Catching the Rain

Gutters in San Antonio are an essential part of any home or structure, in protecting its walls from developing mold. The presence of water in walls creates moisture and dampness within the walls and the rooms within that cause mold to develop, or in the cases of wood, wet rot. Fortunately, an ancient Roman invention helps us in preventing this from happening, with rain gutters. From different materials, and different types, rain gutters have proven to be beneficial in ensuring that your homes are kept protected.

With a broad range of types of gutters from different materials available in various colors, finding the perfect drain system for you and your home shouldn’t be a problem. These variations affect the price so you can easily choose depending on your budget.

Regarding gutter shapes, there are two standard shapes that are used, one being the K-style gutter, and the other being the half-round gutter. The K-style gutter features a flat back panel and bottom plate, and sports a usual decorative front face. This front face has multiple designs with curves or ogees, resembling somewhat of a crown molding aesthetic.

The Half-round gutter simply put, is a half round tube that acts as the gutter itself, and they are usually more widespread in homes of older age, or of historical time.

Materials have more options, each having different characteristics suited for different scenarios or conditions. A few real options would be aluminum, copper, steel, vinyl, and zinc. Depending on your style of choice and your budget, a lot of combinations can be made.

Aluminum is the most common material used for gutters. They weigh the least amongst the other options and don’t require professional experience for installation, which is perfect for people who like to DIY. They won’t rust which is perfect for maintenance and can even be painted.

Zinc and Copper gutters offer a higher quality in aesthetics. They don’t need to be painted as they develop their unique patina as time passes. They are strong and last long. They are often used in residences of higher classes and or historic restoration projects. They do however require professional installation as their seams and joints need to be welded together. These materials also come with a hefty price tag.

Steel positions itself in the middle of the pack. It is a strong material which makes it durable, resists rust but not as effective as other materials. Steel, however, is heavy and is not recommended for people who like to DIY. They come in different colors, or can be painted, and is reasonably priced.

Vinyl or PVC gutters are the cheapest materials you can use for guttering. They are lightweight, and the perfect material for people who like to DIY. This material, however, is not recommended in colder areas as they tend to crack with lower temperatures. They are also not as strong as other materials, and won’t be able to support ladders being leaned on them. They come in a few choices of colors, and these colors may fade from the UV rays from direct sunlight. With a tight budget, however, these would be the ideal choice of material.

No matter how small your budget may be for guttering, you will always have options. It is crucial to give importance to this aspect of your house as they serve a greater purpose. Protect your walls by making sure that you have an effective and efficient gutter system.