The purpose of a guttering system is to collect water (rain) from the roofing area and disperse the water away from your home. Properly configured downspouts (leaders, drain pipes) are very essential.

Gutters aren’t glamorous and they do not contain the water like your plumbing does. Unless there are long overhangs on your roof and your property is steeply graded, they’re essential for routing roof runoff away from your home. Installed properly, gutters keep basements and crawl spaces dry, preserve topsoil, protect siding from backsplash staining, reduce rot and shield windows and doors from water infiltration and damage.

Gutters – can be made out of aluminum, stainless steel and copper. Steel and aluminum gutters are the types most homeowners choose. Aluminum gutters, however, never rust. Ninety percent of what we install is aluminum. Copper is another material usually reserved for classic restorations. It’s handsome, never rusts and never needs painting. However, it can be costly.

Gutters come in several sizes and shapes called “profiles”. These can include half round (U-shaped), as well K-style configurations, in which the front is shaped like the letter K (also resembles crown molding).

We offer both the half round and the K-style profiles. Our gutter channels are available in 5 inch or 6 inch diameters for K-style systems.

The 5 inch style is best for flat or shingle-style roofs with no overhang. The 6 inch style, which is the most common, will accommodate steep pitch roofs or slate & tile. The half round-style is designed for low water flow areas and are esthetically pleasing (most often used in a contrasting color for decorative purposes). However, they do not carry as much water per capita as the K-style gutters do.

Metal gutters come in different gauges. Optimally .032 is best for snow and ice areas. But there are several other gauges to select from, starting at .027, .025 and .019 in thickness. In Arizona, the standard gutter gauge is .027.

The gutter colors are a baked on enamel finish applied at the factory level. Our seamless gutters are the most popular gutter system used. There is a reduced chance of leaking because there are no seams (depending on the distance of the run). They most often are joined only at inside and outside corners and at downspout outlets. That’s why they’re the most popular configuration.

Downspouts – are the vertical sections that send runoff down to the ground. They are made out of aluminum, stainless steel and copper. Your representative can assist with the proper sized downspout for your project. Downspout choices include 2X3-inch or 3X4-inch rectangular shapes, as well as 3-inch round pipes (these are decorative and must be used for half-round gutters).

Most importantly, guttering systems require regular maintenance to insure protection for your home. Make sure your gutters are free from debris, leaves, and granules from shingles and bird nests. It is recommended you check them at least 2-3 times a year.

The extreme exposure to nature (both heat & cold) can also cause sealant failures (cracking). Extreme heat can cause buckling issues. In areas were snow & ice are present, fasteners can become loose (due to the weight) and should be addressed immediately to prevent costly repairs.

Thanks for your interest and we look forward to helping you with your Rain Gutter project in the near future!