Buying new rain gutters isn’t complicated, but there are things to keep in mind before making a final decision. The purpose of gutters is to protect you home exterior from water damage. To ensure that the gutter system will be an integral part of the roofing drainage design, here is what to look for when buying gutters.
Size of the Roof
The total square footage of the roof is one of the determining factors in the type of gutter system that will be able to efficiently drain the water from the roof, through the gutters, and out of the downspouts. The larger the roof, the more volume of runoff the roofing system must handle. It is also helpful to know the annual rainfall for your region; statistics on the amount of rain that falls in an hour in extreme conditions; and whether or not the size and shape of the gutter trough can manage flow of water.
Size of Gutter System
Gutter size refers to the width of the opening of the gutter channel, A 5-inch or 6-inch gutter system is adequate for most homes. Standard sizes for downspouts are 2 x 3 inches (5” gutters) and 3 x 4 inches (6” gutters). A gutter system for your home’s exterior might include several downspouts depending on the size of the roof and the amount of annual rainfall.
Gutter Shape
The gutter shape or gutter profile determines the overall appearance of your home’s exterior. The most common gutter shape is K-style since it works well with many architectural designs. Traditional style homes and homes that having copper gutters installed might favour the half-round profile. Box style gutters with crisp, angular lines, complement modern or contemporary houses.
Gutter Materials and Climate
When selecting gutters for your home look at how well the gutter material will stand up to local climatic conditions. For a real boost in curb appeal, choose one of the popular gutter materials currently trending with today’s homeowners.
Aluminum Gutters
Pros: Most affordable metal gutter material; lightweight; never rusts; and lasts up to 25 years in any climate.
Cons: Prone to denting and temperature fluctuations
Copper Gutters
Pros: Timeless appearance; develops a patina; long-lasting in any climate
Cons: Most expensive metal gutter material; needs to be installed by a professional contractor; develops a patina (some homeowners prefer its original colour)
Galvanized Steel Gutters (steel coated in zinc)
Pros: Strong; durable; rust-resistant; paintable; ideal for climate zones that experience extreme conditions
Cons: Susceptible to rusting if finish is compromised; heavy, making it more expensive to install; and has shorter lifespan than other high-end gutter materials
Vinyl Gutters
Pros: Least expensive gutter material; lightweight; easy to install
Cons: Not fire-resistant; prone to colour fading; becomes brittle when consistently exposed to high temperatures
Sectional or Seamless
Many homeowners choose to have sectional gutters installed because they typically cost less than seamless gutters. They also can be installed by do-it-yourselfers and have the ability to easily be replaced if one section becomes damaged.
On the other hand, homeowners select seamless gutters for their smooth lines and sleek appearance. A seamless gutter system is custom made on site, designed to perfectly fit the shape of your roof. Since they don’t have as many seams as sectional gutters, there are fewer places for leaks to form. Seamless gutters tend to have a longer lifespan than sectional gutters.
