PART 1: Different Types of Gutters

Your gutter system can be considered as your roof’s best friend, preventing a range of problems by safely channeling away water runoff from your your roof’s surface. It comes in different types, each one featuring a unique set of features.

BASED ON DESIGN

Based on how they look, popular gutter types include:

BASED ON CONSTRUCTION

Aside from their design, gutters can also be classified according to how they are constructed, producing two types: seamless and sectional gutters.

K-style GutterBest identified by a front side that is specially shaped to mimic crown moulding, a K-style gutter also has trough with a flat bottom and back surface. This gutter type also comes in many variants so it is a versatile choice for every home.

Box GutterLooks similar to a K-style gutter but features a flat, sometimes slightly diagonal front side, the box gutter is more commonly seen in industrial and commercial buildings but can work just as well in a residential property.

Half-round GutterThis gutter type’s defining characteristic is its rounded trough bottom. It’s not as popular as the K-style gutter but this type, with its simplistic style and soft curves, is a great addition to classic-styled homes.

PART 1: Different Types of Gutters

Seamless Gutter

As its name suggests, a seamless gutter does not have seams, fitted with a trough as just one continuous channel. This results in a sleek profile and low maintenance requirements that a lot of homeowners like.

Sectional Gutter

Instead of having just one continuous channel, a sectional gutter is formed by adjoining smaller sections. Because it comes in sections, sectional gutters are easier to install. They are easier to repair or replace as well because problems are isolated in affected sections and will not require a full tear-down of the trough just to address a problem in one section.

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Regardless of the gutters you choose, yours will need TLC to last and serve you well. Head on over to Part 2 to learn more about the importance of properly maintaining gutter systems.

PART 2: The Importance of Keeping Gutters in Good Shape - Problems You’ll Avoid

By directing water away from your home, your gutters can help keep your property free from moisture damage. However, that is only when your gutter system is properly maintained. Neglect proper upkeep and you can expect problems, some of which include:

LEAKS IN THE GUTTER

When you have a metal gutter and it is not properly maintained, it can develop rust, from which small holes can form and cause leaks. This problem can affect both seamless and sectional gutters, but the latter are also prone to developing leaks along their seams and not just from rust spots.

Keeping your gutters clean prevents water from accumulating in the trough, not giving it the chance to do damage. Aside from a good cleaning, sectional gutters will also require additional attention to ensure seams are watertight.

ICE DAMS

Although mostly a roofing problem, ice dams are related to gutters as well because improper water drainage contributes to the buildup of ice, which leads to further trapping of even more water. Typically, ice will build up along the trough but when a clog is severe enough, causing water even in the downspout to not properly drain, then ice can form in that portion of the gutter system as well.

PART 2: The Importance of Keeping Gutters in Good Shape - Problems You’ll Avoid

Ice dams form when snow on the roof melts and refreezes so ensuring all water from the roof drains before it has time to refreeze is crucial in preventing the problem. To ensure water drains as it should, make sure your gutters are clean and clog-free. If you’re already dealing with an ice dam formation, call a professional to have it removed. Don’t chip at the buildup as you might damage your gutters in the process.

BENT OR BROKEN GUTTER

Sometimes, a part of your gutter system can get bent or warped out of shape due to impact from falling objects or a carelessly placed stepladder, for instance. While minor dents rarely cause problems, severe damage can impede gutter function.

Routine maintenance can catch dents or gutters warped out of shape before they worsen, allowing you to not just avoid leaks but possible structural damage as well since broken gutters can collapse.

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Gutter maintenance can be a pain but they are necessary. Want some help with routine upkeep? Consider gutter covers. Learn more about these gutter accessories in Part 3 of this e-book.

PART 3: Guard Your Gutters with Gutter Covers

Routine maintenance can include different tasks but caring for a gutter will mostly require keeping it clean. Unfortunately, the way they are designed, gutters are inherently adept at catching anything falling from the sky as well as they can catch water. Left on their own, gutters will accumulate debris and clog. Fortunately, gutter covers exist. Also known as gutter guards, they are made to form a physical barrier over gutters to keep debris out without impeding water flow in the trough. that keeps the bad stuff out without preventing water from flowing down the trough. Gutter covers can be classified into three main categories: mesh covers, perforated metal covers, and reverse curve covers.

Mesh Covers

Mesh covers are basically long strips of plastic or wire mesh fastened on top of the gutter’s trough. They are easy to install because they can be trimmed to exactly fit over a gutter system regardless of how wide the trough is. The only downside to mesh covers is that they are less durable than other kinds of gutter covers because their fasteners get loosened over time.

Perforated Metal Covers

Perforated metal covers are long sheets of metal laid over a gutter trough. Like mesh covers, they feature a series of holes on their surface to filter out debris while letting water drain. They are sturdier than mesh covers but it is important to make sure that perforated metal covers are sized to match the width of a gutter trough.

PART 3: Guard Your Gutters with Gutter Covers

REVERSE CURVE COVERS

Reverse curve gutter covers take advantage of physics to filter out debris, utilizing a curved shape that lets leaves and bigger debris simply roll off the gutter while the water’s surface tension directs runoff straight into the gutter trough. These gutter covers require very little maintenance but they are typically more expensive than other options upfront.

BRUSH OR BRISTLE TRAPS

While they are technically not gutter covers, brush or bristle traps are one other way you can keep debris from accumulating in your gutter. They will, however, require some cleaning because the debris they do filter out of the gutter can build up on their bristles instead.

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Gutter covers can do a lot to simplify maintaining your home’s gutter system. To learn more about what they can do for you and your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local contractor for assistance.

Maggio Roofing

6476 Sligo Mill Rd Takoma Park,MD 20912

(800) 766-34951-800-ROOF-495

MaggioRoofingContractors.com