Things to Consider Before Installing Your Gutter System
One of the most important and often ignored parts of your home is the gutter system. This is an essential safety feature of your home as it collects the rainwater and safely directs it down to the ground, away from the foundation of the house. Despite the fact that gutters play an important role, most homeowners fail to pay attention to their health.
Just like other parts of your home, rain gutter also deteriorate over time due to the changing weather or a lack of routine maintenance. When the gutter system of your home fails, it becomes necessary to repair or replace it. Unlike other projects, gutter installation is not a DIY job because it’s a very complex process that demands time and proper skills. For this reason, it becomes necessary to hire a professional to install or repair your gutter system.
If you’re facing any issue with your rain gutter, here are some important tips to keep in mind as you begin the rain gutter installation process.
Select Right Material and Make a List
You need to consider the material to be used for your rain gutter system. You can select the material according to your budget and needs. You will find numerous materials for rain gutters on the market and each material has its own benefits and downsides. For a perfect rain gutter installation, the most commonly used materials are galvanized steel, copper, aluminium, and stainless steel. Both stainless steel and copper are durable and don’t rust, but these materials are expensive. Aluminium is the most popular option because of its durability and lightweight. Once you choose the right material, compile a list of everything you will need to complete the job.
Gutter Size and Position of Downspout
Another important consideration is the size of the rain gutter that needs to be calculated according to your city’s rainfall intensity. To determine the right size of the gutter, find out the square footage and slope of your roof. You can do this easily by using an online gutter-sizing calculator or consulting a gutter installation professional. In addition to this, you’ll also need to determine the position of your downspout.
Choose Accessories Wisely
When you think of accessories, you might think of fancy items used for making rain gutter look attractive. But in reality, accessories play various important roles. You can invest in accessories that are used for preventing gutter clogs that are caused by leaves and debris. In addition to this, rain chains are quite useful as downspouts.
Ensure Proper Maintenance
No doubt proper installation of rain gutter is crucial but maintaining it is equally important. To extend the life of your gutter system, you need to keep it free from clogs, leaky joints, flooding, and other water damages. However, if your system is not installed properly, you’ll end up spending more money on repairing costs. Make sure, it is properly sloped toward the downspout at an angle of 1/4-in to eliminate water. Moreover, it’s necessary to apply a sufficient amount of sealant inside the gutters.