Rain Gutters For Your Home In Illinois

Rain gutters and downspouts are an important — and functional — aspect of many homes in Illinois. While they’re primarily used to collect, channel, and carry rainwater runoff away from the foundation and roof, they can also be an aesthetic feature. As a result, it reflects both the heritage of your surroundings and the aesthetic style of your home.

However, choosing the right material for your rain gutter system can be a challenging choice — there are many factors to consider and many options for you to choose from. Factors that work in your favor include a simple installation, durability, and very little maintenance over the product’s life.

Today we will discuss different materials that you can consider for your home gutter system.

 

Different Types Of Rain Gutter Materials

 

There are different types of materials that one can use to build a gutter system. Using these materials, you can keep your foundation and home safe from water penetration. Rain gutters are also available in different styles and shapes either seamless or with seams — depending on your gutter requirements.

 

Galvanized steel:

Galvanized steel is one of the most commonly used metals for gutterings. It is long-lasting, durable, and rust-resistant. In addition, the zinc coating over the steel prevents it from rusting and makes it last longer.

Copper:

Copper gutters are quite popular for their aesthetic appeal. They have a natural copper color that may develop a beautiful green patina when exposed to elements. Copper gutters are also quite durable and long-lasting.

Stainless steel:

Stainless steel gutters are another popular choice for their looks and durability. They do not corrode and are immune to rust. However, they can be a bit more expensive than other materials.

Zinc:

Zinc gutters are a great choice if you want design flexibility. From contemporary to traditional styles, these products come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Moreover, they’re durable and easy to install.

uPVC:

uPVC gutters are made from PVC plastic and are one of the cheapest options available. They are lightweight and easy to install. However, they are not very durable and need more maintenance than other materials.

Aluminum alloys:

Aluminum alloys are popular for gutters due to their durability and lightweight. They are available in different colors and can be painted easily.

Cast iron:

Cast iron is one of the oldest materials used for making rain gutters. However, they are not very popular today because they rust after some time and corrode over time. However, it is long-lasting if maintained and can be a good choice for traditional-style homes.

Wood:

Wood gutters are the most traditional gutters used for longer periods. They appeal to copper ones, but they need more maintenance than other types because of their long life span.

Plastic:

Plastic rain gutters are also available these days. They are made from PVC and are lightweight and easy to install. However, they do not last long and need more maintenance than other materials.

 

So, these are some of the materials that are used for rain gutters. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. You can select the gutter material that perfectly fits your need.

For example, if you want a durable and low-maintenance gutter, go for a galvanized steel or aluminum alloy gutter. Choose copper or zinc gutters if you want a stylish gutter with less maintenance. And if you are looking for a cheap and easy-to-install gutter, go for uPVC or plastic gutters.

However, remember that each rain gutter material has its drawbacks, so make your decision wisely. Call ROOF TIGER to discuss the best option for your home and a free quote on your new gutters.

As you already know, gutters are an important part of the exterior of your house. All homeowners will need to maintain them in some way at some point. But before you set out on getting up high on a ladder and cleaning out the leaves, dirt, and whatever else may be residing inside your downspouts. You first need to familiarize yourself with everything there is to know about gutters and downspouts or their associated components.

EAVES DOWNSPOUTS

As the name suggests, your downspout’s main purpose is to serve as a channel through which water can be diverted from the gutter’s edge and safely discharged from your property. There are three main components of a downspout:

• The spout itself.
• A support arm (or elbows).
• A splash block to keep water away from foundation walls.

 

Some gutters and downspout contractors choose to place two or more elbows in line with one another when installing the downspouts near the foundation of a house to accomplish three things:

• Allow for more flexibility in influencing the direction in which water flows out of the downspout.

• Boost strength and reduce wear and tear on both elbows and spouts themselves, especially when it’s windy outside.

• Keep water away from your foundation walls. The additional elbow keeps the flow of water away from your foundation.

You can purchase elbows in various angles to be used with your downspouts based on the specific direction the downspouts face and how far out they protrude. They come in different sizes, too. So it may be possible for you to use less than two depending on the amount of elbow you require.

 

VERTICAL DOWNSPOUTS

 

Vertical downspouts are generally used when gutters are installed on two-story houses. They offer an easy way to rid of any water collecting in them. If you’re not careful, however, vertical downspouts can end up working against you. This is because if the water ever freezes, it can expand and cause your gutters to fall away from your house or even damage the gutter supports themselves. It’s one of the big reasons why many experts recommend avoiding vertical downspouts on houses with steep roofs when using metal gutters.

GABLE END DOWNSPOUTS

Placing one end of the downspout on the gable end of your house ensures that water will flow out of it in an unobstructed way. It also allows all debris collected inside the gutter to be deposited into the ground, preventing clogging and further damage to either your gutters and downspout.

COPING MATERIALS

Gutters are typically installed with coping materials, so they don’t rot or rust away. They can be plastic or aluminum and come in different shapes. The most popular type is corrugated because it’s inexpensive, lightweight, easy to work with, and fits just about any gutter size. Some experts also recommend investing in seamless gutters, which are more long-lasting.

GUTTER SYSTEMS

There are numerous gutter systems to choose from on the market today. So homeowners should do some research before deciding on one system over another. Some are more expensive than others, but your decision will ultimately depend on how much you’re willing to spend on a gutter system.

ROOF TIGER, located in Peoria, IL, offers gutter installation services for new gutters and downspout installation, gutter repairs to residential properties. Whether you’re looking to install a single new downspout or have an entire system installed on your home, ROOF TIGER has the expertise to get it done right. Keep up with us on our Facebook page, so you don’t miss out on any of our new installations!