Seamless Gutters Add Style to A Home!

Gutters are considered a minor component of a roof in terms of size, yet actually contribute a great deal to the longevity and overall look of a building. They are mainly intended for gently channeling water run off from the roof to the ground but can be an aesthetic element in the design of the home as well.

Little has changed in gutter design over the years; however, there has been improvement in the type of material used as well as in installation methods. One type that is often preferred by professionals because of its flawless design and durability are seamless gutters or eaves troughs.

Function

Although small in stature, gutters have a very large role to play, especially during rainy weather. Rain moving down a sloped roof contains great velocity, which can eventually damage even concrete pavement. Splattering from its impact can also soak into adjacent walls, causing damage to paint and possibly causing any wood to rot. Gutters are specifically designed to collect water from the edge of the roof and direct it through a proper drainage system.

Aside from its water protection role they play, gutters can also add a major design statement to a house. With the right color and curves, continuity can be added to the roof design and look much better than a plain drip edge.

Seamless vs. Sectioned

Aside from the type of material, eaves troughs are categorized by professionals based on construction, which is mainly sectioned and seamless.

• Sectioned - These are ideal for a D-I-Y effort, as they are pre-formed and pre-cut to a uniform length and can be purchased from most construction stores. With just a few cuts and some sealant, an average person should be able to set this system up without much help.


• Seamless - This type is constructed from one long strip of metal that has been custom formed and cut for a specific roof so the number of joints are minimized and generally require professional installation. While both types work equally well during rain, seamless gutters have a considerable advantage in terms of longevity as well as better aesthetic features.

Aesthetic Advantage

The biggest advantage of seamless eaves troughs is the freedom to be customized into any kind of shape and design rather than being limited to available shelf designs. This is possible because of the fact that the raw metal strip is machined and shaped right at the site so it has the flexibility to be just about any design to compliment the roof or other parts of the house. With completely customized gutters, blending the color to surrounding elements is much easier since a matching or contrasting color can be chosen rather than the selection at the pre-painted gutter sections of a home improvement store.

Practical Advantages

In terms of longevity, seamless troughs have a longer service life than sectioned counterparts due to the fact that there are a reduced number of seams and are therefore less prone to leaks. There is also the option of choosing much thicker material than what is conventionally used in prefabricated types which gives them an overall advantage.

In summary, seamless gutters are an ideal option for a long-lasting, custom and quality finish is desired. This choice offers more flexibility since the option to choose a specific design and the quality of the material used is available. Hopefully this article has highlighted the advantages of seamless gutters and how they can add unique style to any home!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7035513

Choose Correctly When Purchasing a New Roof!

While certain roofs such as slate have a service life that will likely surpass those who occupy the building covered, most other types of roofs will not last nearly that long. This means that after living in the same house for a few decades, any occupants would eventually have to replace this structure.

A roof that is quite popular in a neighborhood might be the choice; others may be selected based on budgetary concerns and others decisions may be based on the recommendations of a building designer. So the question to be asked about what is the best criteria to use when deciding upon the design and materials that to use in the construction of a new roof.

Factors to Consider

When it comes to choosing a particular type of roof, there are certain factors that should be prioritized and considered before making a final decision.

• Climate - Prevailing climate and weather conditions should be a primary consideration when deciding what type of structure to build. For example, using clay tile in a hail-prone area is not a wise idea. Similarly, using ordinary asphalt shingles in places with many tornadoes could result in costly repairs. These are just some examples of how climate and weather should be studied.


• Cost - Budget is another determining factor in making a roofing system choice. There are more options than ever before when it comes to the type of material to use for such a project, some more affordable than others. It is important to realize that not all low-cost material is low quality and not all expensive ones are the best to use; therefore, a balance must be established between material quality and material cost.


• Fire Resistant - It helps to be prepared for even the worst circumstances such as fire. Various types have different fire resistance values so it is important to select materials that are fire resistant or at least not fire prone. Some substances that have a high fire resistance value are concrete, slate, tile and metal.


• Longevity - Slate and metal last much longer than other possible selections which generally means the structure will need fewer repairs and be less costly to maintain. Although the initial cost may be high, such expenses can be recovered because of the long service life offered by slate and metal. As an opposite example, asphalt shingles may have a very low initial cost, but will require more maintenance and eventual replacement after a few decades.


• Maintenance - While every roofing system requires some sort of maintenance, there is a huge difference on just how much and how often it is needed. Metal requires regular painting to protect it from corrosion; ordinary shingles need to be checked after every storm for any damage. Asphalt shingles are also prone to the growth of microbes and require frequent cleaning. Because maintenance is a crucial part of a roof's longevity, it is imperative that a decision be based on how much effort will be taken or money spent for this ongoing upkeep.


• Aesthetics - The last element that should be considered is aesthetics. If there is a certain style or material that is preferred and meets the other criteria, there is no reason why it should not be used. It is important to keep in mind that aesthetics should be the last criteria to consider as providing protection from outside elements is the most important aspect in any selection process.

Having to pay for a roof is something that will be encountered by many homeowners; when that time comes, it is important to make a wise decision. Lack of attention to the details of climate and weather conditions can lead to costly repairs in the future. Required maintenance is also important when making such a purchase. Hopefully this article has been helpful in providing important criteria on how to properly choose a roof!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7035557

How Owens Corning Roofing Essentials Work Together

Shingles are just one part of a healthy, long lasting roof. Owens Corning™ Roofing Essentials are everything your roof needs to perform the way it was designed. Learn about the various products that work together for the longest-lasting roof.

The Beautiful Benefits of Owens Corning Berkshire Shingles

When you want the elegant look of slate, you want Owens Corning ™ Berkshire® Shingles. These high-end asphalt shingles look impressive without the expense and weight of real slate and come in a range of colors. Owens Corning ™ Berkshire® Shingles offer the beauty of slate and the durability of a trusted brand like Owens Corning™.

Owens Corning™ Roofing - SureNail® Technology

The SureNail® Differance - A technological breakthrough in roofing. All TruDefinition® Duration® Series Shingles come with the added benefits of patented SureNail® Technology.

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The texture and thickness of Owens Corning™ Woodmoor® & Woodcrest® Collection Shingles are reminiscent of real wood shake. Give your home a natural rustic appearance when you install one of these eight eye-catching colors.

Defend Your Roof From Moisture with Owens Corning Deck Defense

Owens Corning™ Deck Defense underlayment offers the ultimate in roof deck protection. It has a tough, water-resistant construction and an innovative surface that repels water. Doesn't it make you feel secure to know that your home is protected from moisture during and after installation?