Gutters have a huge role to play when it comes to the structural integrity of a house and dealing with large quantities of rainwater. In order to prolong the lifespan of your gutter and ensure it’s as functional as possible, you’ll need to carry out regular gutter maintenance which can range from, ensuring your gutter is properly cleaned to gutter replacement whenever is necessary. Without proper maintenance gutters can become blocked by falling leaves, moss and other debris. This applies for copper gutters, aluminium gutters, galvanised steel gutters and essentially any material gutter you could possibly have.
Here at Roofclad Systems, we offer gutter maintenance programmes to ensure your gutter system is getting the right care after installation, annually. If your guttering system has been installed properly you should have no trouble or issues and you will be left with roof drainage for years to come. However, it is highly recommended to still get your gutter checked even if you think there may be no problems with it currently. Inspecting gutters for rust, leaks, holes, and corroded joints will help to identify issues early on before they become more detrimental and costly.
Why Your Gutter’s Lifespan Is Important
Your gutters are responsible for water management and providing your living space with a drainage system that can deal with overflowing water. Without a gutter system your roof wouldn’t be able to channel water away from the roof and down to ground which could look to moisture damage and potential leaks to your property. By maintaining the lifespan of your gutter, it helps to keep your property safe and dry and avoid expensive damage costs.
Malfunctioning gutters can easily become clogged with leaves and other debris, and without maintenance this can cause the water to stagnate and overflow, which can cause a leaky roof or water damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Carrying out regular gutter maintenance will help to avoid this, along with the potential of your home becoming open to rodents and mould, which can be expensive issues to fix. Gutter maintenance is vitally important to maintain an effective gutter system in order to cope with potential heavy downpours, large amounts of debris and to help with diverting water from a property’s rooftop to a drainage system. Gutter maintenance can include ensuring that the gutter system is cleaned regularly.
The two main factors that can influence which gutter material to opt for, are the cost and practicality.
Cost
Choosing the right guttering will depend on your budget. Different types of gutters come with varying costs. The type of material will affect the cost – but with many things, you get what you pay for! Plastic is the most common option for guttering, due to its low cost, however it also has the shortest lifespan. Cast iron, a long lasting gutter material, falls on the more expensive end of the scale, due to the longevity it’s gutter lifespan.
Practicality/Convenience
Practicality also has a part to play in dictating which gutter material suits best. Some gutter types are more low maintenance than others, requiring little to no maintenance, making them more suitable for certain buildings. The properties surroundings, weather factors and the age of the building can all dictate which gutter type is best. Properties surrounded by overhanging trees, especially pine trees, or with moss growth, should be checked frequently, especially after bad weather, to ensure gutters are free from fallen debris.
The Different Types Of Gutter Materials
Different types of gutter materials are best suited to different properties and climates
There are numerous gutter materials, and which is best for your roof depends on various factors.
Vinyl Guttering
Low in price and lightweight, vinyl guttering proves to be a popular choice amongst a range of domestic and commercial properties. When it comes to gutter maintenance they’re pretty low maintenance and don’t require much care and attention. However being lightweight means that they don’t hold up well in climates that see a lot of rain, snow or strong winds.
Aluminium Guttering
Practical, lightweight and available in a range of different colours and styles aluminium guttering is a great option for industrial and commercial properties. Combining the benefits of vinyl and steel, aluminium has an average lifespan of 20 years. Aluminium guttering can also provide great visual appeal.
Stainless Steel Guttering
Low maintenance and eco-friendly stainless steel is a strong and durable option when it comes to guttering. It’s longevity and ability to withstand drastic changes in weather conditions.
Plastic Guttering
Durable, long lasting and nearly maintenance free, plastic guttering is a reliable but low cost option. Plastic guttering is a great choice for properties that are located in an area of high rainfall, as the material is great at handling high volumes of water.
Cast Iron Guttering
Cast iron guttering is perfect for those looking for a more long lasting gutter. If installed correctly cast iron guttering can last for up to 100 years! Although more on the expensive side, cast iron guttering is a low maintenance and long-life option, and is also 100% recyclable.
Our Guttering Services
Gutter maintenance needs to be carried out all year round, not just during the colder and wetter months.
Roofclad Systems are highly experienced when it comes to commercial and industrial gutter maintenance. Our industrial and commercial gutter maintenance services can help to prolong your gutter lifespan, ensuring your property stays safe and secure.
If you’re unsure which type of gutter is best for your property our team is always on hand to advise. If you’re interested in any of our gutter services don’t hesitate to contact us and give the team a call on 0191 410 7535.