Essential Tips for Installing a Gutter System

Installing a gutter system in a home is arguably one of the best ways to ensure water bills stay significantly low. This is because an effective gutter system channels rainwater to a rainwater storage tank for domestic use. However, it is crucial to get the gutter installation process right to enjoy these benefits. This article highlights tips for proper installation of a gutter system.

Use Single-Piece Guttering

Homeowners that want to collect as much rainwater as possible install gutters around a roof. However, most people use pieces of gutter placed end-to-end to achieve the desired length. While the guttering layout performs as desired in the first few months, overlapping channels are neither aesthetically appealing nor strong enough. The joints tend to weaken over time, thereby compromising the structural integrity of an entire gutter system. Single-piece guttering is a better option because the absence of joints ensures that the system remains structurally stable for years. Additionally, single-piece gutters have better aesthetics.

Guttering Compatibility

Guttering can be manufactured from copper, aluminium, steel, plastic and cast iron. Since some of these materials are not compatible with other roofing and joinery materials, it is essential to avoid incompatible combinations. For instance, if your roof shingles are treated with copper to resist algae growth, ensure you use copper guttering and not aluminium. Notably, rainwater flowing down the shingles will mix with copper elements, consequently accelerating corrosion on aluminium guttering as it comes to contact with the guttering. For this reason, make sure that the roofing, screws and hangers you use are compatible with the type of guttering you plan to install. It ensures the longevity of a gutter system.  

Roof Pitch

How much does your roof slope? Is it steep, or does it have a low pitch? Few homeowners ask this question during the installation of guttering, and thus, end up with an ineffective gutter system. For example, installing a gutter system around the edges of a steep roof is ideal because it allows rainwater to flow freely downwards. However, low-pitched roofs are susceptible to water pooling; therefore, you must install guttering underneath such roofs. It prevents rain from pooling on a roof, thereby eliminating any chances of roof damage and wasted water.

Use Screws, Not Nails

It is a common practice for homeowners to nail guttering to a fascia board. However, while nails are adequate joinery supplies, they do not provide sufficient strength for guttering, especially during extreme weather conditions. For instance, the accumulation of snow on guttering will cause nails to withdraw from their anchor points over time. However, the threading design on screws allows guttering to stay in place even when weighed down by snow.

For more information, contact a guttering service in your area.