New gutters can prevent water issues like leaking and ice dams. Before gutter installation, you’ll need to choose what type of fixtures best suit your needs. Here are five aspects to keep in mind while making this decision. 

5 Factors to Consider for Gutter Installation 

1. Seamless or Sections

Most seamless gutters are joined together on-site after being measured to fit the roof. However, some newer aluminum models are manufactured without seams and are cut to fit the home. Both options are less likely to leak as they don’t have joints. Sectioned gutters are available. They tend to be less expensive than seamless varieties, but are more prone to spillage. 

2. Rainfall Amounts

When a gutter system is too small, it won’t properly drain precipitation off the roof. This may cause an overflow that could drip down your siding and pool around the foundation, resulting in flooding and water damage. To ensure new gutters are appropriately sized, find out the maximum rainfall intensity in your area by checking the U.S. Weather Bureau. Baltimore, MD, once received 7.1 inches of rain per hour, for example. Although this is extreme and rare, you want to ensure the gutters you choose have the capacity to handle the maximum levels possible for the region. This knowledge should inform your choice of gutter depth to ensure the piping will be able to handle major weather events. Talk to a professional to calculate the precise specifications you’ll need. 

3. Style

Gutters impact the curb appeal of your home. Select models that blend in with your architecture. For example, k-style options feature an angular trough shape, while half-rounds offer a semi-cylindrical style. They’re equally effective, but the curves of half-rounds may create a softer look. To make your gutters less obtrusive, pick a color that matches the roof, siding, or trim of your home. 

4. Debris Management 

Many models can be fitted with debris guards to minimize maintenance needs and prevent clogging. Add these devices during gutter installation to improve the drainage system further and reduce the likelihood of detachment under the weight of accumulated debris.

5. Downspouts

Including downspouts during a gutter installation will help ensure that rainfall is directed away from your home to a high-drainage area. These handy features decrease the likelihood that your home will flood even at times of intense precipitation.

 

If you need help choosing gutters for your home, contact Columbia Roofing in Howard County, MD, to get an expert opinion. After you choose a model, their gutter installation team will be ready to set up your precipitation management system at an affordable price. Call (410) 479-6100 to learn about their top-notch craftsmanship. Visit the website for information on their additional services like cleaning and repairs.