Selecting and Installing Rain Gutters
What gutter system is right for you?
When deciding on rain gutters for your home there are many things to consider including:
- Price - The #1 reason people choose a particular gutter system. Typically copper gutters are the most expensive along with zinc followed by seamless aluminum, aluminum and galvanized sections and finally vinyl or plastic.
- Style - Most people only use copper when they have a period home or they are trying to preserve or create a custom look. Copper and the aged patina look is usually considered the pinnacle of rain gutters. Aluminum Seamless gutters provide an attractive look without any visible seams, even for very long runs. Galvanized is a cheaper metal and isn't used very much anymore. Vinyl gutters do well on small homes and mobile homes and small out building where water diversion is needed. Also, almost all of these styles will come in a half-round style.
- Functionality - Most metal types of rain gutters can be bought in different gauge thickness and widths. Remember, you will need the same type metal downspouts as your gutter. Mixing metal types can cause undue wear and deterioration of the metal gutter. Other things to consider will be hanging methods which can include many types of hangers, spikes and ferrules.
- Gutter Guard - You will want to choose from an enormous selection of gutter guards that are available today. Once again you should choose the same type metal for your gutter guards as your rain gutters.
Installing gutters and tools needed
To do the job yourself, you most likely only need a tape measure hammer, tin snips, drill(preferably cordless), zip screws for spouting and some gutter guards, end cap crimpers(unless the gutter provider puts the end caps on for you) and some common sense. Remember to measure correctly SEVERAL TIMES !! Allow your rain gutters to hang past the end of your roof by a half inch or so. When spiking your gutters, be sure to hit some rafters as this will improve durability and strength. Pick up some gutter sealant to apply to end caps and outlet insertions for your downspout.
