Which Gutter System is Best for Your Home?

A home’s gutter system is undeniably one of the most important structures when it comes to keeping your home safe from water damage. Gutters direct water away from your home’s foundation, mitigating the risk of a flooded basement. They also prevent erosion to your home’s siding and landscaping. While it is common knowledge that gutters are an essential component of any home’s exterior, how do you know which gutter system is right for you? To find out, take a look at the different types of gutter systems and which ones are appropriate for your type of house.

Go with a Trusted Roofing Partner

Most homes need some sort of gutter system to direct water away from the foundation, but if your roof has a steep angle with over a foot of overhang, the water will likely be directed away from the foundation on its own. In this case, installing gutters might not be necessary. However, the best roofers in Des Moines recommend getting a free roof inspection from a local roofing professional to get the best idea of what gutters will work best for your home. 

Shamrock Roofing and Construction has some of the best roofers in Des Moines. If you need professional service, high-quality workmanship, and friendly roofers with years of experience serving the community’s roofing needs, you can’t go wrong with Shamrock.

When Do You Need a Gutter System?

Most homes need a gutter system of some kind. A roof that only extends a few inches outside the foundation or has no extension at all falls into the category of one that needs a gutter system. Without guttering, roofs with an edge that’s even with the foundation lend themselves to having water cascade down the sides of the house, eventually draining into the foundation. This will lead to foundation problems in the future. It can also damage landscaping and flower beds.

Different Types of Gutters

When looking for gutter installation in Des Moines, it is vital to know the different types of gutters available.

Half-Round Gutters

These gutters are most commonly found in homes built before 1960. One of the main disadvantages of these gutters is that their rounded shape makes them susceptible to debris and leaf clogging. Also, the curved shape keeps them from sitting flush against the fascia. The clogging issue can be addressed by adding gutter guards to keep leaf debris out.

K-Style Gutters

Unlike half-round gutters that need to be installed using brackets, the common K-style gutter, which has been the standard gutter for the last 50 years, can be nailed directly to the fascia board, allowing for easy installation. Because of its flat bottom and straight, angled sides, K-style gutters can hold more water than a half-round gutter, making them a favorite in rainy climates. K-style gutters also offer a decorative element similar to crown molding.

Custom-Built Fascia Gutters

A custom-built fascia gutter gives the home a streamlined contemporary look. Unlike the previous two types of gutter systems, custom-built fascia gutters aren’t sold in separate sections that fit together. Instead, they’re custom-built to the length of the house, providing a cleaning look and reducing the potential for leaks. While they offer a nice aesthetic, they are more expensive and require professional installation by experienced roofers in Des Moines.

Call Shamrock Roofing and Construction for Your Gutter and Roofing Needs

If you’re looking for professional gutter installation in Des Moines, give Shamrock Roofing and Construction a call. We specialize in all aspects of roofing, including gutter installation. We’ll help you choose the gutter system that’s the best solution for your home. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.