Not Just a Gutter, a Complete Gutter System

Gutters are more than just the visible troughs and downspouts. There are additional parts that are necessary for a gutter system from M&C Roofing to do its job.

Straight Gutter Pieces

The majority of your Atlanta gutters will be straight gutter pieces cut to various lengths. The most common gutter material of construction is aluminum. Other, less common gutter materials are vinyl (not as strong or durable) and copper (excellent durability and beauty, but expensive).

There are two main shapes for your gutter system and three popular sizes. You can have gutters that are half round or K-style. The half round gutters look like half of a cylinder. The K-style has the side next to the house go straight down and the bottom is straight across. The style does not really matter when it comes to how affective the gutters are, but there is an aesthetic difference.

Gutters can come in four, five, or six inch widths. Choose a color or texture that matches or siding or façade of your house. Also keep in mind the color of your roof shingles.

Downspouts and Elbows

The downspouts are the pieces that channel water from the gutters at the roof line to the ground. They are an essential piece because they carry water away from your home’s foundation. When choosing the size and number of downspouts you need to think about how much rainwater you need to accommodate. It doesn’t matter how big the gutters are, your downspouts are the limiting factor when it comes to water capacity.

The shape of downspouts is generally rectangular. Popular sizes are two by three inches, three by four inches, or four by five inches.

Sometimes downspouts need to change direction or be diverted around an obstruction. If that is the case, an elbow will be installed. There are also elbows with a longer exit length that are used at the bottom of a downspout to divert water farther away from the house and foundation.

Mitres & End Caps

Every house has corners and turns that we will need to be accommodated when hanging the gutter system. A corner of the gutter that turns is called a mitre.

The end of the gutter is closed by an end cap. It is essential that the end cap be securely fastened and sealed to prevent leakage.

Gutter Hanging Options

The spike and ferrule system attaches the straight gutter pieces to the eaves of the roof. The ferrule helps to maintain the width of the gutter pieces and the spike is inserted into the roof through the ferrule to hold it in place.

The hidden hanger and screw method is more common in modern construction because it makes gutter cleaning easier. With this system the gutters are held up by a hanger that is attached to the house with a screw. Straps are used to attach the vertical downspout pieces to the side of the house.

Gutter Protection Systems

Cleaning a clogged gutter is a dirty job, but it is one that is essential to prevent blockage and backup and to keep water flowing freely. Leaves, pine needles, twigs and debris can quickly accumulate and cause problems. An excellent alternative to “mucking out” gutters is to install a gutter protection system. These can be as simple as a mesh screen or as complex as a specially shaped covering that allows water to enter the gutter but keeps debris out.

Get a Free Gutters Quote

Call the Georgia gutters contractor you can trust – M&C Roofing – for a FREE no obligation gutter estimate today: (770) 225-8401.

M&C Roofing, Inc.

835 L and P Parkway

Monroe, GA 30655

(770) 225-8401