Gutters & Downspouts – From Function To Fashion!
Gutters and downspouts protect your home from water damage. They help to prevent costly repairs down the road by channeling the water away from your home’s foundation. However, they can also source unsightly streaks and stains.
Luckily, there are now various options on the market that can help you maintain both the function and the aesthetic of your gutters and downspouts.
From colorful vinyl to sleek stainless steel, there is sure to be a material that will complement your home’s style. So don’t wait – switch to the onesthat work for you!
Material Options for Gutters and Downspouts
You can use different materials for gutters and downspouts: Aluminum, Vinyl, Copper, Stainless steel, and Plastic, to name a few!
1. Aluminum
These gutters are lightweight, durable, and easy to install. However, they are also susceptible to corrosion and may need to be replaced more often than other types of gutters. If you’re surrounded by plenty of trees, you may also find that your aluminum gutters become clogged more easily.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl gutters are less expensive than aluminum and are available in various colors. Vinyl gutters are also easier to clean than their aluminum counterparts. However, they can become brittle in colder climates and may need to be replaced more often.
3. Copper
Copper gutters are a more premium option. They are durable and have a beautiful patina that only improves with age. Copper gutters can also be soldered, which makes them less likely to leak than other types of gutters.
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gutters are a good choice for high humidity or salt air areas. They won’t corrode like aluminum gutters but can become stained over time. Stainless steel gutters are also the heaviest type of gutter, so they may require additional support.
Style Options for Gutters and Downspouts
1. K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters, also called ogee or decorative gutters, have a flat bottom with a curved lip extending down over the gutter’s edge.
They are available in almost all the materials mentioned above, including aluminum, copper, vinyl, and steel.
K-style gutters are available in many colors to match your home’s exterior. You can use them on any roof, but they work best on homes with pitched roofs.
2. Half-Round Gutters
For a more traditional look, half-round gutters are the way to go. These classic gutters are made from either aluminum or copper and can give your home an elegant feel. While they’re not as good at carrying large amounts of water as K-style gutters, they are less likely to collect leaves and debris.
3. Box Gutters
Box gutters are a type of K-style gutter that is encased in a boxlike structure. This design helps to deflect water away from your home and prevents leaves and debris from clogging the gutters. Box gutters are typically made from aluminum or copper and can be custom-made to fit your home’s dimensions.
4. Seamless Gutters
They are made up of a seamless piece of material, so there are no seams or joints that can leak. These gutters are usually made from aluminum but can also be made from copper or stainless steel. Seamless gutters are custom-made to fit your home, requiring an initial investment. But because they don’t have any weak spots, seamless gutters are durable and long-lasting.
At Palmer Construction in Spokane, we offer top-quality gutter installation services at affordable prices!
We understand the importance of properly functioning gutters, which is why we take the time to ensure that our clients are 100% satisfied with our work.
Most people don’t think about the roof until there’s a problem. And by then, it may be too late. The sun is a beautiful thing. It brings happiness and warmth to our lives, and most of us wouldn’t want to live without it.
However, the sun’s damaging rays can take their toll on your roof, causing it to deteriorate prematurely. Palmer Construction will discuss protecting your roof from sun damage.
Harmful Effects of Sun On Your Roof
The sun can damage your roof if you’re not careful. It has powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can penetrate the atmosphere. When they hit your roof, they can cause the shingles to deteriorate and even fall off. UV damage is one of the main reasons why roofs need to be replaced prematurely. Some types of roofing materials are more susceptible to sun damage, as discussed below:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the most popular types of roofing material, but they’re also the most susceptible to damage from the sun. Asphalt shingles are made of a porous material that absorbs heat, which can cause the shingles to become brittle and crack over time. The sunlight also breaks down the asphalt, causing it to lose color and eventually crumble.
With maintenance, shingles can last over a decade, but when they start to disintegrate, it’s sensible to get an upgrade.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are another type of roofing material that can be damaged by the sun. Wood is a natural material that is sensitive to changes in temperature & humidity. Although wood shakes tend to last longer than asphalt shingles with suitable maintenance, the sun eventually gets to them.
Wood shakes need a lot of weatherproofing, but for all it’s worth, the shakes do add a certain appeal & value to homes.
Save Your Roof From the Sun’s Harmful Rays
There are a few things you can do to protect your roof from the sun’s harmful rays:
1. Install a Reflective Barrier
A reflective barrier reflects UV rays away from your roof, protecting it from damage. You can find these barriers at most home improvement stores.
2. Paint Your Roof
You can paint your roof with special UV-resistant paint if you have an older home with an asphalt shingle roof. It will help reflect some of the sun’s rays and prevent your roof from being damaged.
3. Avoid Dark Roofing Material
The more reflective your canopy’s shade is, the more it reflects the heat & UV beck to the sky, keeping your roof cool. If your region experiences a lot of heat, you should consider your roofing upgrades of a shade that is not a good absorber of the sun’s heat & UV rays.
4. Plant Trees
Trees provide natural shade for your home, helping to protect your roof from the sun’s rays. They also bring down the ambient temperature significantly.
Ending Note
Palmer Construction is here to protect your roof from the sun’s harmful rays. We provide professional roofing services. If you’re in Mead, CO, schedule a free inspection with us today. We’ll offer a free estimate for how we can help shield your roof from the sun’s damage. Thanks for reading!
