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A house rain gutter is a protective piece added to a house for additional drainage off the roof. It is used to protect the foundation of the building, by keeping water away from the base of the building, preventing leaks in the basement (if there is one) or sides of the house in high rain seasons. Some people collect the rain water for later use, which is an excellent and “green” choice to make. It’s great for gardening and watering the lawn.
There are generally three different types of rain gutters:
– Discrete metal trough that is suspended away from the roof edge, below the roof.
– Wall structure beneath the edge of the roof
– Running below the edge of the slope of the roof
They all work relatively the same way. They vary from house, to house though. One doesn’t necessarily work or look the same on a different style of house. If you don’t have a rain gutter, well, you’ll get soaked in a rainstorm and your basement better be equipped with a sump pump, and have nothing of importance down there. Gutters may not look the best, you may think it’s an extra cost, but you can get different styles for your home, and in the long run, they’ll save your house from a lot of damage.
Gutters are generally made of the following materials for the ones doing it themselves.
– vinyl
– sheet metal
– aluminum
A professional will weld, solder, use copper, and more. They’ve got the proper equipment to do this, and they can easily install a gutter for a reasonable price to suit your house and the weather in your area. It is recommended to have a professional do this job, because it will last for so much longer. Rain gutters are styled in a “U” shape or a “K” shape, depending on your choice and how it is mounted to the house. They come in different diameters and the larger diameters, although they cost more at the beginning, are much more efficient in the end.
Gutters are attached by straps, hangers, and brackets. A “hidden hanger” effect is usually used to be aesthetically pleasing. Wood can rot over the years, but if there are no rails to attach to, a strap must be used. Crossbars are also very sturdy options. Discuss the above with the technician and find your best option for your house and the weather in the area you live in.
