Your home's gutters are vital for protecting the eaves and siding from rainwater. Without them, your home would quickly develop stains, structural damage, and mold on these surfaces. Below, learn the basic anatomy of a gutter system and a few options that will help you maintain it.

3 Major Components of a Gutter System 

1. Gutters

Gutters are the main channels that water will flow through as it runs off your roof. They're slightly sloped downward toward the downspout to send water in that direction. Each section ends with an end cap that stops water from flowing out the wrong end of the system. If you have a seamless system, the only joints will be where the main body meets the downspouts, end caps, and corners. Otherwise, there will be additional seams spaced out along its length. Leaks are most likely to occur where there's a joint, so choosing a seamless system will help prevent leaks. Also, systems that are open on top can get clogged with leaves, which can stop the flow of water and cause an overflow. You should install a leaf guard to prevent this and make your gutter cleaning easier.

2. Downspouts

These are the vertical pipes that the gutters direct water into. The water flows down the pipe and exits the bottom where it either soaks into the ground or flows down a drain. If there's a lot of water flowing down a downspout, it can sometimes splash at the bottom, potentially damaging any plants or landscaping there and splattering mud onto your siding. To prevent this, place a splash block at the bottom.

3. Brackets & Hangers

This hardware attaches the system to your roof fascia, which is the vertical board that runs along the edge of the roof. Brackets support the system from the side or from below, while hangers reach across the top to support the outermost lip of the gutter, preventing sagging. When brackets and hangers come loose, the entire system can start to sag, reversing the slope and causing water to pool or spill. To prevent this, you should regularly inspect and tighten your brackets and hangers.

If you need a new gutter system or maintenance for your existing model to protect your home, choose McCarthy Seamless Gutters in Danbury, CT. This fully licensed and insured company has served Fairfield County for 35 years, providing installation, maintenance, repairs, and cleaning. For a free estimate, call (203) 743-0599. Visit them online or on Facebook for more information.