Parts of A Gutter System
December 2016
Parts of A Gutter System
When it comes to gutters, it’s safe to say here at George’s Seamless Gutters, we know a thing or two. We also know most folks take the gutters on their home for granted. Until there is an issue and your gutters are not functioning. Here are a few facts about gutter systems to help you decide what kinds of gutters would be best for your home, or even what part of your gutter system you might need to repair.
Though it may seem obvious, the entire purpose of a gutter system is to control the flow of water from your home’s roof to the ground, preventing damage to your home’s roof, exterior or landscaping, as well as ground erosion. Gutters keep dangerous built-up icy patches off your sidewalks in the winter and keep water from pooling around to attract insects in the warmer months.
There are many types of gutters for your home’s facade, including box gutters and seamless gutters, which have more of an invisible appeal. Gutters come in many materials including vinyl, steel, aluminum and copper. Each material has its pros and cons, and we can help you decide which would be best for your home. Here in Westchester County, your gutter has to withstand freezing winters, heavy downpours and sweltering summers. We specialize in seamless aluminum gutters and copper gutters, which we believe stand up best to the unpredictable New York climate. We also offer color gutters!
There are four parts of a gutter system. First, a gutter is the horizontal section that acts as a catch for the water coming off of the roof. They are attached to the house with hangers. Because hangers are the aspect of the gutter system that bear the most stress, they’re the most common part to repair.
Second are gutter downspouts. Downspouts are the pipes that lead the water from the gutter to the ground. There are many different sizes of downspout on the market, and the bigger the pipe, the more water the downspout will be able to transfer to the ground. It’s important that the downspout can drain water quickly enough to keep your gutters from overflowing.
The third part of the gutter system is its drainage. This is where the water that comes off the roof, through the gutter, and down the downspout must drain. It’s important to route the water away from your home to prevent any build up of water around your home. Proper drainage is imperative to keep your home and foundation from flooding.
Last, but certainly not least, are gutter guards. Gutter guards are screens or barriers that keep leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters, causing them to clog. Gutter guards are optional, but the benefits of having them are nearly endless. Gutter guards keep you from having to clean your gutters twice a year and allows your gutter system to work properly. It’s a great investment to save you time, keep your gutters flowing, and prevent against damaging debris build up.
Contact us today to learn more about gutter repair, gutter installation and to answer any question you may have about the best gutters for your home or project.
