House functionality depends on multiple factors. Many people neglect rain gutters. Installation of the rain gutters is unavoidable and necessary for your interior to be safe, dry and clean. Quality channels don’t have to be replaced annually and installing them is easy, so there is no reason to postpone the installation. Many homeowners take this as a DIY project but Ranger Roofing of Oklahoma, gutter installer in Tulsa, OK, recommends you to contact a professional.
GUTTERS MATERIALS?
Just like roofing material, there is a variety of channel materials. They have different properties so that prices can vary. Picking the best channel material for your home is important, so here are some facts about each option.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are lightweight and easy to handle. Many people choose it for a DIY project, and they can come in different colors. Aluminum gutters can even be designed to have no joints, and they are resistant to various weather conditions. You won’t have to repaint your aluminum gutters regularly because they hold the paint well. Unfortunately, aluminum is easy to deform structurally.
Plastic (Vinyl)
Vinyl sections are affordable, so vinyl is top DIY gutters material. Parts easily clip together, so you will not have any trouble installing gutters on your own. Vinyl gutters are lightweight and low maintenance. It’s a very durable material, and it’s not prone to rust or rotting. However, over time, it becomes brittle, and colors are limited to brown and white. If you live in freezing climate, don’t use vinyl since it will probably crack.
Copper
Copper is excellent gutter material. It is the most sustainable and durable option. Copper is the most beautiful rain gutters material. It doesn’t get ugly with time, on the contrary, the surface turns into unique and desirable green patina. Copper gutters don’t require any finish, and they will last forever.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is a high-quality channel material which will last you forever. It won’t rust, and it’s considered to be the strongest material in the roofing industry. However, that comes with a price. You will have to spend much more money since stainless steel gutters cost at least two times more than regular ones.
SHOULD YOU GO FOR SECTIONAL OR SEAMLESS GUTTERS?
An important thing you need to consider when it comes to gutters is whether you want the sectional or seamless version of gutters. The majority of materials are available in the regular sections which are clipped together. Aluminum drains are available in both versions. Seamless gutters are a far better option if you want a long lasting solution. Seamless gutters, of course, don’t have seams. The most problematic areas on channels are joints and seams. That’s the place where gutters are most likely to leak and ruin your basement or exterior. Seamless gutters will never let water in, so they are the best for people who want to invest in their gutters and be safe for years.
DIY INSTALLATION
PREP-TIME
Preparation is the first and most important part of the installation, especially when it comes to DIY gutter installation. You should plan the process and draw what you intend to install. Make a draft of the existing components as this will help you know which elements should go where. Ranger Roofing of Oklahoma, roofing company in Tulsa, OK, recommends you to call a professional because then you will be sure your gutters are high-quality. A crucial part of the installation is preparation. The technique you will be using should depend on the gutter type. Plan the process thoroughly and sketch the components of the existing rain gutter system. That way you will know which element should go where. If you’ve decided to do it alone instead of calling a professional, we recommend you to at least get some help with the work.
NECESSARY STEPS
Even though installing gutters is easy to do on your own, you still have to plan the procedure and go through some necessary steps. Before installing new gutters, inspect your roofing system and repair any damage you notice. Homeowners often deal with rotted fascia, so be sure to take care of that before putting new gutters. We recommend you to paint fascia before the installation. Safety comes first; get stable ladders and a tool belt for maximum flexibility. Trim the roof felt according to the size of the gutter opening so that the sections would easily slip in. When you finish installing gutters, test them by pouring some water in.
