Gutters
Advance Remodeling has decades of experience installing gutters, downspouts, gutter guards and soffit and fascia trim in the Baltimore area. Whether done alone, or as a part of a larger roofing or remodeling project, Advance Remodeling’s gutters and downspouts help protect your home from leaks and give it a more appealing look.
Old, damaged or defective gutters can damage your home. Gutter clogs can cause wood rot, foundation problems and landscaping erosion. A properly installed gutter system can protect your home from serious damage year-round. So, while they may not be flashy, gutter systems are an important part of the home
Gutter Materials
Gutters come in many types of materials, sizes and colors. When choosing gutters for your home, you should consider the size of your budget, how much maintenance you plan to do and the different aspects of various gutter materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters are simple to cut and configure. One problem with vinyl gutters is that they are susceptible to brittleness with age and extreme cold.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are the most common. Primary aluminum is the thickest and most consistent type. Secondary aluminum should be avoided because it often has problems with inconsistent thickness. Aluminum is prone to denting, but its color weathers well.
Copper
Copper gutters, although an attractive choice, are the most expensive gutter material. They offer architectural detail and a custom look.
Wood
Wood is the least popular of gutter materials because it requires a lot of maintenance and is more expensive than other gutter options.
Gutter Systems
Sectional Gutters
Sectional types of gutters are sold in 10ft. – 22ft. long pieces, and are either made of vinyl, painted aluminum or pre-painted steel. Gutter sectionals are joined together by snap-in-place connectors.
All sectional systems have end caps, corner pieces and drop outlets for connecting to downspouts. A problem that arises with sectional systems is the potential for leaks through the seams. Gutter add-ons, such as screens and filters, can help basic rain gutters stay clog-free, especially by keeping debris and animals out of them. A gutter cover allows water to flow along a contoured “lip” which feeds into your rain gutter.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are currently the most popular type on the market. The biggest selling point is that they don’t have seams which are potential sources of water leakage. The sections join only at inside and outside corners and at downspout outlets.
Seamless gutters provide a no-clog system which catches and routes water down and out while diverting leaves and debris to the ground. These gutters are also a popular choice due to their durability, seamless appearance and easy maintenance.
Seamless gutters are usually formed from aluminum with a baked-on finish, but can also be formed from copper or factory-painted steel. Seamless gutters are made with a special machine that is brought to your home by a gutter contractor.
Gutter Types
Considering the huge number of gutter protection systems available, choosing the right one can be a difficult and lengthy decision. Choosing a gutter system is important because they differ in how they can help protect your home from weather-related damages.
Some of the things you should take into account are cost, style and durability. Make sure to pay close attention to your home’s needs if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, heavy snow and rain, ice storms or forests.
Some of the most popular types of gutter systems are described below:
Fully Covered Gutter Systems
- Provide superior protection from debris and allows maximum water flow into the system which helps avoid overflows that can lead to improper drainage.
- They are not nailed to your roof, which can void the manufacturer’s warranty and cause leaks.
- Perforations allow a slight slow-down in water flow, giving the gutter cover an opportunity to “bond” which directs the full flow of water into the gutter trough.
Mesh or Screen Gutter Covers
- These gutters consist of metal coverings that are fit against the back of the gutter and across the top acting like a strainer and filter.
- Reduces unsightly debris together with snow and ice that can collect on top of the screen and cause it to collapse.
- There is a chance for the screens to rust and stain over time. Although they reduce the frequency and difficulty of ongoing gutter cleaning – they do not eliminate it.
Gutter Filters
- Sponge-like foam “space filters” let water drain through but keeps leaves from building up in the bottom of the trough.
- These filters do not have the capacity to handle heavy rain and water flow, and may overflow during heavy rain.
- Snow and ice can settle in the foam, potentially causing ice damage, sagging and overflow.
Solid Gutter Covers
- These gutter covers are usually made of vinyl or aluminum.
- Solid gutter covers snap onto the top front of the gutter and slip under your shingles which can alter your roofline.
- These covers can blow off in high winds and are vulnerable to damage from heavy debris, snow or ice.
Solid Gutter Covers with Slots
- Solid gutter covers with slots work by allowing water to enter through slots or small holes located underneath a lip or on the vertical side.
- These do not keep out small twigs, dirt, asphalt roofing granules and pine needles.
- Covers with slots do not perform as well in very heavy rainfalls or on steep roofs.