Gutters

If you live in an area where the rainfall is frequent enough that you tire quickly of the torrent of run-off from your roof, you might consider installing a good gutter system. Gutters not only eliminate the rooftop Niagara, but they also channel water away from your home and foundation, keeping your basement and crawlspace dry, and reducing moisture that can seep into your home.

The Basics
A gutter system consists of the gutter channel, which slopes to the downspout. Both are attached to the house with gutter mounting systems, and water is directed to a drain or collection system.

Gutter Channel
Gutters come in several profiles and sizes. The most common profile is either a K- or a U-shape. The K-shape is essentially an ogee profile, but more people know what a K looks like rather than an ogee. The channel can be four to six inches in diameter. Five inches is the most popular size and larger is better for moving water and they resist clogging. Gutters hang with a slope of a quarter inch every ten feet.

Downspouts
Composed of the same material as the gutter, the downspout connects to the underside of the channel and directs the water to the drain or collection system. Some downspouts empty directly onto the ground or a splash block. This can be a problem if the house does not have a proper grade around the foundation.

Mounting System
Gutters are attached to the house’s eaves in a number of ways. The two most common methods are hidden bracket hangers or a spike and ferrule system. Hanger brackets have become the preferred method because over time the spikes can pull out. If neither one can be used, gutter hangers will use straps. If straps are necessary, it is best to wait until the roof is re-shingled or replaced.

Drains
A below ground system of pipes that lead to a sewer system or a French drain are common types of drainage systems. They are necessary to direct water away from the foundation, and keep it from seeping into the basement, if the house has one.

Collection systems
Downspouts can be configured to empty into barrels, cisterns, or some other collection system, to allow the run-off to be used in other applications. By combining the collection vat with a tap, hose, or other draw off system, a homeowner may experience a significant lowering of watering costs associated with landscaping projects and maintenance. A good gutter system can provide hundreds of gallons of usable water from just half an inch of rain.

Choosing the Right Roofing Company

There are General Contractors and there are Roofing Contractors. Roofing contractors specialize in just roofing and other related roofing needs. General contractors will usually sub out their work to a roofing contractor and then will add there fees on top of a roofing contractor so generally the work will be more expensive for the homeowner. Roofing contractors do all there own work and will cover all your roofing needs from leak repairs, new roofs, re-roofs, and etc.

Also a general contractor probably isn’t certified in the product by the manufacturer, but a roofing contractor might be.

If your roof is in need of repairs or replacement, a roofing professional and roofing contractor will analyze your project and provide you with a detailed specification and completion cost. Let us help you with your roofing needs. You will not find a better roofing contractor than Connelly Roofing.