Gutters are an essential part of any home. However, over time they may require to be repaired or replaced. Home owners need to keep in mind certain points when they are going for a Gutter repair or replacement project. Here is a guide that will help you choose the right gutter profile that suits both your requirements and your home’s design aesthetics.
Regular cleaning and maintenance
One way to ensure the longevity of your gutter installation is to inspect and clean it regularly. Regular maintenance is the key to finding out any possible signs of damage in time to repair them.
However, if you see that the damage is too much, and it can’t be repaired, then you need to consider replacing them. Signs to look for that point to requirement of replacement gutters include:
- Sagging
- Pulling away from your house
- Missing, loose or bent fasteners
Understand what the problem with your earlier gutters was
The first step to selecting a new gutter profile is to understand where the problems lay with the previous gutters. These are the points that you need to avoid in your replacement gutters. This helps you identify the correct profile that is best suited to your drainage needs.
Some of the problems that are commonly faced by homeowners include overflowing in heavy rain despite being clean and clutter-free, blockage by leaves and twigs, water flowing back into your house.
Choose a gutter profile that has adequate carrying capacity
Most often the problems faced in gutters is because of using a gutter profile that has low carrying capacity. It leads to overflow and seepage inside the house. If you are facing these problems with your current gutter installation, then you should choose a high capacity gutter.
Make sure that you choose a gutter that is suited to the volume of water that your house encounters. A Half Round or Smoothline profile is best suited for this as they allow water to move more quickly that profiles that have box shape.
Find a profile that meets the requirement of your surroundings
The surroundings of your home are also an important aspect to consider when picking out your replacement gutters. If your home is surrounded with trees that regularly shed leaves, then you need a profile that is easy to clean.
Debris like leaves and twigs can cause blockage and consequent overflow. A profile like Half Round is best suited to such houses. These are easy to clean and devoid of angles that encourage debris to accumulate. Moreover, the brackets on the Half Round gutters are on the outside. This makes them easy to clean.
Choose the right material
Gutters are available in many materials. These include aluminium, vinyl, steel, copper and stainless steel. Consider the pros and cons of each material and weigh them against your requirements.
You can also compare the gutter installation cost per foot and choose the material based on your budget. However, remember that choosing a lesser expensive variety may lead to future repair costs.
