Gutters For Your Home

Rain gutters are an important part of the system designed to protect a home from roof leaks. Roofs are designed to stay waterproof because of the materials that comprise them including flashing, rafters, decking, underlayment and shingles. While these rooftop designs will keep the structures beneath them water tight, gutters provide another layer of protection. The pitch of the upper surface is slanted to allow runoff of rain and melted snow. The gutter systems are another part of the design - a pathway to keep water from pooling up top. Without them, pooling H2O can eventually seep in or land too close to the structure and result in foundation leaks. These devices come in a variety of materials, styles, prices, colors and sizes. Here are some things to think about when making a selection:

- Materials: The material a gutter is made from may be aluminum, zinc, steel and copper.

o Aluminum: This product is light weight and easy to maneuver for the service techs. In fact, techs can actually bring sheets of aluminum to the job site and create on-the-spot guttering systems. This material is economical and won't rust. It's not as heavy duty as other metals, however.

o Zinc: This option is blue-gray, considered upscale and a popular choice in Europe. For custom homes that are made with top dollar materials, zinc may be a good choice.

o Steel: Steel is very strong and heavy duty. Galvanized steels with gauges in the 24 and 26 ranges are often chosen for houses that are situated in extreme climates. Because this product doesn't expand or contract much due to heat or cold, it is a stable choice for regions with inclement weather.

o Copper: Copper is another alternative that is pricey but unique and classy looking. It's not a top choice for the budget minded, though, because it's more of a custom home upscale product.

- Styles: There are various styles to choose from including seamless, sectional, half round, fascia, K style and sectional. These options range from fancy to plain. The selection is similar to choosing baseboard and molding for a home. Some architectural styles call for ornate while others are better suited for simple lines.

- Prices: The prices will depend on metal, style, size, contractor pricing and how much retrofitting and tear off will be required.

- Colors: Gutters come in an array of colors to match exterior colors of a house. They come already colored in the manufacturing process or can be painted for an exact match at the house.

- Sizes: Sizes range from 5", 6" to 7". The right size for a home will depend on variety of factors such as square footage of roof, pitch and the complexity of the rooflines. This decision must be weighed in on by a professional in order to have the proper spouts and flow off system.

Rain gutters add an important level of functionality to a home. They help protect against leaks and can add to curb appeal, too. Taking a careful look at materials, styles, colors and prices will enable a homeowner to make a good choice.