Gutters protect your structure from the effects of unchanneled rainwater runoff or snowmelt. Water runoff can have can be very destructive to the foundation and landscaping surrounding your building. Gutters channel water away from your building, keeping the soil around your foundation stabilized. Gutters also protect your siding, painted surfaces, and brick from water damage and staining.
BEI Exterior Maintenance can make seamless gutter systems right at your property site. This allows us to customize and ensure the quality of every gutter we create, giving you a professionally finished product every time. We offer a wide variety of gutter materials so we can provide you with the best look to compliment your building’s architectural style. Copper and steel gutter systems are designed and then manufactured off-site due to the nature of the material.
How often should I clean my gutters?
Yes, you need to clean your gutters! Not cleaning your gutters leads to clogging, which means your gutters aren’t able to do their job — channeling water away from your house. Obvious problems with this include mold, a leaky roof, or water in your basement.
At the very least, you should clean them out in the spring and fall. If you have pine trees, you will need to clean them about every 3 months, as the pine needles will cause them to get clogged more often.
Why does installing gutter protection matter?
BEI installs gutter guards, also called gutter helmets or gutter toppers, to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters. These clogs can cause moisture to back up under the roof’s eaves and decking, causing roof deterioration and possibly interior damage. By installing gutter guards, you prevent larger debris from clogging your gutter systems and inhibiting water from flowing freely out through your gutter system.
What material should my gutters be?
- Aluminum: When it comes to gutters, there are many different materials to choose from. Aluminum is the favorite of most homeowners, being the least expensive, longest lasting, and overall the easiest to use. Aluminum gutters don’t rust and come in a wide range of colors.
- Copper: Copper is becoming an increasingly accepted choice for gutters. Copper is one of the strongest metals, and copper gutters are a good solution for any climate. However, copper does turn colors, so be aware that your shiny gutters will only stay shiny for a couple months, then they will turn dark brown, then purple, and eventually green. Copper gutters are the most expensive of all the materials.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is not the best choice for gutters, as it is brittle, and breaks easily. If you live in a moderate climate, and properly care for them, they can last a long time, but any amount of heavy rain or extreme weather will damage them.
- Steel: Galvanized and stainless steel are also viable options. Steel gutters will rust after about 20 years but are very strong and durable, perfect for climates that get extreme weather. Steel is usually used on commercial properties because it is so durable, and are formed in a sheet metal shop. Galvanized steel is a little more expensive than aluminum, with stainless steel running about 5x more.
What size should my gutters be?
Gutters typically come in 4”, 5” or 6”. When figuring out what size gutters to choose, you should take into account the area of your roof and how much rain you typically get. A larger roof may need larger gutters, while a smaller one can get by with 4” gutters. If you are in a very rainy climate, you might also need larger gutters. This also holds true for the size and number of downspouts you will need on your home.
BEI Exterior Maintenance can help with all your gutter needs.
