Gutters protect the other components of your Charlotte, NC home from water damage. Siding, windows, the roof, and even your home’s foundations are a few of the components that benefit from a fully functional and reliable gutter system. So, it’s important to understand your gutters.
Gutter Materials
There are different types of gutter materials available, with varying prices. The most common material is aluminum, which delivers good functionality and lasts a long time. There are cheap materials, too, foremost among them is vinyl. However, vinyl has the shortest lifespan among gutter materials; that’s why it’s cheap. If you have the budget, it’s a good idea to get copper gutters. Copper looks fantastic, and it lasts a very long time. It’s not uncommon for copper gutters to be the last gutters a homeowner ever has to install.
Gutter Styles
It’s not just the material you have to choose. You also have to decide on the style. There are two major gutter styles: K-style and half-round. K-style is the most common. As long as your gutters are made and installed by a reputable contractor, you can expect them to function well and last long, whether they’re K-style or half-round.
That being said, K-style gutters are more popular because they’re usually easier to install even if you’re just DIYing them. However, they have more areas where dirt and debris can accumulate. Half-round gutters are a lot less likely to have problems with debris buildup, but they require professional installation. They also look better than K-style gutters.
Gutter Cleaning
Removing the gunk that accumulates in your gutters and downspouts is an important part of gutter and roofing maintenance. Clogged gutters can get damaged and might have a shorter lifespan. When gutters are clogged, they are prone to leaks, overflowing, and pulling away from the roof due to the added weight. Overflowing gutters can also damage other home components.
Remove the debris from your gutters to prevent clogs and overflows. You can do this yourself with common and affordable tools and a ladder. But if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a gutter cleaning specialist for a reasonable fee. Clean your gutters at least twice a year or more if your home is surrounded by plenty of trees and your area receives a lot of snow and heavy rains.
One of the best ways to keep your gutters clean is by installing gutter protection. You can significantly reduce the amount of debris that gets into your gutters if they are fitted with gutter protection like LeafAway© and Leaf Relief. Such products are meant for those who live in areas where there are plenty of trees and for those who don’t like cleaning their gutters and declogging their downspouts.
