There’s more to an efficient gutter system than a series of troughs and pipes, what with different features coming into play to improve appearance, durability, and even how gutters channel water safely away from the home. What are these features? Some of them include:
- Gutter Guards. Gutter guards act as physical barriers to prevent dirt and debris from falling into and accumulating in the gutter trough. They come in different forms but all are designed to prevent a gutter system from clogging.
- Paint. One of the most obvious yet overlooked features of a gutter system is its paint job. Aside from making a gutter system blend in with the rest of a home, it also acts as a shield, keeping moisture and ultraviolet rays from causing wear and tear. In some cases (especially in older gutter systems), multiple layers of paint may be used to boost protection against the elements.
- Brackets. Aside from the fasteners that keep a gutter system attached to the fascia, brackets provide structural support for the trough, making sure it doesn’t collapse under all the weight of the water flowing through the gutter system. Brackets can be placed over, under, or inside the trough, as well as on both sides of the downspout, depending on a gutter system's design and a homeowner's preference.
- Screws. Unlike older gutter systems secured by nails, today’s gutters mostly rely on screws now to be held in place. Screws have treads, providing them added grip which helps ensure gutter systems stay firmly attached no matter what.
These features appear commonplace but they impart a great deal in making sure that gutter systems not only last through the worst storms but that they efficiently direct water away as well as they are designed to. Alone, each feature may not be striking, but together they contribute towards achieving excellent form and function for a gutter.
Proper installation? Check. Helpful features? Check. In the next part, we'll be talking about care tips you can practice to further save you from gutter problems. Read on to learn more!
