The landscape also benefits from the installation of gutters and downspouts as good drainage will prevent water from puddling which can hurt plants, flowers and the soil.

If you’re in the market for new downspouts and gutters, make a choice that will coordinate nicely with your property. Consider the property’s architectural design. You want to choose guttering and downspouts that can be nicely incorporated into the design as well as enhance its appearance.

Some guttering and downspouts are rounded while others are square shaped. You can purchase gutters and the necessary piping in a variety of materials as well. For more expensive homes, copper gutters and downspouts are a nice accompaniment. Many aluminum gutters and downspouts are seamless which is advantageous as far as avoiding leaks.

Let’s look at the various kinds of gutters & downspouts available today.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters often come in white but can also be sold in bronze, copper, green, black, gray, charcoal and brown. One of the advantages associated with vinyl gutters is the fact they don’t rust. They also don’t cost you an arm and a leg. However, if you live in an area where there are extreme weather conditions, they may not be your best bet as far as durability and strength are concerned. Don’t give them a lot of consideration if your area has winters that are filled with gale force winds, ice and voluminous amounts of snow. Vinyl will not be able to withstand these types of extremes for very long. Plus, vinyl really isn’t considered a “green” material in today’s economy as they are often associated with a host of environmental concerns. The product used to produce vinyl or poly vinyl chloride (PVC) manufactures dioxins when it’s made that have been proven to be carcinogenic and equally dangerous environmentally.

Aluminum Gutters and Downspouts

Aluminum gutters are probably the most liked by most consumers. Not only is aluminum lightweight, it comes with a reasonable price tag. Normally, it ranges about $7 per square foot on average to install. It must be treated with protective coatings in order to withstand the abuse associated with the elements. Normally, your guttering made of this material will last around 25 years. You have to be careful with aluminum as it can be damaged easily by limbs or ladders. Although it doesn’t have the same durability of copper or steel, it is still a quality product if it is carefully inspected and maintained.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Gutters made of steel are resistant to damage caused by branches or the like but can still rust despite being treated with corrosion protection. Depending on the humidity and the type of weather, this type of gutter can last, on average, anywhere from eight to 20 years. Normally, this type of guttering comes in a variety of colors and should be inspected regularly for punctures and corrosion.

Galvalume Gutters

Made of part aluminum with zinc and a steel coating, galvalume has the durability of galvanized steel and the rust resistance of aluminum. The guttering has a gray metallic appearance and gradually fades over time to gunmetal gray. If you choose not to paint it in any colors, galvalume is a very good eco friendly choice. Also, it has longevity, frequently lasting longer than aluminum.

Stainless Steel Rain Gutters and Downspouts

If you want guttering that is strong and enduring, stainless steel is definitely the choice to make. It’s rustproof and typically lasts over fifty years. Although it costs about $20 per foot for installing gutters and downspouts made of stainless steel, the dependability and reliability of the product outweigh its higher cost. Its ability to withstand the elements as well as its absence of paints and coatings makes stainless steel a “green” choice as too.

Copper Gutters and Downspouts

These types of gutters and related piping are the premium product to choose when it comes to any type of gutter installation. Not only are they appealing to the eye, they also are dependably strong and long-lasting. A copper gutter installation can last as long as ninety years. This product is well suited to coastal areas or industrial environments. Copper guttering rarely, if ever, has a problem with any types of leaks, due in large part to the soldering used in its construction. Although copper guttering and downspouts can cost around $20 per foot to install, copper’s recyclability and long life, as well as its lack of need for any maintenance, make it a superior product to install. In addition, copper isn’t treated or painted and retains most of its value thereby making it one of the most eco friendly products around.

Wood Gutters

Several decades ago gutters were incorporated into the eaves of houses and were called integrated or wood gutters. Wood normally has to be treated and waterproofed and there usually is quite a bit of upkeep involved to avoid leaks as well as rotting. Wood guttering is often not installed outside any remodeling or restoration projects. Many gutters of this type are lined with copper. The gutters are not cheap by any means and can run as much as $24 per foot. These gutters need continual maintenance to prevent surrounding structural damage to the fascia, roof and walls.

The type of materials you use for your gutters & downspouts should be founded on the architectural design of the building where you want to make the installation, the allotment of your budget as well as the environmental friendliness of the product. Give the foregoing information your consideration so you can best meet your goals for a gutter and downspout assembly that will meet your overall satisfaction with regards to looks and economy.

The Case for Gutter Protection

Other statistics reveal that the most prevalent injury received while on a ladder was a fracture. In addition, over 30% of the people hurt while using a ladder sustained injuries to the legs and feet and a little over 8% of the victims needed hospitalization. Ladder injuries are happening more and more too as the percentage of these types of injuries rose a whopping 50% from 1990 to 2005. All these facts can only lead to one conclusion – ladders aren’t safe. Why take unnecessary risks when you can install gutter covers to reduce your maintenance and likewise add to your safety?

Reducing Liability

Naturally, if you elect not to clean your guttering, you can hire someone for the task. Nonetheless, using gutters covers still offer the homeowner the advantage of reducing his expense with regards to liability and maintenance. If you hire someone to clean your gutters you still are faced with the fact they could also get hurt and you’ll also be saddled with the ongoing cost of keeping the gutters clean.

Finding a Solution

So what do you do in order to rid yourself of the added expense of hiring someone and reducing your risk of injury? If you want to give yourself an edge, the decision to install a rain gutter cover is the best bet regarding reducing your costs and increasing your safety. Let’s look at some added benefits of installing gutters covers to your present guttering.

Benefits of Gutter Covers

Maybe the number one reason you want to install a rain gutter cover assembly is that your guttering will become, for the most part, maintenance-free. No more foliage, twigs and mud to choke your gutters. Plus a solid gutter cover provides the protection to keep your walls and foundation safe from the elements and ensuing damage caused by wind and rain. Even the best gutter cover that money can buy is usually quite affordable. Considering the advantages, you can’t afford not to carefully think about a cover for your guttering.

Drainage Problems

Despite these benefits, some people believe they can get by with just using gutters to protect the walls and foundation of their home from the water damage that can occur if no types of gutters are in place. However, you’re still faced with a drainage issue. If you want to maintain the structural integrity of your house as well as have the proper drainage that clear, unclogged downspouts and gutters provide, then you owe it to yourself to invest in covers for your gutters. With good drainage, you will prevent any damage that can occur to the framework of your house as well as keep your yard in tip-top manicured shape.

For proper drainage, gutters must be in optimum condition. By using gutter coverings this can be readily accomplished. Just think how a choked gutter and downspout can affect your housing. With a good amount of debris, the water has nowhere to go but spatter out on the sides causing exterior damage. It pretty much negates the reason for having a gutter in the first place if you can’t prevent any deterioration from occurring. Not only that, when gutters need ongoing maintenance and become clogged, water can puddle around flowers and plants causing an over-watering situation.

Also if the gutters are obstructed, there is a greater risk that the gutter itself will begin to deteriorate which will just lead to more expense and troubles down the road.

An Aspirin-free Remedy

To save you from the headaches associated with maintaining gutters, gutter coverings provide a logical remedy. Covers of this kind are used to keep out the debris that accumulates and wreaks havoc on the homeowner over time. With high quality gutter covers, you will have functioning gutters that don’t need continual cleaning and will keep the assembly in place as well.

Employ a Professional

Once you find the right covering for your gutters, choose a professional to handle the installation. By doing so you’re assured that the covers will fit correctly and the gutters will work efficiently.

Gutter Protection

Before you’re forced to clean your gutters again, think about protecting them as well as yourself. Investigate the wide variety of products available in local stores and on the internet. If you install screens or filters, you are not really installing a product that is considered gutter protection. Most are made of plastic, metal or wire and still require that you maintain your gutter to a certain degree.

A gutter covering should provide protection from even small debris like pine needles to be the most effective. Many coverings are made of solid PVC with a design that enhances the look of the gutter. Water streams around the nose of the guard and through a slotted funnel. With an adaptable design, most guards can fit nicely with many types of pitched roofs. In addition, most guards can withstand the stormiest conditions.

(Speaking of roofs, if you’re looking to add some gutters to your patio, the types and availability will change according to what sort of patio roof you have. In this case, it’s recommended that you talk to a professional about what your options are.)

Some popular brands and types of gutter covers include LeafFilter, GutterStuff, Gutter Guard, and the Hallett gutter cover. You can also find gutter screens and gutter filters to keep leaves and debris out of your gutters.

Color Choices

Gutters covers come in a variety of colors. This can be a real boon if you choose to install the guttering along with the covers. Covers come in such shades as bronze, black, clay, green, red, brown, charcoal, copper, gray and conventional white.

Keep the above information in mind as you shop online and you’ll be able to find the perfect product for your guttering.

Rain Chains: A Definition

Rain chains are a progression of cups made of metal that are tied together with an outlet in each cup for the passage of water. Originating in Japan centuries ago, rain chains are the Asian version of a downspout. Because most rain chains are made of copper, they develop a patina over time that gives them an old-fashioned or antique finish.

Song for a Rainy Day

Any ordinary rainy day will become more melodious if you have a copper rain chain in your midst. Imagine listening to the soothing sound of the rain as well as watch the droplets cascade along the links and through ornate stylish copper cups. In Japanese history, rain chains were used to harvest water for later use. Rain chains not only decorate your landscape they provide an essential purpose as well. Why settle for the mundane look of a vinyl or aluminum downspout when you can add a decorative accent that provides the same function?

Gardening Decor

Besides replacing downspouts with rain chains, you can also use them in your garden. Suspend a rain chain over a ceramic pot or rain barrel among your calla lilies or daffodils. Not only are they a good drain when it rains, they are also useful in harvesting water in your garden for use there.

Wherever you want to place them or their particular use, they’re a very nice item in and around your property. Using a Japanese rain chain can make any stormy day much more inviting.

Low Maintenance

The Japanese rain chain is an appealing item that is low maintenance as well. Besides removing a small amount of leaves, you won’t have to do too much in the way of care especially in the case of copper. Over time, the copper will develop a blue-green patina that will give it an antique look which will even add more to its already agreeable aspect.

Shopping for Rain Chains

You can buy rain chains, direct on the Internet. The cups of the chains come in a variety of styles and several materials. Besides the copper rain chain, you can choose from brass, iron or aluminum. A copper rain chain is a long-lasting item. Its weight is light and it’s durable. In addition it doesn’t corrode as some metals do or rust like aluminum or iron will. Most rain chains are about 8 feet, 6” in length. Cups come in a myriad of shapes and designs and include copper varieties as – slotted square cups, square cups, calla lily cups, flared cups, bells, scallop cups, and ribbed cups.

Positioning Rain Chains

Find a select corner of your house or position rain chains at each corner where a downspout would normally be situated. They will easily attach to the gutter. Water rushing through rain chains can be likened to the soft streaming waters of a fountain. It is very soothing to listen to this harmonious flow of water on a rainy day. No more hearing the fury of water coursing through a downspout. Not only can they serve to direct the water away from your house when it rains, rain chains can be used to direct the flow to other areas of your yard if you so choose.

Other Materials

Chains come in several materials besides the primary material of copper. Usually brass will darken over time while aluminum will maintain its silver color although it will acquire small pits of oxidation on its exterior. Copper will darken and acquire its blue-green patina.

Link vs. Cup Designs

You can use rain chains in cold as well as hot weather. There is a style especially created for your geographic area. If you’re wondering, rain chains can handle a large quantity of water running over their links and from their series of cups. Probably link designed chains are the best representation of original Japanese rain chains. On rainy days, water will spatter more as it goes through rain chains made of this style than when water is running through cup style rain chains. Therefore, because water has a tendency to splash more when the link style is used, probably a cup design is more appropriate if you want to place rain chains near windows, doors or walking paths. Link designs have simple lines and an open look. They are versatile as they work out well in pastoral settings as well as with a more modern motif. The Zen loop and double loop links look the closest to the Japanese version.

Cup styles act as channels and are more effective when it comes to the flow of water. Even during heavy rains, cup styles do not splash to any significant degree so they have versatility when it comes to placement. Cups are available in many styles and themes.

Simple Installation

To attach rain chains to your guttering, use an attachment piece inserting it into the hole where the downspout once was set and voila you rain chain is connected to the gutter. Depending on the length of rain chain you purchased, you may need to shorten it depending on your personal preference.

Potential Drawbacks

In some cases it’s a good idea to anchor rain chains down in severely windy conditions. Some retailers provide copper dishes that catch the water and provide loop attachments to affix the chain to the bowl. There may be a little problem with excess weight on the chain in icy conditions. Still, most people comment on the crystal beauty of the links on sunny, icy days.
 
Rain chains are a wonderful way to decorate the outside of your home. Take some time to shop the Internet. You’ll find a design that will make any rainy day suddenly become cheery and bright.

First, for those who have never had the responsibility of gutter cleaning, a downspout is the vertical pipe that transports the water from the gutter to the ground when it rains. It’s essential to clean out any mud, leaves or water out of the downspout as well as the gutter since the extra weight of the debris can cause serious damage to the roof and supporting walls.

Here are the steps to clean a downspout.
(1) Lean a ladder against the side of the house making sure you don’t position the ladder against the downspout or gutter. You don’t want to damage them.
(2) Remove the leaves and debris from the gutter with a gutter cleaning tool such as a leaf rake or trowel.
(3) For the encrusted dirt, use a hose to wet it down and remove the mud with a trowel.
(4) Make sure the downspout is clear by running a gentle stream from the garden hose through the piping. When using the hose to flush out debris also check to see if there are any punctures in the gutter as well as the downspout.
(5) To unclog the downspout, you can use a downspout unclogging tool. If you want to make a primitive one of your own, you can use an extended coat hanger for this purpose.

The above instructions are general guidelines. These guidelines also work if you’ve got a metal building in the backyard with some gutters as well. Just follow the same steps for that building as you would for your house. Let’s review the types of gutter cleaning tools and which gutter cleaning tool is best to use when cleaning out the muck from a gutter.

Basic Gutter Cleaning Equipment

There are several options when it comes to cleaning your gutter. You can use a shop vac, a gutter rake, a leaf blower or a gutter scooper.

A gutter rake is about 60 inches long and assists you in reaching the debris in a gutter while positioned on a ladder. It has two different ends to facilitate the job of cleaning. One end serves as a scraper while the other end is curved and aids you in collecting the dirt and leaves so you can remove it with your hands. This gutter cleaning tool works best on gutters that are only partially full. It can be used in gutters that are wet or dry.
A shop vac is another tool that works well when cleaning gutters. Typically, you should use one of these tools when the gutter is half full. If your roof isn’t too lofty and the gutter is dry, then a leaf blower can be helpful to cleaning out your gutter. This quick method of cleaning only takes about an hour if you’re cleaning the gutter of a smaller house.

The Gutter Scoop

When cleaning a gutter, a gutter scoop is sometimes a handy tool to use. You can design your own make-shift scoop by cutting up a milk jug although gutter scoops bought online are normally better suited for this purpose as they’re more durable and can accommodate more debris. You can use this type of gutter cleaning tool with either a shop vac or a gutter rake. If you don’t have a conventional rake at your disposal then you can use a hoe although the process may take more time.

Ladders

There are several types of ladders you can use for gutter and downspout cleaning. If your house is around two stories high, then a 28 foot ladder should suffice. Fiberglass ladders are usually a little more sturdy than aluminum ladders and can hold more weight. Where a fiberglass ladder can hold about 300 pounds an aluminum type of ladder can usually carry about 250 pounds.

Other Useful Gutter Cleaning Equipment

If you have a particularly steep roof a safety harness and safety line are necessary. Also heavy duty thick gloves and a flat bucket with a handle are essential tools. Gutter rakes can be purchased at most retailers online or offline for $20.00 or more. Such a tool is helpful in cleaning leaves and dirt from hard-to-reach places making the job a little safer. Use a flat bucket as it will provide more balance and is less likely to tip over. Make certain if you have a need for a safety harness and line that they are of the highest quality; otherwise you’ll defeat the purpose of using them as security against a fall. If you’re serious about working in any high place, an investment in roofing boots is imperative. That way, you can be assured you’ll have extra safety while treading over any roofing surface.

Don’t Forget the Equipment You’ll Need for Repairs

As you clean your gutter it can be a good idea to look for any necessary repairs. Since you’re already up there working, you may be able to do small repairs on the spot. Therefore, be sure to have the appropriate equipment to handle this. Tools for repair include nails and hammer, two screwdrivers (a flat head and Phillips) and patching sealer.

The Best Times to Clean your Gutters

Normally the best times to clean your gutters are late autumn when the leaves are almost off the trees and early spring. If you live in an area that has quite a bit of precipitation in the form of snow and rain or has a good number of tress, then of course you’ll have to clean them more often. Whether you choose a gutter cleaning service to do the job or you decide to do it yourself, it’s important that your gutters be cleaned routinely to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Gutter and downspout cleaning and maintenance can be done on a regular basis. All it takes is a little knowledge and the right type of tools. The above information can lead you to retailers on the Internet who can make the chore a little less strenuous.

In this article we’ll discuss the benefits of guttering, how to maintain it and the styles available if you’re looking to replace your existing gutters. By the end of this article you should have a better idea of the benefits of installing gutters and what maintenance is required to keep them in top condition.

A Variety of Styles and Colors

You can find gutters in several styles and colors. Traditional gutters generally are made of iron and are constructed by welding several joints together. They are normally replaced by seamless gutters that, as the name implies, come in one solid piece without any of the “seams” or the discontinuity that the traditional variety has. Seamless gutters are made of various materials such as copper (pictured), aluminum or galvanized steel. Vinyl gutters are usually relatively inexpensive and can be assembled quickly. People though, at times, find vinyl is not strong enough and will switch to aluminum gutters that are seamless.

Gutter & Downspout Combinations

Gutters can come in half round styles with circular downspouts and square styles with square downspouts. Most are offered in black, brown or white. They can be made of steel, wood, copper, aluminum, vinyl or from iron as many of the older gutters are.

Making the Right Choice

With regards to gutter material, you should consider the environmental conditions of where your property is located. If you have extreme winters, then you probably want gutters that can withstand the elements. Usually steel gutters work out best in this type of situation.

If you have a number of trees on your property, then installing leaf guards or gutter covers can helpful or you may want to consider a stronger material like aluminum over a less expensive and less durable material like vinyl.

Copper gutters can add to a value’s property by their pleasing appearance especially on certain higher priced homes.

Replacement

If you want to do it yourself, you can replace gutters without too much difficulty. First, you’ll need to take measurements of the gutters that need replacement. Next, make certain you have the requisite tools. These tools include a ladder, rivet gun and rivets, metal cutters, drill, hammer and sealant.

Keeping Everything Intact

Gutters are a protective barrier for the walls of your house. If they weren’t used, water flowing off the roof during a heavy rain could eventually cause the walls of your house to give way from the resulting water damage. Not only that, gutters and downspouts also protect a house’s basement or foundation. Therefore, they’re a useful structure on the house so they should be kept clean and free of debris. By making sure the roof gutter installation of your house is well-maintained and secure you can keep your house protected from water damage, surface damage and the beating it can take from extreme weather conditions. The picture shows a badly clogged gutter. Letting your gutters get like this can create serious problems.

Maintenance – A Semi-Annual Event

Normally, gutters should be checked and cleaned in the fall and spring. Their function is essential to the conservation and beauty of your home so developing a habit of checking and maintaining your gutters regularly can avert any future costly repairs.

Maintenance Checklist

When you do a routine check of your gutters, look for items that may need restoration. If you have gutters with seams, are they fitted tightly? Look for any cracks in the gutters. Are the gutters sound? Or are they bending? If you have metal gutters, do they exhibit any signs of rust? How do they look overall? Also, take a close look and see if you can find any punctures or holes. Make sure all nails, spikes and screws are secure.

Gutter Cleaning Tools

There are a number of gutter cleaning tools that can assist you in keeping your gutter and downspout clean. Depending on the size of your house and how much debris needs to be removed tools that are usually good for this type of task include a gutter rake, a shop vac or leaf blower. A gutter rake is about 5 feet long and can help you reach debris more easily. One end is used to scrape away material and the other end is made for collecting debris. The gutter rake is often used alone or in combination with a shop vac or leaf blower. A shop vac is ideal when your gutter is only partially full of sticks, mud or leaves and can be used on wet or dry contents. Using a leaf blower is helpful when your roof is a bit steep. It’s a good gutter cleaner to use when the roof is dry.

A Unique Gutter “Screen”

If you want to save on future repairs or reduce your maintenance, then using gutter guards or leaf guards can help with reducing your workload and expense. Another type of gutter guard is a foam material which is called GutterStuff. This material can be fitted into gutters to prevent the accumulation of debris and cut down on cleaning. Before using this product though you will need to make certain that all leaves and debris from the gutter are cleaned and thoroughly flushed out. Also gutters should be checked to make sure they are aligned properly and tilt toward the downspouts. In addition, the gutter post, spikes and attaching hardware should be fixed and sound.

After determining that the gutter is in good shape, insert Gutter Stuff into the gutter so it has a nice neat fit. Make certain there are no gaps. This is a good material to use as it isn’t absorbent so when it rains the water will go through it. Also, you don’t need to clean it as bigger pieces of debris blow off the foam and smaller pieces go through it and are washed through the downspout during a storm. The material will not blow away either as it fits snugly in the gutter under the individual spikes. It has a five year warranty so it may be an alternative solution to using a leaf or gutter guard.

Whatever method you select, maintaining your gutters is important to the aesthetic value of your house and in keeping your home sound structurally.