Rain gutters are simple components of building water discharge systems that run along the roof’s perimeter and are used to collect the rainwater runoff from the roof. Rain gutters are also known as gutters or guttering.
These gutters are connected or attached to the downpipes, which help discharge the rainwater water runoff from the roof to the drainage system.
Why Rain Gutter Must Be Used?
1. Rain gutter helps to reduce the risk of a flooded basement.
2. It can reduce the risk of erosion.
3. Rain gutters can reduce the chances of damage to house roof sides or corners.
4. It can also help reduce the chances of ruining the landscaping look of the house.
Types Of Rain Gutters
Based On Shape
Rain gutters are classified based on the shape and the material used to manufacture them.
1. K-Style Gutters
The K-style rain gutter is commonly used and makes up about 80 percent of gutter styles, and these are also called ogee gutter. The reason to name it a K-style rain gutter is that when you look at it from the side view, it looks like the letter “K.”
When you look from the front, it looks like crown molding, Which enhances its appearance and makes it the best choice for homeowners.
Apart from their visually appealing appearance, K-style rain gutters are considered for other beneficial reasons. Such as, the seamless construction of the K-style rain gutter eliminates leaking and provides durability.
K-style rain gutter can collect a large rainwater capacity because of the shape itself. These types of rain gutters are made of various materials, including aluminum and copper.
2. Fascia Gutters
These types of rain gutters are most commonly preferred for homes that do not have fascia boards already in place, So making these gutters perform double duty by acting like both a gutter and as well as a fascia board.
The edges of the rafter tails are completely covered by these rain gutters, making them invisible when you look at the house.
This creates a smooth line along your home roof edges and prevents any water damage or animals or birds from intrusion into your house through the rafter tails.
As mentioned above, these types of rain gutters are mostly seen in houses with no fascia boards and are not generally preferred for a house with a fascia board installed.
FAQ
What is the Fascia Board?
Ans – The fascia board is the straight, longboards that run along the lower edge of the house roof.
3. Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters are generally a bit more traditional in their appearance and suitable for homes/houses of a specific architectural style. These rain gutters come in several different styles, including double-bead, single-bead, and reverse-bead styles.
These differences won’t affect the performance and installation process, but the only matters is the individual preference for appearance as they look normal traditional way.
4. European Gutters
European Gutters are a type of half-round gutters; they have a bead on the outside where it is more visible. In addition, these gutters are attached to the home with a visible half-round hanger.
People widely choose these rain gutters because they are very aesthetically pleasing and add more class to your house.
The best among these gutters is the copper European gutters because of their shiny attractive look from the day of installation till they have begun to age and get their distinctive patina.
European Gutters are the best choice for an area or place prone to temperature swings or severe storms that will have higher chances of damaging your gutters.
These gutters are generally made from stronger material and can withstand severe weather and temperature without being damaged.
Based On Materials
1. Aluminum
Homeowners widely prefer rain gutters made of aluminum due to specific beneficial properties such as rustproof, lightweight, and various color options. These are most suitable for DIY projects or DIY installations.
2. Seamless Aluminum
Seamless aluminum gutters are costlier than ordinary aluminum gutters as they are custom-made on-site. The installers create these types of gutters using very few seams, and the fewer seams/gaps, the fewer or no leaks. The installation process of these rain gutters requires a highly skilled person.
3. Vinyl
Rain gutters made of Vinyl are more visually appealing, and this type of material can be the best fit for your budget rain gutters.
It also comes in a wide range of color options, which would allow you to match your house color. Just like aluminum rain gutters, these are also the best choice for
4. Copper
Some good properties of copper, such as No mold, mildew, or rust, make it the best choice for homeowners. It requires welding, and copper’s highly attractive color makes it an ideal choice for historic restorations and luxury dwellings.
Like Seamless aluminum gutters, The installation process of copper rain gutters requires a highly skilled person.
5. Zinc
As we know, zinc is durable, rustproof, and can sustain for a longer period than aluminum, making it the best alternative option. Just like copper, it requires welding.
Zinc’s weathered matte gray color is ideally chosen for some historic restorations and luxury dwellings. The installation process of Zinc rain gutters requires a highly skilled person.
6. Steel
Steel comes in 2 types; Rust-resistant galvanized steel, stainless steel, or a specialty product called Galvalume. Steel is strong, durable, and comes in many colors.
Steel is heavy; hence it is difficult to install and requires quick maintenance to prevent rust. The installation process of Steel rain gutters requires a highly skilled person.
FAQ On Rain Gutters
1. How Long Do Gutters Last?
Ans- The life span of the gutters mainly depends on the type of material used to make it, Some expected life spans for Steel and aluminum gutters are around 20 years, and if treated well, copper gutters can last up to 50 years.