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How to Choose the Best Gutter System

by creativemedia in Guttering Comments: 0 tags: guttering

Choosing the best rain gutter system for a home requires striking the right balance between the shape of the guttering, the material of which it is made and the add-ons that can improve the system. For a larger roof area or a home with many trees near the roofline, the largest guttering available should be selected. Guttering comes in a variety of materials ranging from expensive copper to inexpensive aluminum, and the material should be chosen to complement the style and value of the home. Using bracket versus spike hangers, adding a leaf screen and extending the trough of the splash block add expense but can be necessary based on the amount of drainage expected, the shape of the home’s eves, and the expected amount of leaf and twig debris the system is to handle.

The typical rain gutter system comes in widths of 4, 5 or 6 inches (10.26, 12.7 or 15.3 cm). If the roof area of the home is large, it will slough off more water than smaller roofs and will require a wider gutter system. On average, the 5-inch (12.7 cm) system will suffice. For large houses or when there are a number of trees near the roof that will shed leaves, a 6-inch (15.3-cm) gutter width is typically best.

Gutter shape is important as well but is mostly a matter of personal preference. Copper guttering, which is the most expensive, but very durable, is usually chosen for high-end homes and picked more for appearance. It is typically is round. Other gutters are often U-shaped or shaped vaguely like the letter K, with a leading edge that steps inward toward the house.

For a seamless gutter system, there is a range of choices in the width of the gutter material. The thickest material, 0.32 inches (8.1 mm) is more expensive but more durable. It typically is considered worth the investment as it lasts longer and is less likely to sag.

The method of attaching the rain gutter system to the house is an important choice as well. Cheaper and easier to install is the spike hanger, which is like a long nail driven through the outer edge of the gutter, through a small tube that is the width of the gutter, through the inside gutter edge and into the eve. Spike hangers can work themselves out of the roof over time. Bracket hangers, while a little more costly, are more durable, do less damage to the roof and are more likely to hold long term.

When there is a high probability of leaves and twigs getting in the gutter, homeowners should consider a leaf screen on top of the gutter, which adds cost but reduces maintenance and spillage. At the base of the downspout, a splash block receives the water coming through the gutter system and flows it away from the foundation. Larger splash blocks should be chosen depending on the amount of water expected and the slope of the lawn away from the foundation.

Seven reasons to use Aluminium


Aluminium is the third most abundant metal in the earth’s crust and at the present rate of usage (not taking into account the fact that more than 96% of aluminium is recycled at the end of product life), the supplies of aluminium currently known will last for several hundred years. Discovered in 1808 by Sir Humphrey Davy, aluminium is a comparatively young metal compared to other “classic” materials. In 1855 the first aluminium bar was displayed at the Paris Exhibition and it wasn’t until 1886 when the patents for its industrial extraction were issued. The Statue of Eros at Piccadilly Circus in London dates back to 1893 and is an early example of how aluminium could be processed. A further example is the San Giacchino Church in Rome which was built in 1897. The aluminium sheets used to cover the roof are still in excellent condition today – proving that aluminium has exceptional weathering properties and durability.

Aluminium as a building material – functional, durable and aesthetically appealing
In the building industry aluminium is often used for facade claddings and roof coverings. The decision to use aluminium is based on economical, functional and aesthetical considerations. From airports, railway stations, sports complexes to stylish residential properties – many of these buildings have only been able to reveal their true “personality” through the use of aluminium.

Material characteristics which are important in the building industry – seven good reasons for choosing aluminium:

1. Lightweight: this means lightweight substructures and a high level of component prefabrication. It can be handled on-site without the need for large lifting equipment.

2. Corrosion resistance: bespoke alloys improve the outstanding resistance to corrosion even further. This makes it possible to use aluminium profiled sheets on a long-term basis without expensive servicing and maintenance work, even in extreme conditions.

3. Robust: the incredible strength of the material makes it possible to create light yet exceptionally stable structures.

4. Excellent processibility: its flexibility and ease of formability guarantee virtually unlimited design potential. It can be shaped, welded, screwed and cut into dynamic 3-D geometries.

5. Simple connection technology: in addition to the most common joining methods used in the building industry, such as welding, screwing and riveting, snap-on connections can also be used. These simple methods ensure that building components can be quickly and safely connected.

6. Recyclable: aluminium roof and facade components can usually be recycled in a single process and 95% of energy can be saved when recycling aluminium compared to primary production.

7. Stunning aesthetics: the wide variety of surface finishes and colours available, such as anodizing or coating, ensures that the high aesthetic demands made by architects can be fulfilled and the application potential of aluminium can be extended even further.