Whether you own a residential or commercial property, new gutter installation is important. Gutters play such an important role in protecting your roofing and the rest of your property when it rains. Although it may not seem like much, even an inch of rain can result in gallons of water quickly pouring down onto your property in a short span of time. And without dependable rain gutters, a downpour of rain can do serious damage to your property’s walls, roofing, and even its foundation.
However, before deciding to install gutters, there are some things you should also know. In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of gutter solutions, how to install them, and how you can maintain them.
Design
The two factors that you need to take into account if you’re planning to install gutters are their length and how wide they should be.
To determine the length, you can do either of these two things. First, you can do it yourself. Just measure the length of your roof, along with each slope, using a measuring tape. But be careful and always ensure to exercise necessary safety precautions to avoid any accidents. Second, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can also call a roofing contractor to handle the job for you. They have the necessary tools and equipment so they are more capable to handle the measurements.
On the other hand, to determine how wide they should be, check your local zoning regulations first. It’s more likely that there are laws already in place that prescribes the size of gutter required in your area. Second, calculate the square footage of your roof and take note of the average rainfall in your area. Remember, your gutters will need to be bigger if your roof is also bigger and your area gets more rain throughout the year.
The next step is to select your gutter material. Every material has advantages and disadvantages of its own. However, as a general rule, pick the strongest material you can afford in the thickest size it is available.
Installation
Lay the gutters out in front of your house where you’ll be installing them if you’re doing the gutter installation yourself. After making any necessary downspout holes and welding on any end caps, go up and install the hangers while keeping safety in mind. Install the hangers tightly together on the rafters or other structural supports. This prevents the gutters from sagging, which could result in stagnant water or cause them to be torn off your property during strong winds. Corners should be welded together, and zip screws or welding should also be used to join the downspouts.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, then you can also call a roofing contractor and have them handle the job for you. They are trained in new gutter installation so they will be able to install your gutters more effectively and efficiently.
Maintenance
Gutter maintenance is actually very easy, contrary to popular’s belief. Just climb up there about once every three months and take a look. Then clean out any debris that may have accumulated. Also, watch out for icicles or water dripping over the gutter’s sides as they are usually a sign that there is something wrong with your gutters which is why they are not draining properly. And if you notice any holes and cracks, seal them as soon as you can.
However, it is also highly recommended to call an expert to handle your gutter maintenance. They are skilled, trained, and experienced so they will be able to perform a more thorough inspection and cleaning of your gutters.
Roman Roofing: Your New Gutter Installation Expert
Roman Roofing is an expert in new gutter installation, maintenance, and repairs. We value our customers which is why we also offer FREE gutter installation and cleaning on all our roof installation projects. Complement your new roof with matching gutters to increase curb appeal even more. Contact us today to get started!
