Why its matters to have a good gutter system
Let’s be real. When it rains or snows, all of the water on your roof must go somewhere. Sure, you could just let rain pour in from all sides of your roof, but that means you’ll be drenched every time you enter or leave your house. More importantly, if you don’t have a solid gutter system in place to channel all of that moisture away from your building, your roof, siding, windows, doors, building foundation, and other components can all sustain significant water damage.
Rain gutters may not be the most visually appealing home exterior feature, but they are one of the most important. Reliable gutters drain and direct water away from your roof. But when your gutters can no longer function properly, you’ve got a real problem.
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When it may be time to replace your gutter system
Sometimes all you have to do is look something up on the internet. If buckets of water flow down the sides of your gutters every time it rains, you’ve got a “problem.” In some cases, the signs that it’s time to repair your gutters are more subtle. It may simply be a matter of observing the developing effects of water erosion around your property, beneath the areas where your gutters are supposed to flow. In the worst-case scenario, broken or damaged gutters can cause significant structural damage to your roof, attic, walls, infrastructure, or a combination of the above. At that point, damage could begin both inside and outside your home.
If you’ve recently experienced a severe storm, now is an excellent time to inspect your gutters. Have your gutters begun to leak, peel away from your roof, droop, or rest at an unsteady angle that doesn’t appear level or right? If this is the case, the time to act is now. Any good gutter product should last for a long time, but even the best-made gutters will need to be replaced at some point.
Things to keep in mind when upgrading your gutters
If the current state of your roof gutters indicates that replacement is most likely the best option, you’ll need to make some important decisions. Which type of guttering do you prefer? Vinyl is probably the cheapest option, but it is also not the strongest, and it comes in small pieces that must be joined together. The greater the number of seams in your gutter system, the more likely it is that leaks will form. Metal gutters increase structural strength and stability, but which metal is best? Galvalume metal, galvanised steel, copper, and aluminium are all common options, but each has benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few important things to keep in mind when making gutter replacement decisions:
- How much coverage do you need? : You may have noticed that your previous gutter system did not adequately cover all of the locations where your roof drains. If this is the case, you should think about including some extra gutter sections in your new coverage scheme. Having a good idea of how much guttering you’ll need can help you create a better plan and get a better estimate of how much the job will cost.
- Size & style of gutters: Were the gutters you intend to replace truly designed to perfectly fit your roof? If your roof has a very steep pitch, or if your location gets a lot of rain in general, a 6″ gutter may be preferable to a “normal” 5″ gutter. You’ll also need to choose between a K-style gutter and a half-round gutter.
- Check the overall condition of your roof, too: If it’s time to repair your gutters, it’s also a good time to inspect the condition of your roof. If your current gutters are in poor condition, there is a good chance that there is a problem (or problems) with your roof that needs to be addressed as well. Depending on what you discover, the best course of action may be to proceed with a roof replacement and gutter installation project. We recognise that this is not the cheapest solution, but it is far preferable to address all issues at once rather than simply bandaging some while ignoring others!
- Materials & Aesthetics: Another important decision to make is the type of gutter material you want. Copper gutters are the “gold standard,” and a well-built copper gutter can last for centuries. Copper’s disadvantage is that it is expensive and does not come in a variety of colours. Due to their long-lasting functionality and diverse colour palette, galvalume metal and galvanised steel are two other popular metal alternatives. Both are also significantly less expensive than copper.
- Don’t forget about your fascia: You may not recognise the phrase, but you are undoubtedly aware of what we are referring to. The board that runs beneath the edge of your roof is referred to as “fascia.” Fascia boards not only help to maintain the structural integrity of your roof, but they are also the surface on which most gutters are installed. Check to see if your fascia and soffit is strong and in good condition before installing new gutters. Before installing new gutters, you should repair any rotting or soft spots in your fascia.
Conclusion
We hope you find these suggestions helpful as you investigate your current gutter problem and plan for any gutter replacement solutions that may be required. And Skywalker Windows & Siding is the company you can rely on for the best gutter solutions in NC & VA! Nobody backs up their work like Skywalker! We specialise in custom-built seamless gutters right on your property! We also provide the best low-maintenance gutter guard systems. Nobody cares more about your gutters than Skywalker, and we also offer a variety of other useful home improvement services. Contact us today and let us demonstrate the Skywalker difference!
Article soure: https://www.finehomelamps.com/why-now-may-be-a-good-time-to-upgrade-your-gutters/
