In this article we'll review several aspects of gutter selection, installation and maintenance. We'll look at new trendy finishes, as well as give you some tips and pointers for keeping your gutters functioning properly.
Gutters aren't usually the first thing on homeowners' minds when they think of a way to improve their living space. They're somewhat out of sight, and if they do their job, we really don't' think about them all that much. However, today's trend-savvy homeowners are realizing that gutters can actually be an interesting visual accent.
In addition to their decorative potential, gutters perform essential home maintenance functions. They keep water away from the home itself, preventing damage. Downspouts guide this water away from the foundation of your home.
Decorative Gutters
If you haven't shopped for gutters before, you'll be amazed at the decorative options which are available today. The trendiest homes incorporate decorative accents into unexpected places, giving a fresh and modern appeal to even the most traditional dècor. Decorative gutters, as well as downspouts, splash guards and other related products, offer an excellent opportunity to beautify and maintain your home at the same time.
Copper gutters have become extremely popular in recent years. Designers and homeowners have realized that gutters function almost like trim on a home. They can blend in if you want them to, but if they stand out they can add a wonderful contrasting element to the overall appearance of your home. Copper is ideal for this purpose, since its neutral yet eye-catching color complements a wide variety of colors and styles. Copper gutters and accent pieces are also available in a gray tin-alloy finish, giving you more color options while retaining copper's durability benefits.
Most gutter pieces are rather simple. Long, very slightly angled pieces of open metal tubing which run the length of your home, catching water as it runs off the roof and channeling it to the edges, are a commonplace sight. However, some accent pieces can add a truly unique touch. Gargoyles, for example, originated during medieval times. They are dragon-shaped accents which spout water from the edges of buildings. While this option is obviously not for everybody, a gargoyle is an unexpectedly whimsical touch that can really let you show your style!
Rain chains are another popular addition to the world of water channeling. These chains are used in place of traditional downspouts. Instead of running through a downspout, the water simply cascades down a chain. These chains can be very simple, or they can be constructed out of decorative links. Rain chains produce a unique sound, very much like a waterfall, when in use. To enhance this natural sound, many homeowners attach chimes to their rain chains. A spout is still required underneath the rain chain, just as with a downspout, in order to channel water away from your home's foundation.
Decorative copper gutters and accent pieces do more than just look good. They also allow you to add more downspouts and channels without taking away from the visual appeal of your home's exterior. This can reduce the danger of overflowing gutters during heavy rains or snow melts, which helps maintain the integrity of your home's structure and foundation.
Proper Positioning
Your home's gutters perform a critical function. Water damage isn't just annoying; it can be extremely costly to repair. Often, you don't notice or see water damage until it has become extensive. By the time a leak actually drips water inside your house, there is a lot of damage done to the roof. Likewise, by the time you see water in your basement, the foundation of your home has either cracked or become saturated. These situations mean big repair bills. In extreme cases, water damage can lead to the need for a new roof.
The type of damage they help to prevent is exactly why the placement of gutters and downspouts is so important. When placed in the proper areas and at the right angles, gutters carry potentially damaging water safely away from your home.
Gutters look straight, but they're actually at a very slight angle. This angle is vital to proper functioning. Depending on the lines of your home, the angle and direction of water flow will vary.
Downspouts should be placed at each corner of your home. If you have a very large home or live in an area with a high amount of rain or snow, it's a good idea to place a few downspouts on exterior walls, as well. Thanks to the new options in decorative finishes, this isn't' the eyesore it once was, and can add unique visual appeal to your home.
Splash-blocks are pieces of heavy plastic or rubber which are placed beneath downspouts or rain chains. These are essential items in preventing water damage, as they direct water away from your home's foundation. Depending on the amount of rainfall you typically experience, an expert may recommend a splash-block anywhere from two to six feet long. Some homeowners prefer to simply extend their downspout instead of placing a separate splash block. This approach is effective, but it can hamper outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn. Splash blocks have remained popular due to their portability.
Gutter Maintenance
In order to keep your gutters functioning properly, it's important to clean them out regularly. There are special brushes and “pushers†designed for this purpose, with angled heads and very long, telescoping handles. These tools allow you to clean your gutters without the hassle of climbing and balancing on a ladder.
Gutter covers are a popular addition which can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need to regularly sweep out your gutters. These mesh attachments sit on top of the gutter, keeping leaves, twigs and other debris out while still allowing water to flow freely. Keep in mind that the accumulation of debris will still need to be swept off at least a few times per year.
Cleaning your gutters, or keeping them clean with covers, is essential. If gutters become clogged with leaves (which can happen almost overnight), then can't drain off water properly. This is the cause of many leaks. When leaves are clogging a gutter, water backs up at the clog. Eventually, that water will seep into your roof or walls. Over time, that water damage leads to cracks, interior leaks, and costly repair bills.
Replacing, Repairing and Installation
Over time, gutters can become damaged by any number of things. Ice dams (caused by melting snow which re-freezes) can cause the gutters to sag if they are too large and heavy, which is usually irreversible. This requires replacement because if the gutter's angle is not correct, water will not flow properly. The same damage can be done by clogs formed by leaves and other debris.
Occasionally, a gutter will rust through at the site of a clog. This can be rather easily repaired using a patch kit. Patch kits are available at most home improvement and hardware stores.
Downspouts are often damaged and dented by hail. If the dent is deep enough, it can cause water backup and damage. Dents can also be caused by careless drivers if the downspout is close to a driveway, or by children playing with bats or sticks. These dents usually require replacement.
If you own an older home, you may have several holes, leaks and dents in your gutters. If this is the case, a full replacement may actually be less expensive than repairing and replacing each issue individually. It also gives you a chance to outfit your home with gutters made from more weather-resistant materials, which are more durable and will last longer before needing repair or replacement.
Small repair jobs are usually very simply DIY projects. However, a larger-scale replacement often benefits from a professional touch. The amount of climbing alone is enough to influence many homeowners to hire a professional, since balancing high in the air while installing a gutter can be a difficult and nerve-wracking experience.
If you decide to let a professional handle your gutter installation or replacement, you may feel a bit intimidated by the selection process. Contractors and handymen fill page after page in many phone books. How do you know you're choosing the best professional for the job?
Thankfully, website which connects homeowners with home-improvement professionals has simplified the process for you. These websites give you two options for finding help. First, you have the option to review contractors and handymen in your local area. You can view things like licenses, insurance coverage (in some cases), certifications, experience and areas of expertise. You can also read consumer reviews from former clients, detailing their experiences with and overall impressions of each individual. These reviews can be invaluable when narrowing down your list of possible hires.
Your other option is to post your job online and wait for professionals to contact you. This is about as simple as it gets...you just post and wait! Contractors will contact you with a bid on the project. Always research the contractors who bid on your project, just to be on the safe side.
Once you've narrowed your list, make a few phone calls. Discuss your project with each contractor. This will help to avoid costly delays once work has begun. Always ask for an estimate, but remember that outdoor work is at the mercy of the weather.
Posted by: Diane
