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Answers
to Frequently Asked Questions (Part II)
Table
of Contents - II
Why do I need rain gutters?
Uncontrolled rain
water falling from your roof can lead to many problems. Flooding basements,
water intruding into the home, ruined landscaping, dead or damaged plants,
soil erosion, stained concrete, swollen siding, rotted decks, deteriorated
stucco, and cracked slabs, are just a few of the problems that can occur.
In the Southern California area, the lack of rain gutters has exacerbated
the problem of homes sliding down banks and cliffs, and complete cliff
erosion. Many inexperienced homeowners, in their rush to fix up their
new house, forget about installing rain gutters. This often leads to costly
repairs, redoing parts of the landscaping again, and installing rain gutters.
This expensive mistake could have been avoided if they just realized the
potential damage that falling roof water can cause.
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What is the best
kind of rain gutter?
There is no "best gutter." There is the best gutter for the job. As with most products, there are strong points and weak points in the various rain gutter systems. Putting up a rain gutter in an environment that it's not well suited for, is a waste of time and money.
For most homeowners, seamless aluminum (continuous aluminum) rain gutter will give you the most bang for the buck. It's usually available in about 20 colors from
a local rain gutter contractor. Aluminum coil usually comes painted from the factory. Avoid seamless aluminum if it will be subjected to abuse (like basketballs, tricycles, etc.). Aluminum is soft and dents easily.
Also avoid
using aluminum in high salt areas. If you can hear the ocean, you're too close
for aluminum. Seamless Steel rain gutter has come a long way from
the old galvanized kind. Although galvanized is still available, the new
seamless steel comes with an enamel coating. They will usually last a
very long time but not as long as aluminum. Remember it's still made of steel
and subject to rust. Steel come in various colors but not as many as aluminum.
Also, many rain gutter contractors don't offer Seamless Steel because the parts are harder to
find. Vinyl can be used if you live near an area with high pollution,
salt water, or other caustic agents (acid rain, chlorine, etc.). Vinyl will take
a lot of punishment without denting or crushing. It is critical that you invest
in a good quality vinyl system. High quality systems have UV inhibitors that enable the gutters to last
for a long time. Keep in mind that vinyl expands much more than other gutters do. Therefore, joints will not stay water tight for as long, and your gutter may look wavy on hot days. Vinyl may be painted, but needs careful preparation.
In general, vinyl rain gutters are not a good buy in Southern California. Seamless Copper is considered the top of the line. It can last for hundreds of years. Copper carries a certain "status". It is, of course, more expensive. Although copper doesn't take paint well, few people who
buy copper actually want it painted. Copper will oxidize and the oxidation
is turquoise. This is similar to rust on steel, except it is not caused
by the metal breaking down (corrosion). The resulting "patina" finish is a very sought after look. This turquoise marbling adds texture, color, and a richness to copper that is unequaled by any other metal. But like rust it can stain. If you live in an area that has a heavy marine layer, be aware that you may experience some staining from the condensation that drips off the copper gutter.
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What is the best hanger?
Once again, there is no best hanger, just the best
hanger for the job. How your gutter is fastened, is just as important as
the type of gutter you select.
There are basically four kinds of fastening systems. Each system has variations.
These are:
1.
The Spike and Ferrule.
This is a two part system. The ferrule is a tube that
is inserted inside the gutter. A ferrule keeps the width of the gutter
uniform and gives it strength. It will usually take the full weight of a ladder
with a person on it and not bend. The spike is driven through the face of the
gutter, through the ferrule, through the back, and into the fascia board
and/or rafter. This firmly nails the entire gutter to the fascia board.
2.
The Hidden Hanger.
The hidden hanger is a bracket that clips under the top of
the front gutter hem and is secured to the back. The bracket is then screwed
into the fascia board with a wood screw. Since it's inside the gutter,
it is not visible. This system also allows easy removal of the gutter, should
it ever become necessary. On a slanted fascia board a "gutter wedge" is
necessary.
3.
The T-Bar.
The T-Bar system is a suspension system. It hangs the gutter from
the sub roof as opposed to fastening the gutter to the fascia board. It is
usually used when tile or shingle projection exceeds the useable width of
the gutter, or where the fascia board or rafters are set back too far to allow
fastening.
4.
Free Floating.
The Free Floating system is a mounting bracket that is attached
to the fascia board. The gutter is then set into this bracket. This system
allows the gutter to expand and contract. It is commonly used with vinyl
rain gutters, or on any gutter in which expansion and contraction is a factor
(such as exceptionally long runs).
Unless all the homes in your area are build alike, avoid contractors that sell
only one system to the exclusion of all others. If a contractor recommends
one system over the rest, ask him why he recommends it. Reputable contractors
are just as interested in keeping their gutters from falling down as you
are!
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What is the best Leaf Screen?
This is one of the most often
asked, and most controversial questions in our industry. Again, I'll state "there is no best leaf screen, only the best one for your job, budget, and appeal."
There are three ways to keep leaves, debris, and other objects from clogging gutters. These are leave
strainers, leaf screens, and solid gutter covers.
Leaf Strainers are screens or
devices put over the hole to the downspout. If you can keep the hole
from being blocked, the gutter will not overflow. However, this is
not a substitute for frequent gutter cleaning.
Leaf Screens do just that, they screen out leaves. They are made of
heavy wire mesh and
when placed on the gutter, will let water in and block the leaves. However,
they will let in dirt and smaller debris. Therefore, gutters still have to be cleaned, but
not as often as gutters without leaf screens.
Gutter Covers are solid metal covers that fit over the gutter in such a way that
they actually separate the debris from the roof water. They work on the principal
of surface adhesion. That's to say that water will stay attached to metal even
when the surface changes angles. That's where the debris separates from the roof
water. It's fascinating to watch, and it's very effective in preventing debris
from entering the gutter. Unfortunately, it cannot be used on all roofs here
in Southern California.
In deciding which one is best, you need to consider
several things. How bad
is the problem, how much will it cost, what will it look like, how often will
I need to clean the gutters, and how effective is it for my situation? This is where
the expertise of a local, reputable, and experience rain gutter contractor is
invaluable. Deal with a contractor who offers a variety of products. Do your
homework and ask a lot of questions.
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How do I choose a Rain Gutter Contractor?
As with any profession,
there are people at the top of the ladder, at the bottom of the ladder, and
some who can't even find the ladder. Rain Gutter Contractors are no different.
Because rain gutters are not a large investment, homeowners often put to little thought into purchasing them. They take the first bid they get, or worse, take the lowest.
If you have never purchased rain gutters, do a little homework. Talk to your friends and neighbors and find out what kind they have and if they're satisfied with their choice in rain gutter. Were they happy with the contractor? Talk to people who have had their rain gutters on for years, then find out who the contractor was.
If you live in a new area, ask your builder. If you use the yellow pages, talk with several rain gutter contractors.
Consider selecting those contractors who have been in business the longest, and have solid reputations. These are the ones that usually do it right.
Be cautious when a company claims "20 years experience" and a 24 year old "owner" shows up.
Some contractors will advertise "I'll beat anybody's price!
(What
they don't tell you is that they will cut every corner to do it)" Ask for references, talk
with past customers who have had their gutters on for at least
five years. Ask for trade affiliations, copies of their
liability insurance, workers compensation insurance, business
license, and contractors license. Check with your Better
Business Bureau and your Department of Consumer Affairs,
Contractor License Board. You will rarely offend a legitimate
contractor by asking these questions and asking for copies of
insurance certificates.
Keep this in mind, if a contractor cuts
corners by not carrying insurance and proper licenses, he won't
hesitate to cut corners on the quality of your job.
Fly-by-Night
companies give the industry a bad name. We all want to see them
out of business!
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When should I replace my gutter?
If you have steel or vinyl gutters, you
will need to replace them eventually. How you tolerate maintenance on you
home will determine when you should replace the gutter.
If you're the kind of person who doesn't want to be bothered with the time and money repairs demand, you should replace your gutters at the first signs of rust. Rust will often show up as little orange speckles that show through the paint, rusty colored stains at the end of the downspouts, or at gutter seams that are separated and leaking. Gutters rust from the inside out. When they begin to show rusting on the outside, the inside is rusting through. Often, however, because of standing water, the gutter may need to be repaired in just one or two areas.
If you're handy and don't mind a few hours working on a ladder, you can repair the gutter yourself, and avoid replacing it for years. Keep in mind that just like a worn suit, you can't keep patching it forever. You may want to repair them for the rainy season, and plan on having them professionally replaced during the off season, when gutters are usually on sale.
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My existing gutters are not working properly, can you tell
me what's wrong?
We'll try. We've designed a special
troubleshooting
guide. There you should find the answer to your question.
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