Before
replacing your gutter, you have to take into consideration some factors such as
size, color, fascia condition, the amount of gutter and the status of your
roofing system. All these play a major role in determining the final look of
your home and safety. It is, therefore, essential that you go over them
carefully.
Size of the gutter in place
You
can determine the size of your new gutter system based on your roofline, pitch
and surface area. If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall, and
you have a roof with a large surface and with steep pitches, you should go for
the over sized 6” gutter. The standard 5” gutter can be used for normal roof
sizes and little rainfall.
The Style, Material and Color to
use
You
should also go for quality and style as you consider replacing your gutter.
There are a variety of materials to choose from that also come with different
colors. Aluminum is the most popular of
all the materials, and it comes with different color pallets that can be
blended with your home outlook. Other materials include Half-round, K-style,
Galvanized, Galvalume and Copper which lasts longer for up to 150 years if
maintained properly.
The Fascia Condition
The
fascia is where the gutter is attached to the roof of your house. If the
material (typically wood) is rotting, it will have to be replaced or repaired.
Alternatively, you can opt for roof strap which is used to hang gutters at
house without fascia.
Your Roof’s Condition
A
healthy gutter system is as good as the roofing system. It is, therefore,
essential that you ensure your roof is in good condition before replacing the
gutters. If the roof is in bad shape, make a point to replace it as well,
because in the long run, you will still have to replace it.
New Gutter Sections or just some
old sections
Knowing
the amount of gutter to be replaced will assist you in project planning. You
will also get a budget to work with. Check if you want to replace some sections
of the gutter system, add new sections or just the whole house.
