Installing new gutters in the house provides many advantages. Not only can they improve the aesthetic appeal of the house, but they also function much better than older models. In some cases, gutter installation isn’t even an afterthought, and it might not even be a part of the house when it first was constructed. However, it can seem like quite a big project when you do have a relatively small yard to work with. This is where the expertise of roofers comes in handy. If you’re getting ready to have your gutters installed, there are a few things to know before the actual work begins.
Roofing Contractors use a special camera that can capture footage of the inside of the gutters. While this might sound rather silly, it’s one of the best ways to gauge just how much water is really entering the structure. You can actually see the path of debris as it moves along the eaves and sees the height of debris as it passes over the lip of the gutter. By taking a series of pictures, you’ll gain a real picture of what’s going on in your home and what needs to be done to fix it.
One of the first things homeowners need to realize before beginning the gutter installation process is the amount of water that actually needs to be prevented from entering the foundation. Typically, the homeowners’ insurance will cover at least some of this type of repair cost. That being said, it’s important to understand exactly what the coverage limits are for your particular policy. There are different limits for different policies, so it’s always a good idea to ask your roofing company.
During the installation of this roofing system, there may be some minor damage to the gutters. This is not usually a major problem and can easily be fixed using DIY gutter installation tools and materials. In fact, some of the minor damage can even be fixed by the homeowner. But in some cases, there may be more extensive damage that cannot be repaired without professional help. In these cases, the homeowner must hire a contractor to handle the repairs.
Some homeowners who have been having problems with leaking gutters often blame the fact that the area surrounding the apron of the gutter is not being cleaned regularly enough. However, proper cleaning of this area should take place just once every two to three months, depending upon the size of the family and the amount of grass and shrubs that can grow up there. If you have a family member with a lot of greenery growing around the house, such as bamboo, this also needs to be considered when cleaning the apron area of the gutters. Proper cleaning of these areas will go a long way towards preventing any leaks from occurring in the first place.
Gutter installation with seamless gutters is more ideal than those with snap-on seams. The seamless gutters are created by cutting channels in the bottom part of the gutter, then welding them together to create a sort of channel. This allows for a much smaller opening for water to flow through and the channels to prevent any leaks from occurring. While it does take more effort to install these seamless gutters, they are far more durable and long-lasting than their snap-on counterparts. Homeowners that are looking for more energy-efficient and maintenance-free gutter installation can opt for these.
Another type of gutter installation that requires careful planning is the fascia board installation. The fascia board is the part of the roof that covers the inner edge of the gutters. When it comes to the fascia board installation, it is important to consult with a professional so that a proper installation is done. To prevent moisture from reaching the roof shingles, the edges of the fascia board should be coated with epoxy. Water should never come into direct contact with the board as it can cause damages to the roof shingles.
There are many other types of gutter installation methods that homeowners can choose from, including the least resistant system. The least resistance system is where a rubber ring coated with either paint or epoxy is placed on top of the existing gutter. A layer of this coating is then fitted over the top of the existing gutters. The idea here is to create a seal where no water can seep in but at the same time prevent excess water from leaking out onto the roof. However, a less resistant system can prove to be more effective in areas with lots of leaves and twigs.