Every fully finished building has a roof gutter. It’s a basic component of the roofing system. Although not as conspicuous as the roof itself, the gutter plays an important role in protecting your building from water damage. Without it, rainwater runoff may either fall directly to the ground or drip down your exterior wall.
Different Types of Gutters
All gutters share the same function but they may vary in design and material. Each type offers a different level of durability and effectiveness in catching and conveying water. Here are some of the popular types of roof gutter that you can choose from if you’re installing a new or replacement unit.
There are two types of gutter according to the shape of their cross section:
- K-Style
- – This gutter type has a flat bottom and sides that resemble a regular weir. The front side may have decorative bends or corrugations and is slightly tilted outward to increase the cross-sectional area of the gutter. The back side requires no decorative features since it is obscured anyway.
- Half-Round
- – The cross section of a half-round gutter looks like a half circle, hence the name. Unless it’s turned into a half oval, the width of this gutter type may not fit modern-day roofing systems, especially those that include a fascia board.
In terms of material, here are some of the common gutter types:
- Aluminum
- – Most gutters are made of aluminum, and for good reasons. It’s lightweight, easy to install, and extremely durable. It can last for many decades with minimal maintenance. Because aluminum is abundant, it’s also inexpensive.
- Steel
- – Next to aluminum when it comes to popularity is steel. While this metal stronger and more resistant to wind pressure, it is also heavier and harder to install. Steel is susceptible to corrosion because it’s primarily made of iron. However, like most corrugated metal roof panels, steel gutters are normally galvanized in zinc to enhance its corrosion resistance.
- Zinc
- – Apart from being used as a galvanizing material for metals that corrode fast, zinc itself can be used as a material for roof gutters. Because zinc is rarer than iron and aluminum, however, expect that it is pricier. The seams and joints of a zinc gutter must be welded, too. When it comes to protection from corrosion, however, you can save a great deal of money on zinc gutter because not only does it not rust, but it also forms patina just like copper, which gives it a distinct color while providing further shield against the forces of nature.
- Copper
- – This is perhaps the most expensive gutter material available commercially, thanks to its amazing qualities. Copper doesn’t rust like steel and when exposed to the air, it develops an elegant green outer layer. Copper is also recyclable, which makes it an eco-friendly material.
- Vinyl
- – If you’re looking for a non-metallic material that’s equally durable, consider vinyl. It’s a plastic-based material that is both resistant to weathering and aesthetically pleasing. Vinyl gutters normally come in a variety of color choices so you don’t need to coat it anymore.
How to Choose Gutter Color
It may not seem like it but choosing a gutter color can actually be trickier than you think. While there are pre-coated gutters available at your local hardware, you are always free to recoat the one you have with the color you like. There are a few things you need to consider though.
- Review the Homeowners Association’s rules regarding home exterior painting. Some HOA set rules and regulations that help preserve the neighborhood’s aesthetics and perceived value. Better follow their guidelines so you won’t get into trouble.
- Drive around the neighborhood and see how the houses look like. Unless you want to be the odd one out, you can get ideas from the paint colors your neighbors use for their gutters.
- Look at your home’s architecture and design. What color palette did your builder use? You don’t want your gutter to look awkwardly out of place by using a color that’s not even complementary to your home’s overall theme.
- What kind of material is your gutter made of? If it’s metal, find out what kind of metal it is. If it’s copper or zinc, as previously explained, you may decide not to paint it anymore since they form a patina the longer they are exposed to the elements. If it’s steel, you definitely have to paint it because steel corrodes.
The Dangers of an Unmaintained Gutter
Like the rest of your building, your roof gutter needs some TLC to continue functioning properly and last for longer. Gutter maintenance usually coincides with roof maintenance since it is essentially part of the roofing system. What happens if you neglect your roof gutter?
- Rust
- – One of the first things you must check when buying a house is the kind of roof gutter it has. If the roof gutter is made of steel, it requires regular painting to protect it from rust. When neglected, rust will eat away at your gutter, boring holes that can give water a path into your roof’s underside.
- Water Damage on Exterior Wall
- – Leaves, twigs, and other debris may collect and clog your gutter over time, creating a dam that leads water either into your house or on the exterior wall. If you allow excess water to continue dripping down your exterior wall, it might eventually damage not just the siding, but also the windows and other fixtures. One way to address this issue, apart from getting rid of the clog, is to install a gutter guard to keep debris from falling into the gutter.
- Weak Foundation
- – Your roof catches large volumes of water during a heavy downpour. If you let all this water fall directly to the ground around your house, less than two meters from the exterior wall, it’s enough to saturate and weaken the soil that’s holding your house’s foundation. With a roof gutter, this large volumes of water are safely conveyed to the community sewer.
Now that you understand the value of your roof gutter, don’t settle for anything less than the best material. Also, make sure that your gutter is installed and maintained by a trusted roofing expert like Muller Exteriors. Not only do they have the right equipment and manpower for the job, but they can also give you gutter color ideas and practical tips on how to prolong its functional life.
