Several Important Things You Need To Know About Guttering
The Different Guttering Types
The Different Guttering Types
One of the oldest materials for guttering is cast iron. It is strong and has a long life span. But regular and correct maintenance is needed to maintain its functionality. At present, it is rarely used in houses unless in restoration works. This type can still be found mostly in old houses. Some specialist manufacturers also provide this type of guttering but at a very high price.
The most popular type available today is PVC. Its affordability, light weight and easy installation features attract more buyers than the other guttering types. It is well known for its low maintenance requirements.
Another popular type is pressed steel. This material is also strong and light weight just like PVC. However, it is less affordable than the PVC making it less attractive to homeowners. Another choice of guttering is galvanized steel. It is one of the cheapest types, but it needs considerable maintenance to ensure its long lasting efficiency. Aluminium is also available and it is made for its durability and high corrosion resistance.
Practical Tips on How to Maintain Guttering
This important structure need to be functional not only in a short period of time but for the lifetime of the building. To achieve this, maintenance is needed. Frequent inspections to check existing problems are necessary. Minor problems can escalate if they are left alone. As a result, small maintenance expenses can become huge. In some cases, the problem may become irreversible meaning installation of new guttering is the only solution. Ideally, maintenance checkups should be done twice a year. Late summer time is one of the best times of the year to do the job. This is to make sure that the structure is fit for the coming rainy days. This should be followed up in the late part of the autumn to remove any blockage in the form of fallen debris.
Correct installation is necessary with the emphasis on the slope orientation. Incorrect slope can cause water stagnation. This situation will eventually cause other problems such as rusting or even over flowing of rainwater in the channel.
Although rarely used these days, wooden guttering must be sanded, painted and water sealed regularly. In case of leakage, immediate repair must be done to seal the small leaks. Smaller leaks can get bigger if left unattended for a long time.
If the guttering is installed with the use of straps and hangers, firm and strong attachment is vital. When the attachment structures become loose or permanently damaged, immediate attention must be given.
The Benefits of Gutters
Guttering collects rainwater and channels it into downspouts and into the drainage system. As a result, scattered downpour of rainwater around the house is avoided. In the absence of the structure, heavy rainfall saturates the soil around the house. This can lead to the weakening of the foundation, rendering the house vulnerable. In addition, continuous rain downpour can also damage some structures such as pavements, patios and many others.
Continuous saturated soil condition within the vicinity of the house also increases the risk of house flooding especially in the low lying areas as such the basement. But such an event can be prevented by harvesting the rainwater with the use of guttering.
It helps maintain the beauty of the house surroundings. Long hours of rain can result in soil erosion. This situation can cause problems in the gardens or in the landscape of the house as a whole.
This house structure also creates a safer environment particular during winter time. Sharp, heavy and dangerous ice particles form when the temperature drops to freezing values. In the presence of this rain collector structure, the danger for those ice particles to fall down and hit somebody is avoided.
If the ground is bare or not paved, guttering help prevents mucky and untidy surroundings. Wet soil can be very messy.
It prevents discoloration, staining in the form of molds and other water related damage on the external walls. Long term continuous exposure of the external walls may even affect the interior wall as well. The scenario can be even worse if the exterior wall is finished with or covered with wooden structures such as shiplap cladding.
Lastly, guttering also helps preserve other external structures of the house, especially those that are made of wood. Examples of these structures include doors, windows and soffit boards.
by: Chris Coxon
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