Everything You Need to Know About Rain Gutters

Most people don’t think about their gutters on a regular basis and why should they? If your gutters are doing their job, then they shouldn’t require a second thought. However, if you decide to build a new home or replace your gutters then you may be surprised with the number of options there are. Should you get copper or aluminum gutters? Half-round or K-style? Should you invest in gutter guards?

For answers to these questions and more, you’re in the right place. Consider this your crash course in gutters, a place to find out more about the various gutter types and what will work best for you.

Types of Rain Gutters

Rain gutters are incredibly important for preserving the integrity of your home, from the roof to the foundation. By channeling rainwater off of your roof and away from the base of your home, they prevent water from accumulating in your roof or around your foundation and causing rot, mold, cracks, and deterioration. Gutters are made from a variety of materials that you can choose from. Different materials can affect the appearance, cost, and durability of gutters. Here are some distinguishable pros and cons for each material:

Vinyl 

Pros:

• Least expensive

• Can be painted

• Lightweight

• Rust resistant 

Cons:

• Least durable gutter material

• Sun exposure will cause colors to fade

• Likely to crack if a ladder is leaned against it

• Lasts around 20 years

Aluminum 

Pros:

• Budget-friendly

• Variety of color choices

• Lightweight

• Rust resistant 

• Lasts up to 25 years

Cons:

• Can easily dent or bend

Zinc 

Pros:

• Long-lasting

• Rust, warp, and fade resistant

• Lasts 50 years

Cons:

• Expensive

• Requires professional installation

Steel 

Pros:

• Very durable and strong

• Can endure harsh weather

• Can be painted

Cons:

• Heavy

• Requires professional installation

• Susceptible to rust

Copper 

Pros:

• Very durable

• Can endure harsh weather

• Won’t rust or warp

• Beautiful appearance

Cons:

• Most expensive gutter material

• Requires professional installation

Now that you have an overview of what materials rain gutters can be made out of, let’s take a look at the different styles of gutters.

Half-round gutters look like a tube that has been cut in half. While this design is very effective at guiding water flow, the open design makes this type of gutter susceptible to clogs unless protected by a leaf guard. The rounded shape requires brackets to keep them in place and they do not sit flat against the fascia boards. While these gutters are not the most aesthetically appealing, they are the most standard rain gutter found on houses built prior to 1960.

K-style gutters are named appropriately as they loosely resemble the letter K when looked at from the side. If your home was built in the last 5 decades, you probably have K-style rain gutters. This type of gutter does not need brackets for installation, you can nail them straight into the fascia. The outward side is decorative and is appealing to those looking for a design element in their gutters. K-style gutters are well equipped for rainy climates as they can hold more water than half-round gutters.

Custom-built fascia gutters have gained popularity in recent years. Instead of sections fitting together like half-round or K-style gutters that may plague homeowners with leaks and rust, custom-built fascia gutters are made from a single piece of aluminum. Because of this, they are custom built for each home which could mean paying double the amount that half-round or K-style gutters would cost.

Types of Gutter Guards 

Gutter guards are designed to keep your gutter functioning properly by preventing debris from entering and blocking your gutters. When gutters are not able to drain properly, your home is at risk of water leaks, foundation problems, and infestation. By installing gutter guards, you can prevent these problems and save time and money on gutter related issues. Let’s take a look at the 5 types of gutter guards that may be right for your home:

Mesh gutter guards are made of metal and consist of many holes to allow water to enter the gutter system while filtering out debris. Many homeowners choose mesh gutter guards because they are compatible with a variety of gutter and roof types. Mesh gutter guards are very durable and do not deteriorate as fast as other gutter guard options.

Bottle brush gutter guards look very similar to wire bottle cleaning brushes. They primarily filter out large debris like leaves and block natural material from entering and blocking the gutter system. Perks of bottle brush gutter guards include a low cost and you can install them yourself, saving you time and money. However, these types of gutter guards do require you to clean them out annually by removing them from your gutters and shaking off the accumulated debris.

Screen gutter guards are a highly affordable option. They can be made of plastic or metal and are easily installed. Similar to mesh gutter guards, screen gutter guards consist of multiple (larger) holes which filter out debris. Because the holes are larger than mesh gutter guards, small debris like pine needles can enter your gutter system or become lodged in the gutter guard. Another downside is that severe weather can cause these gutter guards to blow off.

Foam gutter guards are made from polyether or polyurethane foam that has pores that ensure only water can enter the gutters and any debris is blocked. These types of gutter guards can be installed by yourself but they require replacements every year or two making them an expensive option in the long run.

Reverse gutter guards have evolved a lot over the past one hundred years. This type of gutter guard completely covers the open top of the gutter and channels water around a curve and into the gutter system while debris falls to the ground. While great in theory, this type of gutter can be really problematic for homeowners. This type of gutter guard can lead to the formation of large icicles in cold weather, can be difficult to remove when the time comes to clean your gutters, and does not work best in heavy rains.

Rain Gutter Size

Not only do you get to choose the material, style and type of gutter guard you want installed on your home, you also have options when it comes to size. The bigger the gutter the more water it can safely direct away from your house. If you have a large, sloped roof then you will likely need bigger rain gutters than someone with a small, flat roof simply because you will have more water running off your roof at a faster pace.

Common sizes in the past have included both 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch and 7-inch gutters. However, 6-inch gutters are now code for all recent construction and replacements. Professional roofers like our team at Elite Roofing and Restoration can help you calculate which size is best for your home and meets requirements (along with aiding your material, style and gutter guard choices). Contact our team today to schedule a gutter inspection. We provide gutter cleaning, repair or replacement services, so whatever condition your gutters are in, we can assist you.

Elite Roofing and Restoration is your source for quality roof repair and replacement.

In addition to roof replacements and repairs, both commercial and residential, we offer a considerable list of additional home repair services to assist you with any general construction needs you may have.

Contact us today to schedule your no-hassle, complimentary roof inspection today.