While there are different types of gutter based on their shapes and materials, they all have one job to do: Protect your home’s foundation, the basement, and the surrounding landscape from flooding and water damage. Remember, stagnant water encourages mildew and mold growth and ruins your home’s paint and structural integrity over time.
Gutter Shapes
Gutter shapes come in three basic types: K-shape, half-round, and box. Each shape design provides benefits, which can help you determine which one is the right fit for your home.
K-Shaped Gutters
Also referred to as ogee gutters, K-shaped gutters are generally available in 5- and 6-inch widths, making them the ideal choice for residential use. Their outer edge looks like “k” as viewed from the front, while their bottom and back (the part that rests against the home’s fascia board) are flat.
The design of K-shaped gutters–i.e., it tapers out to the broader top edge–allows the water to rush down the channel and out the downspout. This efficient design allows a smaller K-shaped gutter to be as efficient as a standard-sized half-round gutter.
Half-Round Gutters
Just like the K-shaped, half-round gutters are also popular in homes, especially in older constructions. Also, they are cheaper and easier to install than K-shaped gutters, although they don’t move the water as rapidly as the K-shaped ones.
Half-round gutters are still used in new construction, especially if the homeowners want the old-fashion or vintage look.
Box Gutters
Unlike the two previously mentioned gutter shapes, box gutters are almost exclusively used in commercial construction because they favor flat-roof buildings. They are also longer and larger to accommodate the wider roofs in commercial buildings.
Gutter Materials
The best construction material for your gutter depends on several factors, such as your budget, the climate in your region, and home design. For instance, aluminum might be the best choice for a homeowner because it is lightweight, easy to install, rustproof, and affordable–unless you live in an area that experiences extreme weather events like hail storms that can dent the aluminum.
Aluminum Gutter
Nowadays, most homeowners choose aluminum gutters because they are durable and do their job well without being over-the-top expensive like the stainless steel and copper gutters.
Aside from being rustproof, aluminum gutters come in a wide variety of colors and offer great customization, i.e., they can be custom-made on-site and can be designed to have very few seams (to reduce the possible leaked points).
If budget permits, seamless aluminum gutters are often the best choice for new residential and commercial buildings. Not only do they reduce the chances of leaking, but they can also add to the architectural beauty of the home instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.
If you want seamless aluminum gutters, contact Yorkshire Roofing at (800) 794-7444. They are a licensed and insured roofing contractor servicing Northern California. Take note that a professionally installed seamless gutter can last up to 30 years, longer than the average gutter design.
Steel
Steel can resist rust, but not as great as aluminum because after about five years of installation, it may show some early signs of rusting. Also, steel gutters are more expensive and harder to install than aluminum gutters.
Vinyl
Just like aluminum gutters, vinyl gutters are also popular because of their affordability, lightweight construction, and “DIY-friendliness.” But in terms of durability, they fall short because they can fade quickly after months of sun exposure, and they may crack in extremely cold weather.
Zinc
Zinc gutters are expensive, so they are less popular in new construction; nowadays, they are mainly used to preserve historical buildings. But in terms of durability and longevity, this construction material is an excellent choice.
Because zinc gutters have joints parts that need to be welded, their installation is more expensive than other gutters made of different construction materials.
Copper
While copper gutters cost more than twice your average gutters, they are a worthy investment: They can last between 60 and 100 years due to their high resistance to corrosion.
In general, copper gutters are ideal for coastal areas with saltwater air that corrodes most metal constructions. They are also popular among people who want to give their home a unique appearance. (Over the years, the brownish color of the copper will turn into a green-colored patina that some homeowners appreciate because it gives their home a more quaint look).
Why Hire a Professional for Your Gutter Installation?
Because gutters play a critical role in the longevity of your home, you should never scrimp on them. With proper installation and design, they can prevent flooding and stagnant water that is known to ruin the basement, paint, and foundation of your house.
Aside from proper installation, professional gutter contractors can also recommend the most ideal design based on the amount of rainwater in your region (and the overall climate in your area), the home design, and your budget.
If you need gutter installation or any home improvement project, contact Yorkshire Roofing at (800) 794-7444 or ask them for a free quote by clicking here.