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Gutters | Expert Gutter Contractor | Portland Oregon
Rain Gutters 101: What You Need to Know About Gutters
Rain gutters are an essential part of your home's drainage system, protecting your property from water damage and keeping your foundation strong. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to rain gutters, their importance, how they work, and how to maintain them to keep your home safe and dry.
What are Rain Gutters?
Rain gutters are narrow channels that run along the roof's edge and collect rainwater that falls on your roof. They divert water away from your home's foundation, preventing water damage to your walls, landscaping, and the building itself.
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Why are Gutters Important?
Gutters prevent water damage to your home and foundation, which can be costly and challenging to fix. When water accumulates on your roof, it can damage the shingles, causing leaks and water to penetrate the roof. Without gutters, water will also fall directly to the ground near your home's foundation, causing erosion and damage to the structure.
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How do Gutters Work?
Gutters collect rainwater and channel it towards the downspouts, which then direct it away from your home's foundation. Downspouts typically lead the water to a drainage system or a designated area, such as a rain barrel or a garden.
Rain Gutter Installation
The professionals at Stumptown Gutters have worked on projects of all sizes. There is no residential job that is too big or too small. Give us a chance to show you what we can do for you. Schedule a free quote and our team will show you all the options for your project.
Types of Gutters
Gutters come in several materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, and vinyl. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, style preferences, and climate.
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Aluminum Gutters: Lightweight, affordable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. They come in a variety of colors to complement your home.
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Steel Gutters: Durable, long-lasting, and can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, they are prone to rust and can be expensive.
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Copper Gutters: Attractive and long-lasting, copper gutters add a classic touch to your home's exterior. However, they are expensive and typically installed in warm weather when soldered.
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Vinyl Gutters: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. This DIY solution comes in several colors and are suitable for small to medium-sized homes. However, they are not as durable as other materials and may crack or warp in extreme temperatures.
Rain Gutter Replacement
Keeping up with the maintenance on your house is very important, and what can be more important than keeping the rain and water where it should be. Seamless gutters are the perfect solution when it is time to replace those old gutters.
Maintaining Your Gutters
To keep your gutters functioning correctly, it's essential to maintain them regularly. Here are some tips:
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Clean your gutters at least twice a year or more often if you have trees near your home.
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Inspect your gutters for damage, such as cracks or rust, and repair or replace them as needed.
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Ensure that your gutters are securely fastened to your roof, and the downspouts are directing water away from your home's foundation.
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Trim trees near your roof to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating in your gutters.
Conclusion
Rain gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. By understanding how they work, the types of materials available, and how to maintain them, you can ensure that your gutters are functioning correctly and your home is safe and dry. At Stumptown Gutters, we provide high-quality gutter installation, repair, and maintenance services to ensure that your home's drainage system is functioning correctly. Contact us today for all your gutter needs.
The two most popular gutter styles are pictured below. Many homes in Oregon have the style pictured on the left, which is called "fascia style". The one on the right is called Ogee style, sometimes referred to as "K style". The Ogee style gutter looks like crown molding at the top of your home and tends to function better here in the northwest. It is also the most popular choice for a homeowner to select for their home. We only supply the Ogee style gutter on the right at this time. We chose this style due to its wider bottom (clogs less) and increased water capacity, meaning we supply a better product to our customers.