Rain Gutter Basics
In this article we’ll go over a few rain gutter basics. Rain gutters are meant to protect your home from water damage caused by rainfall and, in some climates, snow melt. Their basic job is simple: capture and drain water. However, if you don’t install the right system or neglect routine maintenance, your gutter won’t be able to do its job, which can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. Below, we’ll break down all of the rain gutter basics to help you maintain this important system.
Rain Gutter Basics - Gutter System’s Role
Without rain gutters, large volumes of water would pour off your roof during rainstorms. This damages the soil around your house and causes water to seep directly into the foundation. Even homes in dry climates such as Arizona are at risk, as 1-inch of rainfall is enough to propel more than a thousand gallons of water off your roof.
Rain gutters capture water and direct it through a downspout, which slowly releases the water into a designated area of your lawn. This way, the water does not hit the ground with a forceful impact or damage the soil, and it can instead absorb slowly into the soil.
Types of Rain Gutters
Rain gutters are typically either box-shaped or K-shaped. Box-shaped gutters have flat sides and square edges, and -shaped gutters have a more decorative front side that resembles crown molding. They can be made from a variety of materials, from vinyl to copper, but the two most common, durable types are:
1) Aluminum Gutters
This is a cost-effective and rust-resistant option that can last for years on end.
2) Steel Gutters
Steel gutters are strong, durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures. This makes them a good choice for people who live in very hot or cold climates.
Gutter channels commonly come in 4-inch, 5-inch or 6-inch diameters. The larger the channel, the less likely the gutter is to clog, and the more water it can handle. We offer 6-inch aluminum and steel gutters to our clients in Northern Arizona.
Annual Gutter Maintenance
At the very minimum, you should clean your gutters at least once per year to remove any debris that has built up, such as leaves and pine needles. If your house is surrounded by trees, you’ll need to clean them more often. The best way to remove the debris that has accumulated is with a plastic scoop. You can also hire a professional gutter cleaning company to perform this service.
To keep your gutters clear between cleanings, you can install a gutter guard that filters out debris. We offer custom MicroMesh guards to protect your gutters. Our MicroMesh guards are made in the USA.
Professional Rain Gutter Installation
The best way to protect your home from water damage is to install a reliable rain gutter system. We offer gutter installation, maintenance and repair in Sedona, Arizona, and the surrounding towns of Cornville, Cottonwood and Camp Verde.
Let the Pros at On The Edge Gutters design and install seamless aluminum and steel gutter systems for your home that are durable and leak-resistant.
