Three Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Gutters for Your New Home
Gutters may not seem like a very important feature in most buildings, but without them, your home will age a lot quicker than it needs to. Still, there is a trick to picking a good gutter system that will last the test of time in the environment you live in. To pick a good gutter system there are a few things you need to be aware of, especially concerning the actual function your gutter provides. Here are three things you need to keep in mind when choosing your gutters to help you get the best roof drainage you possibly can.
Seamless Gutters
The number one rule when it comes to gutters is that the design should be as blended into the architecture as it can be. From following the natural lines and routes along your house to the places where downspouts attach to the gutters and so on, seamless gutters are essential for an effective drainage solution. That is one reason why it is always a good idea to consult with an expert before making any impulse purchases concerning gutters. Incorporating gutters into your plans from a design stage onwards can help avoid any problems down the track, so make sure to keep them in mind.
Gutter Covers
In addition to being as seamless as possible, your gutters also need to be as protected from clogs and blockages as possible. The only way to ensure this is to use gutter covers specifically designed for your sized gutters. Gutter covers can prevent water spilling over the sides, but it can also stop your roof from becoming a fire hazard in summer, as all the leaves, twigs, and branches that get stuck will dry out and become very flammable. Never get a gutter system that does not include gutter covers, or you will spend your summer months on a ladder removing leaves yourself!
End Point
Once you have a system that drains water you now need to think about where exactly you will be dumping all that water. Gutters are, after all, invented to stop water pooling at the foundations of your home and eroding them. With that in mind, it is a good idea to consider the slope your house is on and where water naturally runs to when it is released near your home. Alternatively, you can get a water tank and store this water yourself, to be used for gardening and washing down your car. Either way, the place the rainwater ends up at is just as important as how it gets there so don't forget about it.