Roof gutters play a very important role in protecting the house against flooding and minimizing erosion around the home. They collect excess rain water and lead the water along the gutter and pipes to the drainage system. There are many types of gutters and they all come in a variety of materials and designs. A box gutter is concealed neatly within the roof and they are common in older homes. Wood is the worst material for gutters. Continuous gutters are made up of very long pipes with fewer joints or connections. Continuous gutters that are totally joint-free are called seamless gutters. Gutters are fitted with gutter screens that keep loose dirt out of the drainage system and prevent blockages. Listed below are some more types of roof gutters.
Copper Roof Gutters
Copper is a beautiful, versatile material that never rusts and does not need painting. This makes copper an excellent choice for roof gutters. They inspire warmth in the home and complement any wooden feature in the exterior of the home. Over time, copper will turn green and the best way to prevent that is to treat the gutter with an anti-oxidising agent. Sealants are also useful for keeping copper gutters looking shiny and new.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are probably the most popular material for gutters in a domestic setting. They are sold cheaply in many hardware stores around the country. Vinyl suffers after long periods of exposure to the sun’s harsh rays; vinyl gutters do not perform well in high temperatures. They do not have a long life span and must be replaced often.
Stainless Steel Gutters
Steel gutters are strong and sturdy but most steel is prone to rust if it experiences frequent wet conditions. Stainless steel gives homeowners peace of mind that their gutters will remain strong, rust-free and attractive for many years. Stainless steel is rather expensive but it is worth every cent. It also does not need a lot of effort to maintain. Homeowners only need to ensure that they empty the gutter of any debris.