If you are going to install or replace gutters on your own, you have to be careful. You may end up making a lot of costly mistakes. As a matter of fact, gutters that are not installed the right way may damage your office or house. The installation also involves safety risks. Given below are 5 common mistakes that you may want to avoid when installing or replacing gutters.
Type of Gutter
You can find a large variety of material, gauges, styles and sizes. Choosing the wrong size, material or style may cause a lot of trouble for you. As far as material selection is concerned, make sure you go for the most durable material. Also, you may want to discuss the shingle size, gutter width and other stuff with your hardware store or contractor. Standard homes go for K style gutters made of aluminum. For gauge, we suggest that you opt for 32 gauge.
Pitch calculation
Apparently, gutters may look even. But they are not even. As a matter of fact, they have a little bit of pitch in order to let the water flow downwards. Typically, it’s a good idea to set a decline of two inches for each 40 ft of length. This way the decline will be gradual and won’t be as noticeable. When mounting the gutters, make sure that they have the right pitch.
Mounting System
Different types of mounting or hanging systems are used for gutters. Make sure that the hangers are properly spaced and they should give enough support to the gutter. Without support, the system will sag. In the lower areas, water will accumulate. As a result, your gutter system will get damaged.
Locating the Gutter
Where should the gutter be located? Actually, your gutter should be a couple of inches below your roof edge. Actually, water drips off the roof edge from time to time. It also gets pulled back up and drip out underneath the edge of the roof. Moreover, drip edge is installed below shingles and makes the water flow down into the gutter.
Seams
Lastly, gutters should be soldered or welded together for attachment. However, make sure you use welds sparingly. As time goes by, the material in the seams is exposed to very high force, temperature or water. As a result, the connection you welded or soldered gets stained. This breaks the gutter, especially if you don’t check or touch them up on a regular basis. Actually, in a gutter system, seams are the weakest point. Therefore, you may want to treat them with care.
Continuous or seamless rain gutters is another option that you can consider. With this option, you can avoid the potential problems caused by the welded gutters.
Long story short, you see that installing gutters is not as easy as you may think. As a matter of fact, this is a tricky job. It’s not a good idea to go at it on your own. Instead, it’s better that you get in touch with a good contractor. The gutter installer will make everything get done properly.