Understanding Basic Gutter Categories
September 07, 2018Gutters come in all shapes and sizes. Some are more attractive, durable and leak-resistant than others. If you’re in the market for gutters replacement, here’s what you need to know about the different options on the market:
Style
There are two styles of gutters: K-style and half-round. The former got its name from its quirky shape, which is reminiscent of crown molding. While the front side of K-style gutters is curvy, the bottom and back are flat. Half-round gutters are the tubular sections common among historic homes.
Material
Gutters come in many different materials to meet the different structural needs of homes and the budgets of homeowners. Vinyl is the most affordable, but it’s susceptible to cracking with extreme temperature swings, making it vulnerable to leakage.
Nine times out of 10, a metal makes an excellent investment for gutter installation. Copper and steel have attractive qualities, but aluminum is perhaps your safest bet. As a lightweight material, it won’t put strain on your roof. Unlike steel, it won’t rust; and compared to copper, it’s far more affordable. These are some of the reasons why it’s the most popular choice in the U.S.
By Fabrication
Traditionally, gutters are sold in sections and are assembled on-site during installation. With sealant, they’re pieced together over the length of your roof. While they get the job done, sectional systems can only stay leak-free for a few years. Once the sealant deteriorates, water will begin to escape and take detours that could harm different areas of your home.
The alternative is seamless gutters. Unlike their older counterparts, they’re custom designed according to your home’s unique specifications. Although these systems have seams on both sides of the corner, they dramatically reduce the chances of leakage. Plus, they sport a clean, uniform look.
Gutter Helmet of Eastern NY is the local authority on aluminum seamless gutter systems and innovative gutter caps. Call us at (866) 252-9400 now to schedule your in-home consultation, learn about our solutions, discuss your needs and get a free estimate.
