Types Of Gutters: Learn About The Materials And Uses

Your gutters do a crucial job on your roof, but they’re one of the most overlooked aspects of the structure. Without them, water can easily get into your roof, causing damage. That’s why it’s important that you learn how they work and take care of them so that you can get the most out of them. Here’s what you need to know about the types of gutters available right now and how they work. 

Materials Used In Guttering

The materials used to create gutters have changed a lot over the years. Steel and copper are metals traditionally used to create guttering; you’ll still see them in use today. They’re especially popular in more traditional styled homes, as they fit in well with the home’s overall look. 

For those who want the look but want a better performing metal, aluminum has become the go to metal guttering material of choice. It’s affordable, lightweight, and resists rust, making it an ideal choice. While steel and copper are more robust materials, they’re more challenging to install. It also makes them more expensive to install. 

Plastic and vinyl guttering is a good option if you want a nonmetal option. They’re a popular, affordable option, being easier to work with than metal, and cheaper too. They’re also easy to cut to pre sized lengths or to cut on site for installation. Plus, they’re a non porous material. 

There is a concern about plastic and vinyl guttering getting damaged more easily, such as weakened by UV rays. If you’re considering them, your roofer can recommend how to keep them in good condition. 

Types Of Gutters

Your guttering is much more than the lengths running around the edge of your roof. There’s a lot to the system, and they all work together to keep your roof in top shape. Here are all the different guttering types you need to know about. 

• Seamless guttering

 One of the biggest weak spots of your guttering is the bonds between each section. These can be sealed up, but over time they can begin to leak and cause problems. As such, seamless guttering has become a popular choice for homeowners. 

As the name suggests, there are no seams in these gutter pipes, so you’ll see much less risk of leaks and damage. When paired up with a gutter guard, they’re highly resistant to blockages, too, so you won’t have to worry about them happening. As such, if you want a very low maintenance option, this is for you.

• Box gutters

 A box gutter is an excellent option for those who are worried about heavy rainfall or want an unobtrusive gutter. These gutters have a squared shape at the bottom and are designed to fit into the center of the roof. 

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, you’ll want to consider these gutters. They don’t just look good but have a lot of other benefits too. For example, using them means you’ll have gutters that are less prone to warping and can easily handle very heavy rain runoff. 

• K style and half-round gutters

These types of gutters are quite new to the market but are becoming very popular. The gutters are flat on one side and are often used on more traditional styled homes thanks to their looks. 

They have a lot of benefits when it comes to usage, too and can be attached directly to fascia boards and handle more rain water than average gutters. They have a problem with getting blocked at the corners, so be aware of that if you have them installed. 

• Quad or D rain gutters

 These gutters are another highly popular option, as they can be made to fit pretty much any aesthetic. Squared versions can be made to fit more industrial style homes, something that’s more in demand thanks to the popularity of this style. A rounded version is also available too, so you can get these gutters to suit any home. 

They’re another great option for areas with heavy rainfall, as they can handle heavy rain without drawbacks. They’re becoming popular in commercial buildings now, as they have many practical qualities as well as look good. 

• Rain harvesting gutters

These are interesting new takes on gutters, as they do more than redirect the rainwater into the drains. Instead, they can redirect water directly into a storage tank. For those looking for an eco-friendly choice when it comes to gutters, these are great for you. 

You can use that gray water to water your garden, saving you a lot of money on your water bills. It’s a good option if you live in an area that’s prone to drought, as you’ll be able to use that water that would drain away otherwise. 

Adding accessories to your gutters

As well as the gutters themselves, you’ll need to know about the accessories you can use on them. All types of gutters are always prone to blockages due to debris, which you’ll want to avoid if you can. As such, gutter guards are a great way of doing this.

These guards can look like a round brush or a mesh that goes over the gutter’s top. They’re very easy to install and save a lot of work on clearing the gutters. They’ll also avoid a lot of costly repairs, too. 

There’s a lot more to gutters than meets the eye. If yours need replacing, you have plenty of choices when it comes to both materials and style. Use this guide to help you find the right option and talk to your roofing expert. They’ll help you find guttering that meets your home’s needs.