Updated Oct 13, 2022
Updated Oct 13, 2022
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Not sure if you need gutters around your entire house? In this article, we’ll uncover the benefits of gutters, the different types, and whether it’s worth installing them in the first place.
The answer depends on the size of your house and the number of slopes it has. In particular, if your house has numerous slopes, consider gutter installation at these edges. This way, every slope on your roof will drain the water in an opposite direction for efficient water drainage.
Additionally, houses with a flat roof don’t typically require gutters all the way around, as there are no slopes for gravity to push the water to the gutter.
Rain gutters should be placed beyond roof eaves to collect rainwater. They’re typically positioned on all sides of a home across the edge of the roof.
Without a rain gutter system, there’s a chance that your home could become prone to mold, mildew, and dampness, as rainwater can collect close before it gets to your home’s foundation.
They aren’t required by law, and not every house has them. Here are some factors to help you decide whether you need gutters:
If you don’t install gutters on your roof, you risk rainwater washing against your home and foundation, which can wear down materials over time. Plus, water will runoff and flow toward your home rather than away from it, which can cause potential flooding indoors, mold, and dampness.
This depends on the size and design of the house, as not all houses need gutters around the entire roof. You might also want to take into consideration the typical direction of rainwater. In summary, gutters require a downspout around every 30 to 40 feet.
Gutters have many benefits, but they aren’t the only answer to an effective rainwater drainage system. Consider your house design, the weather in your area, and if your roof has slopes.
Here are some other gutter solutions and alternatives.
These are beautiful decor for a garden and direct water away from your home and deposit it farther away. They’re available in a vast range of designs and colors.
These are metal sheets that are slanted to protect your home from moisture. However, snow and ice can seep through some sections and cause damage.
This is a pavement positioned under the edge of your roof constructed of bricks or blocks. The hard surface prevents water from seeping into the soil, deflecting it from your home.
These alternatives require you to dig a spot for water from your roof to drip into. You can even grow plants on top, so no one will know.
An efficient slope in your landscaping helps to direct rainwater downward and away from your home. But it’s a hefty price to pay for an alternative to gutters.
These reduce the force of rainwater flying off your roof and splits it into smaller streams for less impact and damage.
Here are the pros and cons of installing gutters on your roof.
There are several materials to choose from, including:
Steel gutters are coated with magnesium zinc alloy on both sides for excellent strength and erosion protection. This top coating also provides a scratch-resistant finish, preventing corrosion damage in severe weather.
This material is durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant. It provides excellent value for money due to its strength, as you won’t have to regularly renew aluminum gutters.
This is the most low-cost material for gutters. It’s a versatile material, so you can purchase plastic gutters in various colors and designs. But it’s not as durable as other materials, so it might not make the best choice for areas with heavy rain pour.
This is 100% recyclable and can last for over a lifetime. It’s durable, weather- and fire-resistant, and provides low maintenance since it’s not prone to rust.
Copper’s aesthetic adjusts to the environment, creating a unique finish wherever you live. It’s exceptionally stylish, durable, and corrosion-resistant. Best of all, it won’t attract moss, making it easier to maintain and clean.
The cost of gutters is around $20 per linear foot. The overall price depends on the size of your home, the material chosen, and any extras (such as heated pipes to melt icicles).
Gutters aren’t essential for every house, and you don’t have to install them on all roof areas. Consider the weather in your area and the slopes on your roof to determine if you should install gutters.
Aluminum is lightweight and more durable. It’s also weather-resistant, making it a long-term investment.
It depends on whether the roof has a steep slope or the home has other alternatives, such as a rain chain, efficient garden grading, a French drain, etc. The weather in the area also impacts whether homeowners install gutters.
It’s beneficial to have gutters surrounding your entire home to collect as much rainwater as possible.
Gutters catch rainwater and are installed horizontally along the side of your home. Downspouts are pipes positioned vertically along your home, connecting to a hole at the bottom.
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