl gutters do. Once the perimeter of your roof has been measured by the installer, the aluminum gets fed into a special machine from a spool. The machine extrudes the gutters right there on the spot. These gutters are not completely seamless, despite the name, but only have seams on the outside and inside corners. 

Galvanized tin: This material has been used for many years, and is the most widely used type of materials for gutters. The only drawback to it is that it needs to be painted from time to time in order to prevent the penetration of rust into the galvanized coating. These gutters are strong and stiff and can hold up well against heavy snowfall and other severe weather conditions.

Vinyl: This is the easiest type of gutters for do-it-yourselfers to install. They are available at large home centers to purchase, are lightweight, and easy to install. Usually, they only come in white or brown colors. Although installing these gutters are easy, they are subject to being distorted from cold and heat, and don't have the same permanent presence that metal gutters have.   

Wood: Although they are still found on older homes sometimes, these days wood gutters are a custom design. When properly cared for, they are long-lasting and beautiful, which means regular painting and cleaning. 

Copper: These are another type of custom gutters that are long-lasting and beautiful. 

Gutter Maintenance

Gutter supports, over the years, become broken, rusted, and loose. Check them on a regular basis and repair or replace them as needed. 

Make sure you clean out the debris and leaves from your gutters every fall before the rainy season starts. 

Check to make sure your downspouts are clear. if they aren't, then use either a plumbing snake or garden hose to blast out the debris. 

Check while it is raining to see if the gutter joints have any leaks. A bead of caulk often is sufficient to seal the leak completely. 

To prevent accumulation, put leaf guards on the gutters. Place strainers on the downspout holes. You can make them out of rolled chicken wire and then insert them in the downspout holes.

 Ultimate Roofing can give you more details on this. Contact us and see how we can help!