The Ultimate Guide To Installing Gutter System At Home

Gutters play an essential role in your home. A well-maintained system can protect your property from severe water damage, directing water away from the exterior of your home. However, gutter systems take a beating from the elements. They’re exposed to extreme heat and cold and are constantly bombarded by debris, insects, and leaves. 

So if it’s time for new gutters, don’t be caught off-guard by faulty gutters that can become a permanent eyesore on your property. Instead, homeowners can reduce risk and improve their property with modern gutter solutions that are strong, durable, and built to last.

Our helpful guide explains everything you need to know about installing gutters in your home, from materials to gutter styles and placement. After reading this, you’ll be able to make an educated decision about what kind of system works for your home!

Terms That You Need To Know About A Gutter System

Your house’s gutter system is critical to the health of your home and the value of your property. If you’re looking for a new system or want to ensure your current one is up to code, here are five key terms that will help you understand installation requirements and common problems:

Primary Components

Gutters

So obvious, isn’t it. The gutters are the main structure responsible for channeling the water away from your home’s foundation. When it starts raining, the water shifts through the roof’s gutter and goes down through the pipe system. Gutter is built of waterproof materials and is generally available in various colors. 

Fascia

A fascia bracket is a term used for the upward extension on the exterior of a building that helps you get rid of water from your roof. The fascia, which acts as a shield, guides the rainwater down to your gutter and into your pipes. It is a must-have in every house.

Endcap

The end caps are exactly what they sound like: they cap off the ends of the gutters, so that rain can flow freely from your roof to your rain barrels and not pool up in unsightly puddles around your house or on your grass.

Other Components

These are the essential components to driving water away from your home. 

Downspouts

This is the main component associated with passing the water onto the ground. Downspouts extend vertically from the top of your roof to the ground, allowing water to flow away from your property. This system is held securely by the downspout bracket. 

Elbow

The elbow joint helps us to extend and curve our arms. Elbows in the gutter system pretty much play the same role. This is a curve in the downspout extension that helps the water flow freely. 

Splash Blocks

Splash Blocks are the parts that are present at the bottom of gutters, diverting water away from your home. Splash blocks can be of various materials such as plastic, aluminum, etc. These can be either vertical or horizontal splash blocks, both aiming to divert water away from your home. 

Hangers

Some homeowners may not prefer to use screws or bolts to install their guttering. If you are one of them, then you may benefit from hangers. These fit with the fascia. By fitting directly into the fascia in the gutter, these pieces keep the roof system looking sleek and offer an attractive look.

Five Most Popular Materials Used For A Gutter System

Understanding the different gutters and downspouts is essential in preparing an effective gutter system for a home. Gutters direct stormwater away from a building’s foundation, preventing erosion that can cause structural damage. The five most common gutter materials are:

Aluminum

This is the preferred choice of material for gutter installation for most homeowners. Aluminum is the best material to use as it has a long-lasting potential and is very durable and cost-friendly. In addition, aluminum does not rust like steel, allowing it to last for years without needing maintenance or repair. It also looks good visually as it is available in various colors. 

Steel

Steel is also getting more popular as a promising material for gutter installation, thanks to its durability and ability to withstand many weather conditions. These can perform better than aluminum gutters. The steel rain gutters, which are galvanized to protect them from rust, can last for 15 years with proper care. Make sure you use leaf guards for your gutters so that they last longer. You can also opt for Stainless steel, but it is costlier than its galvanized counterpart.

Copper

Copper is a highly durable material. It can stand the toughest of weather conditions. Be it the scorching heat or the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin. It will also not rust; however, these materials can be costly. 

Vinyl

While the last option, Copper, is one of the most expensive materials to use for a gutter system, Vinyl is one of the most cost-friendly options. They’re easy to install as well but offer low durability. They can last around 20 years, but only in the areas where the weather is not severe. After that, you can paint your vinyl gutters to suit your home.

Zinc

Zinc rain gutters are durable and long-lasting, resisting corrosion, weathering, and warping over time – so you can expect years of use from your zinc gutters. If maintained properly, they can last even 80 years. But the downside is that they may not be the most attractive systems due to their off-grow color. 

Types Of Gutter Systems

There are two significant types of gutter systems construction methods used widely in Wisconsin. These can be classified as:

Sectional

This is the most traditional type of gutter installation. As the name suggests, Sectional gutters are made up of small sections that can be joined together to form a more extended gutter section. Because sectional gutters come in sections, they are easier to install and can be installed yourself. These are cost-friendly too.

Seamless

Seamless gutters are now making rapid progress in the market. This is because, as their name implies, they run continuously, without any seams. They’re in a single piece, so the apparent benefit they provide is that they don’t have the potential to fall apart and leak like their sectional counterparts. They also improve the visual appearance of your home. 

Types Of Designs For Rain Gutters

Aside from the gutter system and type you choose, the visual appearance of your gutters is also significant. Here are some of the designs used for rain gutters:

K-style

K-style gutters are the most popular on the market, thanks to their effectiveness. Apart from their excellent performance, they are popular because of their visual appeal. They’re available in a wide range of shapes and colors.

Half-round

Half-round gutters are shaped like a semicircle and help drain water faster. These are best suited for homes with a more traditional design. They also come in different shapes and colors to match the design of your home. 

Fascia Shape

Fascia-shaped gutters are tall and narrow gutters installed with your fascia board. These are harder to install and clean. Fascia gutters are sturdy and have an incline that ensures all water stays in the gutter and off your foundation.

Victorian Ogee

The Victorian Ogee Gutter is a very traditional type of gutter. Though not much seen, they’re reminiscent of historical times and give off a charming look that can be applied to various home styles. The major drawback is that they are shallow.

How Can A Well Installed System Help You?

A properly installed gutter system can offer you a lot of benefits. 

Protects Your Home From Water Damages

The first and most important benefit of proper gutters is that it helps protect your home from the damages caused by rainwater. 

Help Save Money In The Long Run

A gutter system that is not installed correctly and well maintained is more likely to get damaged early and frequently. This will mean that you have to repair them more often. However, well-installed gutters require less maintenance and repairs. 

Helps In Improving Curb Appeal Of Your Home

Not only protection but a gutter system should also be installed, keeping in mind its visual abilities. Gutters systems that are not correctly installed can look shabby. Ensure that the system looks good by constantly checking for damages, rots, etc. 

Combats Health Hazards

If the gutter system is not installed correctly, it can lead to excess water being collected during heavy rains. This can be a breeding ground for pests. 

BRH Enterprises – Providing The Best Solutions 

Our crew at BRH Enterprises understands that replacing your gutter system or getting a new installation can be overwhelming. There are many options to choose from, but we are here to provide you with the best quality services related to all your gutter installation and repair needs. In addition, we provide you with the best materials and installation to not have to worry about rainwater damaging your home exteriors. Call us today to get a free consultation (920) 249-4228.