Hal Major © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
It�s raining cats and dogs, as the old saying goes. The rainwater is gushing off the roof of your home creating your very own moat. You can build the drawbridge in the basement and haul it outside and put it together. You say you can�t build it in the basement because the basement is flooded. Maybe it�s time to think about installing rain gutters and downspouts.
Granted gutters aren�t beautiful and they don�t really add to the looks of your home; however, they are as important as the roof of your house. Gutters route the runoff from your roof to a safe distance from the home to prevent the basement from flooding. Not to mention getting soaked when you come and go from your home in a rainstorm.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are a good choice for the do-it-yourselfer. They are lightweight and easy to assemble without special tools or equipment. They are best suited for warmer climates where the cycle of freeze-thaw doesn�t occur during the winter. They are particularly well suited for homes located near the ocean, as the salt air has no affect on them.
There is a large choice of colors, shapes, sizes and hanging systems. The thichness also varies among manufacturers. The typical vinyl gutter is either he � inch round or the k shape which is meant to resemble crown molding in your home.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters remain the number one choice for homebuilders. They are lightweight and can be installed in every climate. Most aluminum gutters are seamless as they are formed at the job site. A roll of flat aluminum coated and colored to match the exterior of the house is fed through a gutter forming press until the exact needed length is obtained.
The gutter is cut and sealed on the ends and holes for the downspouts are cut into it. You have a one piece gutter with no leaking or dripping over the front door to your home. With the recent drop in aluminum prices these gutters remain a top choice.
Steel/Copper Gutters
Galvanized steel or copper gutters are a good choice for homes located in areas where they get heavy winter snow. They are exceptional strong and today�s galvanizing will protect the steel from rusting for years.
Copper gutters are the choice for the distinctive and historical look. With a minimum amount of care they will last a lifetime. They are at the high end of the cost range and need to be installed by professionals. There is soldering required for the seams and downspout attachment points.
Wood Gutters
Wood gutters are rarely used anymore although they are still made and sold. Mostly to the historical purist. Wood gutters are high maintenance requiring an annual cleaning and recoating with linseed oil. Most common materials are cedar and redwood, which are fairly expense. Douglas fir a cheaper option, however, it doesn�t last as long as cedar or redwood.
