The Glamour of Gutters

Unless you built your home in the desert, chances are you need to think about your rain gutters. Ignore them for long, and you'll get a reminder of why water is considered the most powerful element on Earth.

"Rain gutters play a key role in protecting your home against rain damage," says Scott Seiler of ABC Seamless. "Yet many people don't think about them until a problem develops from neglecting them."

Here are five basic things every homeowner should know about gutters:

1. It's a Dirty Job - Gutters capture roof runoff and help direct it away from the foundations of your house. Water pooling around the foundations can cause soil erosion, rot the siding, create a breeding ground for mold and insects, and cause a host of other problems.

2. Keep it Clean - Yes, you must clean your gutters at least once a year. Twice - in spring and fall - is better. Most people know to remove obvious debris, like leaves, twigs and the occasional bird's nest.  You should also scrub the interior of the gutters with a stiff-bristled brush. You can use the same detergent you use on your car to wash the gutters' exterior.

3. Keep it Covered - The best way to keep your gutters cleaned is to employ one of the many systems available that shield them from debris. Screens allow water but not debris to pass through. Guards function in much the same way. Other devices, such as a type of brush that sits in the gutter channel, also work to keep gutters debris-free throughout the year.

4.  Don't Forget Downspouts - Maintain your downspouts to optimize your gutters' efficiency. If a downspout is clogged, damaged or missing, the system will fail in its ultimate goal of moving water away from your home. Make sure all downspouts are properly strapped to the house and use an extension to carry water farther from the foundations.

5. Not all Gutters are Created Equal - One inch of rainfall can dump up to 1,500 gallons of water onto the average-sized roof, according to www.savingwater.org. The channels on standard 4- or 5-inch wide aluminum gutters can't handle that volume. Consider upgrading your gutters with a seamless steel system. Stronger than standard gutters, they won't leak because there are no seams where water can seep through, and the channels are 6 inches wide, allowing them to carry 23 percent more water than traditional gutters.

Visit www.abcseamless.com to learn more about seamless gutters and how they can help protect your home.

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