An efficient gutter system requires certain parts and specifications to protect your home to its greatest possible extent. There are several important factors optional for your home.
Healthy fascia
Fascia is the frame of your roof’s exterior that gives shape to your roof’s trusses. Fascia can be used for home upgrades and attachment points for gutters, downspouts and soffits. The fascia is not only for exterior framing, but it protects your home from wood rot that affects your structural integrity. Rotten or deteriorated fascia is hazardous and probably the root cause of your old clogged and overflowing gutters. All American Gutter Protection experts can identify any fascia that needs replacing and handle the replacement when your new gutters (or gutter guards) are installed.
Soffits
Soffits are the underneath material of your roof’s overhang attached to the fascia board and serve ventilation purposes. The ventilation ensures your fascia stays healthy and moisture doesn’t build up causing it to rot.
Seamless gutters
Your gutters are the base of your system and catch the water off your roof. Although some exceptions exist, all homes have and need gutters to protect them from water damage. Seamless gutters are custom fit to your home, making them less adherent to leaks and clogs. Seamless gutters are more costly but offer better protection and last much longer than regular gutters.
Fastening: hangers and brackets
Many installers install brackets on your fascia board for gutters to be hung or screwed onto exterior brackets. Hidden hangers are often used for seamless gutters because of their support ability, sleek look and ability to handle heavy weather conditions. If installed incorrectly, your gutters could leak or sag. Quality premium hangers deter the possibility of your gutters being ripped off due to hurricanes, storms, high winds, or hail. Various types of gutters require different hanging methods and may differ depending on your home’s exterior design.
Downspout parts
Downspout parts include an outlet, elbow, strap band and splash black (or rain collector). A gutter drop outlet is what connects your gutters to the downspout. Gutters drain rainwater horizontally and downspouts drain rainwater vertically. The outlet connects the two to drain and divert water away from your home. A downspout elbow is a piece that can be placed at the top of your downspout to form around your home’s structure. They can also be placed at the bottom of the downspout to set an angle for deterring the water from your home. Elbows come in various shapes, sizes, lengths and designs. A strap band or clip is used to secure the downspout pipes in place and is typically secured to your home. Splash blocks are used to direct water from your home and eliminate water idling at your home’s foundation. They are an important factor in preventing any foundation issues caused by water damage. There are other ways to deter water from your foundation such as rain collectors, downspout extensions, etc., depending on your needs and budget.
Ends caps and mites
End caps are placed on the ends of where your gutters stop. These end caps close off the end of your gutter, keeping the water inside and preventing leaks. Mites are used to reinforce the connection and seam of two gutters at the corners of your home.
Sealant
Strong sealant is a tri-polymer formula used to caulk, hold and reinforce the connection of gutter parts. The sealant seals gutter (or gutter guard) parts (outlets, endcaps and miters) and removes the possibility of a leak. If your gutters are leaking, you may need to have them resealed or checked for holes. Using a quality grade sealant ensures it can withstand the weather and deterioration with time.
Gutter guards
Your gutters are designed to divert rainwater away from your home, but they can’t do that when they become clogged with leaves and debris. Rather than flowing to a downspout, the water will run over the sides of your gutters and cause damage to your landscaping, sidewalks, fascia and foundation of your home. Leaf guards consist of screens placed over your gutters to keep debris and leaves out to allow water to flow freely. Without one, your gutters need to be inspected and cleaned out a couple of times a year. This task can be time-consuming and even dangerous if you try to do it yourself.
The team at All American has transformed the micro mesh gutter guard industry. We install the best performing type of gutter guard — the micro mesh gutter guard — in order to give homeowners the peace of mind that comes with clog-free gutters. Our gutter guards consist of an aluminum body with a stainless steel screen. We don’t use cheap plastic or vinyl that will warp and bend. We are proud to offer a quality product at a quality price that will last for the life of your home.
Splash guards
Splash guards are designed to prevent water from draining or overshooting the gutters, often placed below gutter valleys. They’re an attribute in maintaining spills onto the sides of your home. In addition to splash guards, your home may need other accessories or parts to prevent overflowing depending on the culprit.
Conclusions
An effective gutter system consists of many working parts and facets. Your home’s gutter system may differ from the next, but the All American team is here to help. If any aspect of your gutter system needs attention, contact us for a consultation or estimate.
