A lot has been said about gutters, their purpose, and their effectiveness. For some people, it's difficult to picture how having gutters installed can protect their home from foundation damage. Indeed, many homeowners tend to take shortcuts when it comes to guttering.
Because it can be an annoying extra expense to deal with, many people have developed misconceptions about the working and usefulness of gutters in their homes. This article will uncover the truth behind these misconceptions.
They are simply for decorative purposes
Many homeowners mistakenly think that gutters are only useful for aesthetic appeal. Indeed, while gutters can be designed, painted, and installed to match the kerb appeal of the home, they also play an important role in controlling rainwater on the property.
Their most basic function is to direct rainwater away from the walls and foundation of the home in order to minimise water damage. Therefore, homeowners should consider this important function first before thinking they're simply designed to make the home look attractive.
You only need to clean your gutters when you have trees
Gutters require regular cleaning so as to remove debris from the gutter sheets. With regular cleaning, the gutters can redirect rainwater more effectively and avoid getting clogged. Many homeowners think that debris that clogs gutters only comes from trees and leaves. As a result, they don't see the need to clean their gutters on a regular basis.
While having trees may result in more frequent cleaning, it is still important to clean your gutters on a regular basis. Remember that debris can accumulate in your gutters from debris that is deposited by strong winds or heavy rain. Animals such as birds may also nest in your gutters and contribute to their blockage over time.
Only aluminium gutters are effective
While aluminium gutters are a popular option among homeowners, they aren't necessarily the best for every situation. Aluminium is an excellent choice for corrosion resistance and design flexibility for your gutters. However, you may find that steel gutters are sturdier and more resistant to dents.
If you live in an area where your gutters undergo a lot of physical wear and tear, galvanised steel may be a better choice.
Gutter cleaning is frequent and expensive
Another reason why homeowners avoid gutters is because they think maintenance costs will be high. It is a common misconception that gutters must be cleaned all the time to ensure that they work well. However, the truth is that gutters only need cleaning about twice a year, or when you notice any visible blockages.
In addition, you can clean your gutters yourself if you have the required tools and knowledge. Contractors also charge reasonable rates for professional gutter replacement, cleaning and repair.
Welcome to my blog. My name is Nigel and my new found passion is roofing. Roofing might seem like a strange thing to be excited about. If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would love roofing, I would have laughed in your face. However, all of that changed when I decided to install a new roof on my home. We had been having problems for a while with water leaking into the attic so I decided to take action. The contractor was so helpful I couldn't help but become fascinated by the different roofing solutions. I hope you like the blog.