Gutters: How to Choose, Install and Clean Them
An inch of rainfall doesn’t sound like much. But when it falls on an average-size roof, it adds up to a 1,900-gallon torrent sluicing off the eaves. That’s an awful lot of water that can cause an awful lot of damage if your gutters aren’t up to the task of controlling it. Yet we barely give gutters a second thought until they’re clogged and overflowing, or ripped from their moorings by ice and snow.
What Type of Gutters Are Best?
If you’re starting fresh, there is a veritable deluge of shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from. Aside from pricey, maintenance-heavy wood troughs and short-lived vinyl ones, the best option for most of us is metal—elegant copper, understated zinc, rugged steel, or affordable aluminum. Metal gutters are durable and need relatively little care.
Anatomy of a Gutter System
Gutter: Captures water shedding off roof.
End cap: Closes end of gutter.
Fascia bracket: Attaches to eaves; supports gutters from below.
Downspout: Conveys water from gutter to ground. Also known as a leader.
Downspout bracket: Secures downspout to side of house.
Elbow: Changes direction of downspout.
How long do gutters last?
Anywhere from a few years to the lifetime of your house, depending on the material you choose and how well they're installed and maintained.
How much maintenance is involved?
If trees tower over them, gutters need periodic cleaning, even when fitted with gutter guards. Pine needles are especially notorious for causing clogs.
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11564 Warner Rd, Cleveland, TX 77328
Source: This old house
Best Choice Construction is a family locally owned company with 15 years of experience in the roofing, construction, and remodeling business in North Houston. We stand for the provision of results of extreme quality to our clients in every project and bring you the most competitive quotes in the industry.