Gutters Provide Protection from Water Damage

Gutters are an integral part of a homes’ roof system and channel water that runs off the roof away from the home. Essentially they are required to protect the foundation of the home from water damage, but they also are instrumental in protecting the outer home surface from damage if water is allowed to run down the exterior walls.

Gutters can help prevent leaks into crawl spaces and through the basement walls and in some locations, can be used as a means of collecting rainwater into barrels or cisterns. Gutters can be made from a variety of materials, with the most common being painted aluminum due its resistance to rust. However, they can also be made from copper.  Sunshine Contracting will be able to help you with your gutter installation and answer any questions you may have regarding gutters.

Types of Gutters

Sunshine Contracting installs seamless gutters meaning that there are no breaks in the guttering system and one continuous gutter is created to prevent leaks. The most common form of gutter installed by Sunshine Contracting are made of aluminum and referred to as the K-style, due to its shape resembling ogee molding when viewed from one end. This type of gutter is attached to the eaves of the house either by a spike and ferrell, nailed into the fascia of the roof, or by using a T-hanger that is fastened to the gutter and nailed into the roof edge of the home.

Another popular type of gutter installed by Sunshine Contracting is the half round that requires specialized hangers and a certain degree of experience in order to install it correctly.

Downspouts Carry Water Away from Foundation

An integral part of a gutter system is the downspout through which water travels from the gutter to the ground. In some installations Sunshine Contracting performs, the downspouts are connected to the storm water system while in others the downspouts end at ground level where the water is diverted away from the building. Some homeowners, especially in a country setting, will collect the water and use it for outdoor watering, saving it for dry periods.

Protecting Gutters from Clogging

Homes with several nearby trees can collect leaves and other debris in the gutters, clogging them to the point where water cannot flow to the downspouts. This water build-up can allow the water to overflow the gutter and seep into the foundation or leak over the back of the gutter and into the homes’ eaves. Additionally, debris can clog the downspout and not allow the water to reach its intended destination.

Leaf Protection, including screens and other methods of covering gutters, are available to prevent the gutters from filling up with debris and also eliminate the need to climb up on the roof and clean them out. This can be necessary several times a year, depending on the number of nearby trees.  Ask your Sunshine Contracting consultant about what your leaf protection options are.

Sunshine Contracting Can Effectively Do the Job for You

Regardless of the style of building, gutters play an important part in the integrity of the home as well as its appearance. They are available in many styles and colors to fit into the appearance of the home, and the protection they offer to the home is well worth the expense of having them installed correctly by Sunshine Contracting.