Guttering is an important part of your home that you don’t often think about until something goes wrong. Having an ill-fitting or poorly installed gutter system can create major problems with the structure of your building. When you are choosing the right fascias and soffits, it’s important to understand the different types of guttering. Having a good understanding of what kinds of maintenance they will need so that you can make a decision that is right for your home and your family.
Types Of Guttering
The general design of guttering tends to be the same for most types of buildings. The style and type of materials are where you can find a lot of different types of guttering. When you are looking at replacing your fascias and soffits or getting a whole new roof, it comes down to your personal preference and budget range. The only time there is an exception to this is if you are looking to match your neighbour's guttering or just repairing a small damaged section.
Gutter Material Options
There are a few different options when it comes to what materials gutters can be made from. Plastic or PVC guttering is generally cheaper and easier to install than a lot of metal options. It can be less durable and more prone to damage though. Metal guttering is much stronger and can hold up to the elements better. It is significantly more expensive to buy and trickier to install. Metal guttering almost always needs a professional to do the installation instead.
If you choose to go with metal fascias and soffits, there are a few different options for you.
Cast iron gutters are one of the strongest materials on the market today. If it is properly installed and maintained, it can last for over a hundred years. It might feel like the best choice, but it can be up to six times more expensive than the PVC option. It can be a significant investment upfront and in order to last, need regular maintenance by applying bituminous paint every five years.
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised steel gutters are the most affordable of metal gutters. They have a lifespan of between 10-15 years and can be painted in any colour in order to match your home. They do need regular maintenance to remove debris and prevent rust.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gutters are much more resistant to rust and require minimal maintenance. They can be quite heavy and require special installation to ensure that they are properly hung. They are not as expensive as cast iron gutters but are one of the more expensive options.
Aluminium
Aluminium gutters are both strong and lightweight but can be quite costly. The upside to paying the extra money is that they have a life expectancy of at least 25 years and can be powder coated to nearly any colour. They can be easily dented, however, and may require small sections to be replaced if they get dented by falling branches.
Copper
If you are looking for something a little more special, copper guttering could be what you are looking for. Over time, they change from a rustic brown to deep bronze and finally a beautiful green patina. This is from oxidation and actually helps make the gutters more durable. Copper also doesn’t allow for moss or lichens to grow in it and can last for over a hundred years. The maintenance on it is practically none but the cost is even more than the cast iron.
The last option for guttering materials is zinc. Zinc gutters are similar to copper in how they form a protective patina over time. Instead of turning green, the metal goes from a shiny grey to a dark grey colour. This is one of the most expensive options on the market and is not suitable for homes near the sea. The salt content in the air can cause ugly staining.
Gutter Profile Options
When you know what kind of material you would like to work with, the next step is to look at the different profile options. Half-round gutters are the traditional type of gutter that you would recognize most easily. They look like lengths of pip that are sliced in half and are simple and efficient. They are also one of the more cost-effective options and are suited for properties that need to maintain the original look of the building.
The next profile option to consider is deep gutters. Deep gutters are great for areas that get heavy rainfall. If you are replacing your gutter system because of frequent overflow problems, a deep gutter could be exactly what you need. They are very similar to half-round gutters but are deeper and can hold more runoff than regular half-round gutters.
Box gutters are shaped as a square and are much better suited for more modern properties. It gives a stylish finish and typically can handle larger amounts of water flow. Although they are angular and look good for modern buildings, they are not very decorative. If you are looking for a more decorative style, you should look into K-Style Gutters. K-style gutters are also known as Ogee gutters which stands for “old gothic”. They have a decorative double-curved front that resembles a crown moulding effect and looks great on heritage buildings. Although these are more decorative, the unique shape can make them harder to clean.
Installation
When you buy a modern gutter system from a reputable roofing services company in the UK, it will be designed to the gravity drainage system standards. That means that no matter what type of guttering you buy, it will be high quality and serve you well. It is important to ensure they are properly installed and regularly maintained. This is where hiring a company who is specialised in gutter installation is incredibly important.
Gutter Maintenance
Whether your gutters are old or new, it’s important to provide consistent maintenance to keep them in good working order. To maintain your gutters, you will want to check them regularly to make sure that there are no leaves or other debris that could cause issues. Keep an eye out for any sagging or loose gutters. It’s better to catch sags early and fix them before the issue becomes bigger. Typically, you can do this by using gutter screws and a cordless drill.
Keep an eye out for any leaks and use silicone caulk to seal them. The best way to find leaks is to use a hose to fill the gutter and keep an eye out for any drips. After heavy rain, you can check by the downspout and ensure that the water is being directed away from the property and has good drainage.
Gutter Repair
Although regular maintenance can help ensure that you don’t need repairs often, it can still pop up now and again. If you are unfamiliar with doing the repairs yourself, it might be a good idea to have a professional contractor come and do it for you. By having them do the repairs, it will mean that the quality of work is high and you won’t have to worry about it again for a long time to come. They can also inspect the rest of your gutter system and let you know if there are any other issues that might need to be addressed.
Gutters are such an important part of your home and when they are not functioning properly, it could cause major problems for the rest of your structure. It’s important to choose the right fascias and soffits that suit your home, your budget and your lifestyle. Finding a professional gutter installation contractor who can help you make the decision that fits your home and do the installation or repairs will save you a lot of time and money.
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Operating with over 20 years of experience and a fully trained team, Probuild Contracts is able to take on even the most complex roofing and building projects, all at a fair price. We carry out all aspects of roofing and building work, from chimneys to rendering and everything in between. From small roof repairs to complete new roofs and full buildings re-render and roughcast, we’ve worked on all sizes of repairs and all types of buildings. Need more information on gutters, fascias and soffits? Contact Probuild Contracts to learn more about our offers.
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