Basic Information on Rain Gutters
Home ownership involves on going maintenance and expenses.
Most of the maintenance can help prolong the life of your home and it's features.
By purchasing rain gutters you will extend the life of your roof, and help maintain your foundation.
The primary purpose of them are to keep moisture away from the roof by directing rain water and melted snow away from your roof.
The downspouts help keep the flow of that water clear from your foundation and out of your basement.
The typical house needs an average of 120 to 250 feet of rain gutters, This is important to know when choosing which kind to install, as prices will vary dramatically from one material to another.
The most cost effective is vinyl or plastic (slso known as PVC).
These are rust and dent resistant, and available in a variety of colors.
While they are quite durable, plastic will get brittle and can even crack under extreme temperatures.
The lifespan is about 20 years.
Aluminum is a little more expensive than vinyl.
While aluminum is fairly easy to maintain, it will dent easier and expands significantly more than other metals.
Galvanized steel is another option as is stainless steel.
These are often chosen due to their strength and ability to hold their shape, but they are not rust free.
While copper is low maintenance and rust proof, they typically cost three times as much as aluminum.
However copper develops a beautiful patina as it ages.
Another advantage of copper is it's ability to conduct heat, and help melt snow along the roof and in the gutters.
If maintained, their lifespan is over 50 years.
Maintaining the rain gutter is something the homeowner can do to extend the life both of it and the roof.
Regular cleaning and removing the debris is necessary for them to function properly.
There are options available to purchase to help keep them clear of debris.
Some guards offer a screen, others offer a small slit in the cover.
Some are made of foam.
All are designed to keep debris out, and keep the downspout unclogged.
Rain gutters are an important investment that each home owner should consider, not just for the benefit of the roof, but also the foundation.
Most of the maintenance can help prolong the life of your home and it's features.
By purchasing rain gutters you will extend the life of your roof, and help maintain your foundation.
The primary purpose of them are to keep moisture away from the roof by directing rain water and melted snow away from your roof.
The downspouts help keep the flow of that water clear from your foundation and out of your basement.
The typical house needs an average of 120 to 250 feet of rain gutters, This is important to know when choosing which kind to install, as prices will vary dramatically from one material to another.
The most cost effective is vinyl or plastic (slso known as PVC).
These are rust and dent resistant, and available in a variety of colors.
While they are quite durable, plastic will get brittle and can even crack under extreme temperatures.
The lifespan is about 20 years.
Aluminum is a little more expensive than vinyl.
While aluminum is fairly easy to maintain, it will dent easier and expands significantly more than other metals.
Galvanized steel is another option as is stainless steel.
These are often chosen due to their strength and ability to hold their shape, but they are not rust free.
While copper is low maintenance and rust proof, they typically cost three times as much as aluminum.
However copper develops a beautiful patina as it ages.
Another advantage of copper is it's ability to conduct heat, and help melt snow along the roof and in the gutters.
If maintained, their lifespan is over 50 years.
Maintaining the rain gutter is something the homeowner can do to extend the life both of it and the roof.
Regular cleaning and removing the debris is necessary for them to function properly.
There are options available to purchase to help keep them clear of debris.
Some guards offer a screen, others offer a small slit in the cover.
Some are made of foam.
All are designed to keep debris out, and keep the downspout unclogged.
Rain gutters are an important investment that each home owner should consider, not just for the benefit of the roof, but also the foundation.
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