increase the value and contribute to drainage solutions.
Gutters are an essential part of your home. Not only do they provide protection for the facia, foundation and siding; they also add value to the property. They prevent structural damage by channeling water away from problem areas.
They help to keep the home and sidewalks free from debris that can fall from the surrounding trees. Additionally, they extend the walking area under the roof line and ensure the life of your home during heavy rainfall seasons.
When installing a rainwater catchment system, gutters are 100% necessary. The gutters themselves serve as the collection point that feeds into downspouts, then into the collection tank(s).
One may wonder about the difference in materials, and which type is a better fit for your home.
Gutter Sizing and Material
Residential gutters come in two sizes; five inch and six inch. Naturally the larger size can direct a larger amount of water, though some people find the smaller size more visually pleasing.
Material choice is another factor, most rain gutters designed for rainwater collection will be installed seamless. This means that the entire length of the gutter is a continuous run, with no breaks in the line.
Aluminum is the most popular choice of material for gutters, though there are other options. Color can usually be determined by the homeowner and matched to the design of the home.
Downspouts and Gutter Screening
In addition to the gutters themselves, downspouts are a crucial element in the project. Downspouts work to guide the rainwater either into pipes for collection or towards the yard to ease drainage issues.
Gutter screens can help to extend the life of your gutters, as well as, improve the quality of your harvested rainwater. Screens help to remove leaves, debris, sediment and other foreign objects from entering your downspouts. If ones budget allows for them, they are a worthwhile investment for your project.
Gutter screens can also allow your gutters to last longer in between cleanings. Gutters on a residential home should be cleaned at minimum twice a year to allow for optimal performance.
Gutter cleanings are best done by professionals as there are many factors that affect the safety of the job.
In conclusion, rain gutters are a valuable investment in your home and necessary for any type of rainwater collection system.
They protect the foundation, landscaping, and direct water in an area that is the least cumbersome. They are best installed by a professional and will need some maintenance to ensure they are performing properly at least once a year.
Even if one is not interested in collecting rainwater, gutters are worthwhile in many other ways. Consider adding value to your home by choosing seamless, screened gutters for your next project.