Gutters, Soffit, and Fascia Contractors in Kelowna
ArmourGrade roof gutters are a vital part of your home’s maintenance system and water damage prevention strategy. Their primary function is to channel water from your roof’s surface into the drainage system, directing it away from your foundation. While gutters may not seem like a significant concern initially, over time, especially in areas like the Okanagan, Salmon Arm, and Shuswap, heavy rain can cause substantial damage to your foundation and lead to rotting of your wood fascia overhang.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what you can expect when hiring a professional contractor to install new gutters and aluminum fascia protection for your home.
1. Drip Edge: The First Line of Defence
A professional roofer will typically leave a 1-inch overhang to protect your wood fascia from water exposure. However, we highly recommend installing a drip edge, which serves as the first layer of protection for your fascia board. This metal flashing helps guide water into the gutter, preventing it from running down the fascia and causing potential damage.
2. Aluminum Fascia Protection
Around 40 to 50 years ago, builders across Canada began shifting from traditional painted wood fascia boards to aluminum options. Aluminum offers greater durability and requires less maintenance than painted wood. While painted fascia boards look appealing, the need to continually remove and repaint them every 5 to 7 years has made them less desirable for homeowners, especially in the Okanagan and neighboring cities.
For this reason, fascia contractors often recommend installing aluminum fascia flashing. These aluminum pieces, typically 10 feet in length and available in various colors, are installed underneath, down, and around the fascia board, giving your home a sleek, clean appearance. Many homeowners choose to match the color of their aluminum fascia with their gutters for a cohesive look, while others enjoy creating contrast by mixing and matching colors based on the exterior design of their home.
3. Seamless Roof Gutters: Custom-Fit and Durable
Traditionally, roof gutters were sold in 10 to 12-foot sections and assembled to fit different home dimensions. However, modern technology has made it possible for contractors, especially on Vancouver Island, to use seamless gutter machines that custom-bend and shape aluminum gutters to perfectly fit your home’s specifications. This is why they are called seamless gutters.
The seamless gutter industry has evolved over time as well, with gutter sizes expanding from 4-inch to 5-inch models. Depending on the machine used by the installer, you’ll have access to various gutter profiles. It’s important to note that different gutter materials and designs offer varying drainage mechanisms and levels of durability. For instance, fascia gutters typically use a wider aluminum coil than standard 5-inch K-style gutters. This increased width may result in more material being bent, which can reduce the overall durability of the gutter system.
By understanding these key components of gutter installation, you can make an informed decision when choosing a professional contractor for your home’s gutter and fascia protection. Proper installation ensures that your home remains safe from water damage for years to come.Attach
