How To Choose The Right Gutter For Your Brisbane Roof
Your roof is not just about the materials that cover your house. A rain gutter might be a small part, but it nevertheless plays an important role in any structure’s roofing system. Not only that, but getting a good material for your rain gutter is a long-term investment for your Brisbane home. Hundreds of thousands feet of gutter are installed each year throughout Brisbane, yet there is not so much information available to guide customers when they are installing or replacing rain gutters on a roof.
What Is A Gutter?
To put it simply, a gutter is a trough that collects rain water running off a roof. It then channels the water to downspouts, carrying the rain water to the ground and away from the home’s siding, windows, doors and foundation. Open gutters are the most commonly used form of gutter, but aside from collecting rain water, it also collects leaves and other debris that cause clogs in the gutter or sometimes in the downspouts. This can be a fire hazard during dry season because dry leaves can serve as kindling; while during heavy rains, clogged gutters and downspouts can cause rainwater to overflow and damage your building and landscape. This is why open gutters should be regularly checked and cleaned to avoid clogging and for it to function properly.
Types Of Gutters
Gutters are made from many types of material and can come in different colours. If you need a new gutter installed, or your old gutter needs repair or maintenance, always ask a roofing expert to help you choose the type of gutters available on the market. Aluminum gutters are the most common used gutter because it is lightweight. It is available in many colours. Vinyl gutters are lightweight and easy to work with. It also requires minimal maintenance since it is rust resistant. Galvanized steel gutters, meanwhile, are considered the most economical gutter. They are strong and durable, but can be heavy. Also popular options are stainless steel gutters, which maintain their sheen, and the more expensive copper gutter that never rusts or rots. Gutters are either made in sections or they are constructed in one seamless, continuous piece. Sectional gutters are available in long sizes, some as long as 20 feet. These sections are then attached using snap-on pieces that connect the gutters and downspouts together. If your roof has sectional gutters, watch out for leaks that can occur at the seams. Seamless gutters, meanwhile, are very popular because they require minimum maintenance and if there is a problem, they are easy to repair. Seamless gutters are often customized to fit your home. A professional roofer will cut or trim the gutters to your home’s specifications. Seamless gutters are available in aluminum, galvanized steel or copper. They also come in a variety of colours, which are painted and baked on the metal when it is made. Houses, especially in areas where rains are frequent visitors, need gutters. Aside from keeping you dry, gutters are also an excellent tool for collecting rain water, which you can use to water your garden or lawns.