Gutters don't have to be boring. Many homeowners think of gutters as something bland that they need to have. They're often forgotten; they are subtle and unnoticed. Many people look past gutters entirely. But that doesn't have to be true! Gutters often take up more of the landscape of the home than the trim on the property. When properly designed, gutters can make a difference — not only to the look of the roof but the look and feel of the home.
Let's take a look at some modern options before your next gutter installation.
Did You Know Gutters Come in Different Styles?
Because many people don't think about gutters, they don't realize that there are actually many styles of gutters.
Most homes have a traditional, white box gutter. These are designed to be barely noticed. But think about it: your gutter surrounds your entire property. It can be noticeable if it wants to be — and when well-designed, that's a great advantage.
Gutters need to be functional to protect your property. And many gutter styles aren't just attractive, but also better designed. They are less likely to warp or get damaged during weather like hail. They are less likely to get blocked and flow back.
What Types of Gutters Are There?
What materials do gutters come in? There are three major types.
Today, quite a few gutters are vinyl. Vinyl is affordable and light. It can come in any color. And because the vinyl itself is the color, it isn't coated or painted, it doesn't require a lot of maintenance to remain looking like new.
Many gutters are made of aluminum. It's easy to see why: It's lightweight, affordable, and easy to maintain. Aluminum can come in any color at all, not just white, so homeowners can match their gutters to their paint color and their trim. They can even make their gutters a form of trim. Having colored gutters doesn't make them any less durable or more difficult to maintain.
Another very popular type of gutter is copper. Copper gutters are more expensive but they're very attractive. They're an investment; they last a very long time. Copper gutters can last decades upon decades if they are well-maintained. They're easy to keep clean and they are far less likely to get damaged.
How Can You Customize Your Gutters?
You're not done once you choose the style and color of your gutters.
There are other ways that you can customize your gutters. Metal gutter guards, for instance, and screens, can ensure the longevity of your gutters and reduce maintenance.
Guards and screens prevent debris from getting caught in your gutters and backing them up. You'll need to spend less time trying to clear your gutters if you install these. And your gutters will be less likely to cause backups or pooling on your roof, thereby reducing the risk for water damage.
Why Go Beyond Traditional?
With all this knowledge in place, you may be wondering why you shouldn't just get regular white box gutters.
Many homes do fine with ordinary white box gutters. They are functional and affordable. But different gutters can give your home personality and charm, as well as differentiate it. If you're intending to sell your home later, copper gutters can improve the value of your property. If you're trying to make sure your home keeps its value and you're trying to reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do, copper gutters can do that. And if you're just trying to give your home a pop of color or update it for a more modern look, regular aluminum gutters in an entirely different color could work.
Not sure what gutters are best for your property? You should consider all your options during your gutter installation. Many people aren't even familiar with different types of gutter. So, the best way to find out the right gutter for you is to take a look and discover the possibilities!
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