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Some parts of your roofing system tend to get overshadowed by the roofing material on top of the roof. However, they are still important. The gutter system comes into this category. Your gutters are an important part of any home, and when they’re not working properly, they can cause a lot of damage to your building.
So it is essential that you give due attention to these parts of a roof as well so that your home is protected from the forces of nature.
But before you decide to buy one, there are some things you should consider. In the following blog, we have provided you with some facts about gutter systems that you might not know about but can help you make a better decision next time around.
In Gutters, One Size Does Not Fit All
You can’t just buy one gutter system and expect it to work for every home. Gutter systems come in different sizes and materials, and they’re not only for keeping the rainwater away. The gutter system you buy should be in sync with the size of your roof and home. This is why you need to first measure the length of the roof with the help of a measuring tape. According to this size, the gutters will be cut. Also, check the weather conditions in your area. If the area you live in is rain-prone, then you would need a bigger drain.
Gutters Come In A Variety Of Types
There are many types of gutter systems available. There are several styles of gutters, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks, but you must work with the style that works best for your home and its drainage needs. Some types include:
Half-Round Style
These are the type of gutters that are traditional and have been in use for ages. Some might argue that there are better systems around, but these still hold value. These are associated with their curved style or a semi-circle.
They usually come in aluminum, copper, or PVC materials; however, some steel versions are also common.
K-Style Gutters
These are relatively modern and are used in most homes now. Unlike the traditional half-round gutters, these are not perfectly curved but are shaped just like the letter. These are attached to the fascia board of your home and are available in a variety of colors. The most common size is 5’’.
Box Gutters
Though they are not as popular as the other two gutter systems, they still find their way in some of the properties. These are large gutter systems that are perfect for houses with a larger area. They are usually installed during the time of shingle installation.
Image Source: ampmroofing.com
Gutters Are Made Of A Variety Of Materials
When it comes to gutters, you are not only spoilt for choices in types of systems but types of materials as well.
Metal gutters: Metal is a durable material that will last for years with proper care. It’s also rust-resistant and easy to install. On the downside, metal gutters tend to be more expensive than other kinds of gutter material. Popular metals include:
- Aluminum Gutters
- Zinc
- Copper
Plastic gutters: Plastic is lightweight and easy to install, but it doesn’t last as long as metal or copper gutters—usually only about 10 years before needing repairs or replacement. If you’re looking for an inexpensive gutter material that won’t require much upkeep over its lifetime, plastic might be the choice for you!
Gutters Need To Be Maintained Regularly
Most people just forget about gutters after they have installed them. However, you should not make this mistake. Gutters take in the rainwater and thus are vulnerable to damage. During rains and storms, these can get clogged, making it difficult for water to pass through them.
To avoid this, regular inspection is necessary. Keeping gutters clean is important. For this, you need to remove debris and other things such as leaves, twigs, and any unwanted particles from the gutters. Use a leaf blower and rake for your gutter system.
Gutters that are damaged or leaking should be repaired immediately so that they don’t cause further damage inside the home.
Seamless Gutters Are The Popular Choice
Gutters can be divided into two broad categories. These are seamless vs seamed gutters. Over the last few years, seamless gutters have become very popular. This is because of their better performance than their sectional counterparts.
Sectional gutters are the traditional types of gutters that are made up of little sections.
Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are continuous, i.e., without any sections.
These are a type of gutter that is made as one piece, without any joints or seams. Seamless gutters are designed to be more durable and require less maintenance than traditional gutters.
Toys Are The Most Common Things Found In Gutters
This might come as a shock to you, but toys are one of the most common things found in gutters. Most of the contractors or homeowners, when start to clean the gutters, find toys like badminton shuttles, balls, cards, etc. This can be attributed to kids leaving their toys outside or throwing them away or perhaps because they were left there by someone who didn’t want them anymore. Either way, it’s important that you keep an eye out for toys along with any other garbage that may fall into your gutter.
Use Gutter Guards
If you see that your gutters fill up constantly and you are frequently cleaning the debris out of it, then we have a way. Gutter guards, also called leaf guards, are a simple way to protect your gutters and make sure they don’t get clogged up with leaves and other debris, which will prevent them from draining properly. They can also help prevent ice dams from forming in the winter by keeping snow from building up around your roof’s edges.
You can call a roofing company to install these gutter guards to protect your home’s gutter.
Gutter Cleaning Can Lead To Injuries
After the rainy season or strong winds, you might notice that your gutter system is clogged. Now you must be tempted to do the work yourself by grabbing a ladder and a leaf blower. However, what most people do not know is that there are many accidents caused during gutter cleaning. There is a risk of falling and hurting yourself. This is why if you don’t have the right equipment or training, it can be incredibly dangerous and thus should be avoided. This is why you should always hire a professional contractor to do the job.
Want Gutter Installation/Repair Services In Tampa?
We hope this has been helpful, and we think it’s important to remember that while gutters may not seem like a big deal, they serve a significant role. Although they do require some maintenance, they are worth the effort if you want your home to last longer without having any issues with mold or water damage due to poor drainage around your house.
If you want to install the best gutter system in your Tampa home, then contact SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors. We have all the required materials and expertise to do the job well. Call us at (813) 400-3329, and our professionals will be happy to help you.
