Selecting the right gutters and downspouts for your house
Installing Eavestroughs on your home has long been one of the most important things to have in place specially when your house has a lower level or basement.
When it rains, your roof collects water that flows down the sides and drips along the edges of your home. Over time, this water can seep through concrete slabs and into your basement, potentially causing significant damage. That’s why having a proper gutter system is essential to maintaining the integrity of your foundation. With so many options, styles, and profiles available today, shopping for a seamless eavestrough system can feel overwhelming. Once you find the right contractor, the next step is selecting the best product and profile for your home.
What Are Seamless Eavestroughs?
Seamless eavestroughs are aluminum gutters that are fabricated without seams, as the name suggests. The material used is an aluminum coil, typically 800 to 1,000 feet in length, and is available in various colors, thicknesses, and widths. The process of creating seamless gutters involves feeding the coil through a machine that molds the gutters to fit your home’s specifications.
In the past, gutters were sold in 10-foot, 3-inch wide sections made from materials like galvanized steel or plastic. These sections would be joined together and cut to fit the roof. Today, aluminum is the preferred material for its durability and longevity.
When replacing your gutters, it’s important to note that while seamless gutters offer a cleaner look, they vary in durability and functionality. For example, a .23 mm thick gutter coil is thinner and more prone to sagging or damage, making it less ideal for roofs with multiple valleys or metal roofs. In contrast, a .27 mm gauge thickness is thicker, more durable, and better suited for long-lasting performance.
What Type of Aluminum Gutter Profile Should I Choose?
The two most popular seamless gutter profiles are Fascia Gutters and K Style Gutters.
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Fascia Gutters are made from a wide, thin coil and stand vertically, offering a sleek and aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, due to the wider coil and thinner material, fascia gutters are less durable and more prone to damage. They cannot handle as much weight or ice as K Style gutters.
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K Style Gutters are made from a narrower, thicker coil, making them more durable and long-lasting. They are better able to withstand heavy rain, ice buildup, and other harsh conditions, making them a more reliable choice for many homes.
Each profile has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on the specific needs of your home and the climate in your area.
Which gutter drains water better during heavy rainfalls in kelowna?
Seamless Fascia eavestroughs are typically installed with 2″ drains due to their base size of 2.25″. In contrast, K Style gutters use a 2.5″ drain because their base is wider (3″). This difference results in approximately 20% better water drainage with K Style gutters. The wider and faster drainage system reduces the chances of ice buildup in winter, which can cause gutters to detach, especially in areas like West Kelowna and Lake Country. Additionally, the larger drain in K Style gutters makes them less likely to clog, making them a preferred choice for homes, particularly vacation or rental properties, where you want to avoid gutter damage.
What About Half-Round Seamless Eavestroughs in Kelowna?
While seamless eavestroughs are available year-round in Vernon and Kelowna with a two-day notice, half-round gutter installations are offered only during specific months due to the complexity of the materials and welding requirements (e.g., aluminum, copper, or steel). Half-round gutters are popular for Tuscany-style homes, but K Style and Fascia gutters can also be offered in copper for a more luxurious look.
Is There a Maintenance-Free Solution?
Yes! Alu-rex leaf guards are the best gutter guards available, preventing debris from entering your gutters. This solution eliminates the hassle of constantly cleaning your gutters, ensuring a more maintenance-free experience. Learn more about how gutter guards work [here].
