Homeowners risk management: A Buyer’s Guide To Gutters And Downspouts:
Gutters and downspouts are the unsung heroes of your property’s exterior. Although many homeowners worry about keeping their roofs in good condition, they don’t always pay as much attention to their gutters and downspouts. That can come back to haunt them because of how important gutters and downspouts are for defending a property from water damage.
Out of all the elements that make up a property’s exterior, gutters may be one of the most important. What that in mind, it’s important for property managers to understand how the style and construction of the gutters they choose for their property affects the level of protection they receive.
The run-of-the-mill downspout can direct as much as 12 gallons of water away from a property during a 1-inch rainfall. That’s 12 gallons of water that otherwise could end up pooling around the building’s foundation, trickling into tiny cracks where it will expand and harm the foundation as it freezes in the winter. Those 12 gallons of water also could end up getting under siding and causing mold and mildew growth without gutters and downspouts to direct that water away from the property.
Although it’s undoubtedly important for homeowners to have their gutters inspected and cleaned by professionals on a consistent basis, they also need to be aware of how their gutters will stand up to the cares of protecting their homes. The shape and materials of gutters and downspouts all have distinct advantages and weaknesses, and they may impact how often they need to be examined or replaced.
For example, vinyl gutters might be the choice for homeowners who want to install them on their own because they can be snapped together by hand. However, vinyl gutters also tend to become brittle under heavy sun and in the cold. They also won’t stand up to heavy loads very well, making it necessary to clean them much more frequently.
There are so many aspects homeowners need to consider when choosing the right gutters and downspouts for their property. Given how important gutters and downspouts are for protecting those properties, making the right choice is vital.
The following infographic from Aerotech Gutter Service lists the pros and cons of many of the most common types of gutter shapes and materials, so take a look before making that critical decision.
Guide created by Aerotech Gutter Service
Author bio:
Richard Watkins, Founder of Aerotech Gutter Service, has been a contractor and home remodeler for over 50 years. He’s completed many home remodeling jobs over the years and has seen pretty much everything that can go wrong with your home.
