A gutter, downspout, eaves Shoot, eave-stack or surface flow collection system is usually part of a gravity-fed water drain system for a building. They collect rainwater and channel it away from the foundation or to a lower drainage point. This gutter system is typically made of a variety of materials.
Most people have heard of downpipes or “down suits”, the pipes that come down from the roof. They are a primary component of guttering, the part connected to the downpipe. The downpipe is attached to a vertical post, which is commonly referred to as a deck, gutter lip, or headhouse. There are many types of materials used in rainwater guttering and they vary in price, size, design, functionality and maintenance requirements.
Gutter maintenance is important to prevent leaks. If gutter maintenance is neglected, leaks may occur and worsen over time. Leaks are most often found where the downspouts meet the walls of the house. Depending on the conditions, leaks can also occur under the eaves. These types of gutter system problems are best tended to by licensed contractors who have installed and maintained them for many years.
It is important to detect any signs of damage before inspecting the entire roof edge. The mildew, moss, algae, mold, mildew and leaves can grow on the exposed side of the rain gutter or the roof edge. They can clog the gutters and downspouts and eventually lead to leaks. In addition to the above-mentioned organic growths, tree roots can also cause damage to a roof.
There are two types of rain gutter systems: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal gutters are usually made of metal to channel the water away from the home’s foundation. These gutters are more expensive and are less effective in preventing rainwater from leaking. These types of guttering are commonly made of copper, but can also be found in vinyl, aluminum and steel.
Vertical gutters are designed to channel the water away from the home’s foundation and are less expensive than their horizontal counterparts. In addition to being less expensive, they are more effective at preventing surface water from seeping into the foundation and clogging the gutter system. However, they are more prone to rotting, cracking and discoloration after many years of use. There are many materials available to help protect these gutter covers from extreme weather conditions, including guardrails, leaf guards, fascia boards, rain guards and many materials that are painted or coated with an anti-corrosive substance.
Downpipe guttering is usually considered the best solution for protecting the gutter system from extreme weather conditions. Unlike the other types of gutter covers, downpipe guttering comes equipped with a hook-shaped mechanism that allows it to hook up to the downspout of the gutter. Once hooked, the downpipe allows water to flow down the downpipe and channels it away from the home. These gutter systems are relatively easy to install and require less maintenance than some of the other guttering options. These gutter systems are usually made of metal and have guards that help keep the downpipe from erosion and damage.
Other options exist as well including stone, vinyl, plastic, fiberglass and even aluminum gutters. Each type of guttering has its benefits and disadvantages. As mentioned above, aluminum gutters are the least effective in preventing surface water from seeping into the foundation of the home and clogging the gutter system. On the other hand, stone guttering has the potential of being a strong option when dealing with extreme weather conditions. In addition to the potential corrosion and damage, stone gutters are not capable of being installed on roofs of all shapes and sizes.